SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Diploma: Medical and Surgical Nursing Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
10543  Diploma: Medical and Surgical Nursing Science 
ORIGINATOR
FRERE NURSING COLLEGE 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Diploma  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Promotive Health and Developmental Services 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Registered" 		 SAQA 1337/01  2003-07-01  2006-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2007-06-30   2011-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
1. To provide qualifiers with post-basic level knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in the fields of nursing science (critical care nursing and operating theatre nursing) that provide opportunities for continued personal and professional intellectual growth, gainful economic activity and rewarding contributions to society.

2. To provide South Africa with a significant number of clinical nurse specialists in order to ensure that safe, competent, compassionate and ethically based nursing care is available to recipients of health care in the various phases of life at any point along the health/sickness continuum. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Current registration as a general nurse with the SA Nursing Council (NQF 5). 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
N 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
The Diploma in Medical and Surgical Nursing Science is obtained by completing:
  • clinical learning opportunities at approved training hospitals /community services as laid down by the S A Nursing Council and,
  • the following subjects:
    - Nursing Dynamics
    - Internal Medicine and Surgery
    - Medical and Surgical Nursing Science 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Exit level outcomes:

    1. PROBLEM SOLVING IN HEALTH CARE

    The clinical nurse specialist will be competent to identify, assess, formulate and solve convergent and divergent nursing and health problems creatively and innovatively using a scientific approach.

    2. SPECIFIC OUTCOMES FOR FUNDAMENTAL KNOWLEDGE

    The clinical nurse specialist will be competent to:

    2.1 Demonstrate an understanding of the position and the contribution of the nurse practitioner in the national health system and the factors which have an influence thereon.
    2.2 Conduct a research project and contribute to the development of nursing science
    2.3 Demonstrate operational leadership, managerial and teaching skills.
    2.4 Initiate and maintain community participation, involvement and development
    2.5 Contribute meaningfully to the formulation of policy and the development of medical and surgical nursing science and will be able to:
    - Analyse and interpret population and health profiles at national level
    - Evaluate relevant curative and rehabilitation services at national level and analyse the factors which have an influence thereon
    - Evaluate the appropriateness of interventions and of diagnostic and treatment methods
    - Analyse different viewpoints and justify a personal viewpoint regarding the practice of medical and surgical nursing science and critically evaluate appropriateness of diagnostic and therapeutic measures in a variety of patient situations.
    - Practise medical and surgical nursing in a curative setting according to a scientific approach within the scope of:
    * professional ethical norms
    * legal provision
    - Develop and implement standards for quality assurance
    - Utilize and/or establish referral resources
    2.6 Advocate for the rights of individuals, families and communities and for the continued provision and development of quality nursing/midwifery health care in the country.
    2.7 Advocate for the rights and responsibilities of providers, including occupational health and safety within practice settings to promote the safety of clients/patients and providers.
    2.8 Endorse the principles of primary, secondary and tertiary care.
    2.9 Maintain herself/himself confidently and assertively in the health team

    3. SPECIFIC OUTCOMES FOR SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE: MEDICAL AND SURGICAL NURSING:
    OPERATING THEATRE NURSING

    The operating theatre nurse specialist will be competent to:

    3.1 Identify the indications, methods of administration, side-effects and adverse reactions of the various medicinal substances used in anesthetics
    3.2 Describe the nursing care of the anaesthetized patient pre,-intro-and postoperatively
    3.3 Demonstrate cognitive and affective skills regarding pre-and post-operative visits to the surgical patient.
    3.4 Understand and apply the principles of sterilization, disinfections and aseptic and sterile technique in the preparation and use of all supplies and equipment to prevent hazards to patient safety and subsequent claims of negligence
    3.5 Recognize the trauma inflicted and potential legal implications in respect of each patient undergoing surgical intervention and carry out the care required to ensure safety of the patient
    3.6 Use the scientific method of nursing pre,-intro-and postoperatively in the care and management of specific surgical patients
    3.7 Demonstrate cognitive and psychomotor skills regarding the various surgical interventions performed to provide safe, competent and ethically based nursing care in relation to:
  • general surgery
  • gynecological surgery
  • caesarean section
  • genito-urinary surgery
  • orthopedic surgery
  • neuro-surgery
  • thoracic surgery
  • ear, nose and throat surgery
  • reconstructive plastic surgery
  • ophthalmic surgery

    4. SPECIALIST OUTCOMES FOR SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE IN MEDICAL AND SURGICAL NURSING :
    CRITICAL CARE NURSING

    The Critical Care specialist is competent to:

