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: 

Higher Certificate in Nursing 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
109435  Higher Certificate in Nursing 
ORIGINATOR
Bronberg Nurse Education and Training Academy (Pty) Ltd 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Preventive Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-03-08  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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 
Purpose:
The qualification serves to provide learners with the basic knowledge, affective, cognitive and conceptual tools and practical techniques for additional higher education studies in nursing. The knowledge emphasises general principles and their application in the provision of basic nursing care. This qualification signifies that the learner has attained a basic level of higher education knowledge and competence in nursing and is capable of applying such knowledge and competence in the workplace.

The qualification aims to:
  • Produce nurses that will provide basic nursing care in all spheres of health care service delivery.
  • Provide the nurse with a wide range of cognitive, affective and psychomotor skills.
  • Hone skills in assessment, planning and implementation basic nursing care.
  • Develop writing and oral communication skills.

    Rationale:
    In South Africa, the shortage of nurses is of great concern, and it presents unique challenges. This qualification seeks to produce qualified auxiliary nurses who will make a valuable contribution in addressing the shortage of health care workers experienced in the health system in the country. The learners will be equipped with skills to provide nursing care at grass root level, as well as at organisational level, such as hospitals, clinics, hospices and other facilities in the non-governmental organisations (NGO) sector. In the wake of the National Health Insurance (NHI) and Primary Health care re-engineering, the qualifying nurse will support the National Department of Health in its initiatives to revitalise health care service delivery.

    The qualification will provide learners with knowledge and competencies (practical, foundational and reflexive) which will enable them to render curative care, preventive, promotive and rehabilitative health care to society in hospitals and in the community to effect a strong primary health care approach. The knowledge and competencies gained will improve their personal attributes to manage life skills better. The qualification will also enable the qualifying learner to seek employment and improve his/her quality of life.

    Consultation was done with the South African Nursing Council whereby the curriculum to this qualification was submitted and reviewed and an endorsement letter issued. Typical learners for the qualification are post-secondary school learners as well as those with formal and informal experience in the area of health care. On completion of the qualification, the qualifying learners will seek employment as nurses in the health care system, non-governmental organisations and homes. As such, it will be in the hospitals, clinics, medical doctors' consulting rooms, hospices including private homes for home-based care supporting ward-based outreach teams in providing basic health care services to patients and clients of all age groups. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Learners who wish to study at the institution as an auxiliary nurse but do not meet the conventional academic admission requirements can follow the RPL route to access the qualification, whereupon they have to present a portfolio of evidence or challenge the examination presented by the institution.

    At Bronberg Nursing Education and Training Authority (BNETA) RPL is for access and not for qualification achievement and the fact that access was through RPL will not be reflected on the achievement certificate.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirements are:
    A Senior Certificate or National Senior Certificate or an equivalent qualification at Exit Level 4 with a pass in Mathematics (Numeracy), Physical Sciences, Biology (Life Sciences) and English. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.
  • Basic Natural and Biomedical Sciences, 8 Credits.
  • Basic Social Sciences, 4 Credits.
  • Ethics and Professional Practice, 4 Credits.
  • Basic Nursing Science, 76 Credits.
  • Foundation Community Health Nursing, 28 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply basic knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biophysics, pharmacology and microbiology in the provision of nursing care.
    2. Communicate effectively in a variety of ways in a nursing context.
    3. Use the scientific nursing approach to address the basic needs of individuals and groups in a various health care setting.
    4. Demonstrate appropriate methods of interacting sensitively and professionally with people from diverse backgrounds.
    5. Maintain professionalism in nursing practice within the ethical and legal framework.
    6. Participate in addressing the needs of individuals and groups in a community. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Show an understanding of macro body structure and functioning is demonstrated by the nursing care provided, in accordance with the relevant scope of practice.
  • An understanding of the structure and functioning of anatomy, physiology, biophysics, pharmacology and microbiology is demonstrated in the provision of nursing care.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Oral and written communication is maintained to promote effective fundamental nursing care.
  • Written communication is clear, relevant and unambiguous.
  • Non-verbal communication is congruent with oral communication.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Individual and/or group health care plans across the health-illness continuum are implemented and evaluated in collaboration with other members of the health care team.
  • Information obtained from continuous monitoring of responses to nursing interventions is correctly applied to the individual or group.
  • Appropriate emergency care and first aid principles in respect of:
    > Treatment of injuries and accidents.
    > Basic life support is applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Basic nursing interventions are implemented with sensitivity to people of diverse backgrounds.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Recording of data is done in compliance with legal criteria.
  • Patient records are maintained accurately, concisely and systematically, to reflect the basic nursing care rendered.
  • Confidentiality and integrity of patient information are maintained in interaction with patients and others.
  • Displaying adherence to professional code of conduct in provision of nursing care.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Health promotion programmes are implemented.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Assessment is assessment that supports the learner's achievement of knowledge, skills and personal qualities. This approach places equal value in the theoretical and practical knowledge and focuses on the purpose and Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification inclusive of level descriptors.