    4.1 Identify and apply the principles of individualized nursing care directed towards the survival of the critically ill patient
    4.2 Use the scientific method of nursing to provide optimal physiological, psychological, emotional and social care to the critically ill patient
    4.3 Maintain the integrity of the patient in the face of an increasingly mechanistic environment
    4.4 Identify the potential environmental dangers to the patient through understanding of the function and care of life sustaining apparatus, supplies and equipment to prevent hazards to patient safety and subsequent claims of negligence
    4.5 Recognize and explain the legal implications specific to critical care nursing
    4.6 Demonstrate cognitive, psychomotor and affective skills regarding the care of the critically ill patient in order to provide safe, competent, compassionate and ethically based nursing care
    4.7 Integrate theory and practice within the framework of the scientific method of nursing
    4.8 Identify the indications, methods of administration, side-effects and adverse reactions of the various medicinal substances used in anesthetics
    4.9 Describe the nursing care of the anaesthetized patient, pre, -intro-and postoperatively
    4.10 Demonstrate your cognitive and affective skills regarding pre -and postoperative visits to the surgical patient

    5. CRITIAL CROSS-FIELDS OUTCOMES

    On completion of the programme, competencies of learners will include:
  • Problem solving, critical and creative thinking: this outcome is embedded in all the specific outcomes of the programme and is necessary in order to function as an independent practitioner. (Link with 1)
  • Working effectively as a member of a team: this outcome is embedded in specific outcomes 2.1, 2.4, 2.9.
  • Self organization and management: this outcome is embedded in specific outcome 2.
  • Information processing: this outcome is embedded in specific outcome 1
  • Communicating effectively: this outcome is embedded in all the specific outcomes of the programme and is necessary in order to function as an independent practitioner
  • Effective and critical use of science and technology: this outcome is embedded in all the specific outcomes of the programme and is necessary in order to function as an independent practitioner. (Link with specific outcomes 3 and 4)
  • Demonstrating a systemic understanding of the world: this outcome is embedded in all the specific outcomes of the programme and is necessary in order to function as an independent practitioner.
  • Reflecting on and exploring learning strategies: this outcome is embedded in specific outcome 2.3.
  • Participating as citizens in social life: this outcome is embedded in all the specific outcomes through the practice of nursing
  • Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts: this outcome is embedded in all the specific outcomes of the programme in which learners will identify and respond to the needs of a diverse group of health care users
  • Exploring education and career opportunities: this outcome is embedded in all the specific outcomes of the programme. Learners will identify their personal learning needs for further development. (Link to Articulation possibilities)
  • Developing entrepreneurial opportunities: this outcome is embedded in all the specific outcomes of the programme because the learner is prepared to function as an independent nurse practitioner at primary, secondary and tertiary health care levels 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Integrated assessment:

    Assessment/evaluation methods

    Assessment and evaluation during the programme, through a process of continuous evaluation, is based on a comprehensive and integrated approach that includes formative and summative assessment/evaluation based on learning outcomes listed above.
  • Written tests and examinations
  • Open book examinations
  • Oral examinations
  • Objective Structured Clinical Evaluation (OSCE)
  • Work place allocation and assessment/evaluation of practica
  • Clinical and academic ward rounds and ward inspections
  • Case-studies and case-presentation
  • Clinical workbooks
  • Written assignments and creative work
  • Research Projects and seminars
  • Journal assessment and self-evaluation
  • Peer group and preceptor evaluation
  • Competency related evaluation of clinical skills
  • Problem based learning strategies
  • Evaluation of nursing care plans
  • Oral presentations by individuals and project teams
  • lncidentation and report writing
  • Exhibition of student projects, poster displays, illustrated charts
  • Games
  • Student designed outcomes 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The diploma programme is comparable with international standards and is recognised by international registration authorities. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
  • Credits obtained at other nursing colleges/universities for corresponding courses are recognized for this qualification.
    The diploma and credits are:
  • recognised by the S A Nursing Council as having met the national standards for the qualification
  • recognised by universities for entrance to a Masters degree in Nursing Science.
  • Exit from this qualification is only possible after the completion of the total programme.
  • Exit from this qualification qualifies the learner for registration of an additional qualification with S A Nursing Council. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    The following quality assurance procedures form part of the overall evaluation and accreditation system:
  • Internal examiners and second examiners oil of whom have at least two appropriate professional qualifications and a Bachelors degree with a major in nursing education.
  • External examiners (moderators) from the University of Port Elizabeth at exit level of the qualification.
  • Accreditation requirements and guidelines of the South African Nursing Council. 
    		•

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.