    The assessment is all-inclusive. It uses a range of formative and summative assessment methods with a range of assessment tools; it integrates theory and practice; assesses a number of outcomes and modules together and assesses the learner's ability to integrate concepts, ideas and actions in real life context. Attached are the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level descriptors of the Higher Certificate in nursing that are also considered with integrated assessment.

    Formative Assessment will be done throughout the teaching and learning period. Each learning outcome in a module will be continuously assessed throughout the teaching period through written tests, oral interviews, and practice informally and formally using a variety of question types, assignments, essays, portfolios of evidence, case studies.

    Informal formative assessment can be daily, i.e. question and answer to monitor the learners' understanding. It can be done by the facilitator, the learner (self-assessment) or peers. Formal formative assessment (written, oral, or practical) will be moderated internally and the assessment tasks make up for a formal programme of assessment. Duration may vary from 15 minutes to 2 hours. Formal or informal, the assessment will integrate theory and practice and will require applied knowledge sometimes across modules. For example: Care of pressure areas.

    The learner has to demonstrate ability to perform the skill (show practical competence). Has to know anatomical parts affected in pressure area care, understand why they have to be cared for at such frequency (Foundational Competence) and demonstrate ability to integrate the actions with the thinking behind, looking at the psychosocial implications of pressure sores, what supplies and equipment is required (reflexive competence). Formal Assessments are marked and the outcomes recorded and will contribute towards entry into the summative assessment. The formative assessment average year mark in all the modules for both theory and practice is 40%.

    Work Integrated learning is the application of theory in clinical setting as well as learning through work. Preceptors conduct formative assessments throughout the work period to evaluate the learners' ability to apply theory to the work situation. In some instances, summative assessments are conducted at the work place. Performance in the work place may be a consideration in the summative Assessment.

    Summative assessment is the final integrated assessment conducted at the end of a qualification or at the end of the teaching of a module. It is used to make judgement on the progression or non-progression of a learner. The learner should demonstrate competence in all prescribed learning outcomes. The Auxiliary Nurse qualification is a year qualification. Summative Assessment could be at the end of the year of study in some modules and will be composed of written examination and practical. The assessment is externally moderated. Pass mark is 50% for both written and practical examination.

    In integrated assessment marks can also be accumulated from various sources of assessments, e.g., assignments marks may count towards a final mark where related written assignments may form a percentage (e.g., 20%) of the summative assessment. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Higher certificate in Nursing, leading to registration as an Auxiliary Nurse is a new qualification in South Africa. Many countries around the world have not generated first -level health worker to a full qualification. However, it is possible that the qualification will be utilised in the SADC region and throughout the Sub-Saharan Africa as well as other third and first world countries because it is recognized by the South African Nursing Council. Country: Australia.
    Institution: Technical and Further Education (TAFE) Institute.
    Qualification: Assistant in Nursing (AIN).

    The Assistant in Nursing like the Auxiliary Nurse provides patient care under the supervision of the registered nurse and the Enrolled nurse. The category both in Australia and in South Africa has as its responsibility to ensure that the daily needs of patients are met while they are in the health care system. In Australia, the Programme is offered in Higher Education Institutions, the Technical and Further Education (TAFE) Institute in New South Wales is the largest training provider. Other providers include the 18 colleges across Australia that fall under the Academies Australasia Institute in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth. Entry requirements into the compare compare favourably in that it is 12 years of schooling.

    Country: United Kingdom.
    Institution: West London College and International Career Institute.

    In the United Kingdom, nurse auxiliaries are also referred to as healthcare assistants. Their training is usually on the job in-service training. Admission requirements compare with the Auxiliary nurse in South Africa in that they must graduate from high school to enrol in a certified nursing program. The candidates must pass a certified Nursing Assistant Competency examination. The scope of practice, once certified is similar to that of auxiliary nurses in South Africa. They work under the supervision of licensed nursing professionals, monitor vital signs, administer medication, measure patients' height and weight, monitor intake and output, collect specimen and provide for basic nursing care in a health facility and make sure that the activities of daily living are met.

    Similarly in the United States of America, Auxiliary nurses are referred to as 'certified nursing assistants'. Admission into the Programme requires that the incumbent attend state approved medical related courses at school.

    The duration of the Programme in Australia and United Kingdom is relatively short, ranging from 8 months to 12 months whilst in South Africa this is 12 months.

    In conclusion, although the qualification is unique to South Africa, it can be adapted to individual countries to meet varying health demands. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification offers the following horizontal and vertical articulation opportunities.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Pharmacy Support and Social Auxiliary Work, Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Diploma in Nursing, Level 6. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    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.
     
    1. Bronberg Nurse Education and Training Academy (Pty) Ltd 


    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.