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: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery and Neonatal Nursing Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110399  Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery and Neonatal Nursing Science 
ORIGINATOR
North West University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Registered-data under construction" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2021-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2022-06-30   2025-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The qualified learner will be able to register an additional qualification in: "Advanced Midwifery and Neonatal Nursing science" at the South African Nursing Council. (SANC). As a registered advanced midwife and neonatal nurse, the learner will be able to act independently as a clinical nursing specialist, researcher, consultant and change agent in the midwifery practice. He/she will be able to function in the multi-professional team as a leader, facilitator and manager. As an advanced midwife and neonatal nurse he/she will be able to render culturally sensitive and holistically integrated evidence-based advanced midwifery care.

This qualification will enable them as individuals to obtain personal and professional growth in their striving to achieve lifelong learning and advance along their career paths. Since 80% of midwifery and neonatal services in the country are delivered by midwives and in view of the high perinatal and maternal mortality and morbidity rates, it is essential to have advanced practitioners who are able to build the knowledge base and improve practice in this field.

Qualifying learners work as clinical nurse specialists in the health sector. In addition, they are able to set private practice and therefore contribute to job creation and employment opportunities in the health sector.

Rationale:
The development of education programmes in Advanced Midwifery was identified in the "White paper for the transformation of the Health System in South Africa" (1997:105) as one of the priorities to ensure efficient, cost-effective maternal services of a high quality. It was also envisioned that more advanced midwives in the North West Province will contribute to the reduction of the maternal and perinatal death rate.

The aim set by the National Department of Health is three Advanced Midwives per institution. There are currently 32 hospitals as well as several midwifery obstetric units in the North West Province, but only 70 registered Advanced Midwives. There is thus an urgent need to educate and train more Advanced Midwives for the North West Province. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Access may be granted through the Recognition of Prior Learning.

Entry Requirements:
Bachelor of Nursing Science Honours, Level 8. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
Minimum credits required at specific levels or maximum credits where these exceed the minima specified in regulation 8 or 9.

Modules and credits outlay:
  • Module code: NSRT 121, Descriptive name: Health Science Research, Type of credit: Fundamental, 16 Credits, Notional hours: 160.
  • Module code: NSDT 111, Descriptive name: Health Science Dynamics, Type of credit: Fundamental, 16 Credits, Notional hours: 160.
  • Module code: VPVK 874, Descriptive name: The specialist midwife as practitioner, leader and consultant, Type of credit: Core, 32 Credits, Notional hours: 320.
  • Module code: VPVK 875, Descriptive name: The specialist midwife as clinician in the ante-, intra- and postpartum context, Type of credit: Core, 32 Credits, Notional hours: 320.
  • Module code: VPVK 876, Descriptive name: The specialist midwife as clinician in neonatal context, Type of credit: Core, 32 Credits, Notional hours: 320.

    Credits for fundamental, core and elective:
  • Fundamental: 32.
  • Core: 96.
  • Elective: 0.
  • Total: 128. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Integrate knowledge of life- and worldviews in the practice of Midwifery and Neonatal Nursing science.
    2. Promote, maintain and restore health by integrated scientific knowledge in a critical-analytical way through applying the scientific approach in assessing, diagnosing, planning, implementing, evaluating and documenting holistic midwifery and neonatal care of individuals, families and communities.
    3. Promote maternal and child health through health education and other promotion strategies, encourage community involvement, participation and development as part of a comprehensive health service, within a multi-cultural community taking into consideration social-economic factors.
    4. Function in an ethical-legal way by acknowledging the present dynamics of midwifery in the country.
    5. Utilise problem-solving and clinical skills as an independent practitioner in order to appropriately manage all obstetrical and neonatal emergency situations.
    6. Utilise appropriate technology to render effective midwifery and neonatal care.
    7. Manage and evaluate reproductive health services at district, provincial and national levels within national health policy and international guidelines.
    8. Conduct midwifery-related research of high ethical standard and quality in order to develop the science of midwifery as well as to utilise evidence-based practices so as to promote effective midwifery and neonatal care.
    9. Utilise operational leadership skills and managerial competencies as a member of a multi-disciplinary and multi-professional team in order to improve the quality of midwifery care.
    10. Utilise intra- and interpersonal and counselling skills, stress and conflict management to facilitate health in the midwifery patient, her family, groups and the community.
    11. Facilitate the learning process among health-care workers by creating a context conducive to learning.
    12. Maintain professional excellence and competence through lifelong learning in a variety of settings.
    Critical outcomes.

    Relation between critical cross-field outcomes and exit level outcomes:
  • Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made: Exit level outcomes 5.
  • Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community: Exit level outcomes 2, 3.
  • Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively: Exit Level Outcomes 7.
  • Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information: Exit Level Outcomes 4, 5.
  • Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion: Exit Level Outcomes 6, 7.
  • Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others: Exit Level Outcomes 6.
  • Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation: Exit Level Outcomes 1, 2.
  • Contributing to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of society at large, by making it the underlying intention of any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of: Exit Level Outcomes 3.
  • Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.
  • Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities.
  • Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.
  • Exploring education and career opportunities.
  • Developing entrepreneurial opportunities. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
    The learner will:
  • Discuss professional and personal philosophy in ethical decision-making.
  • Demonstrate caring ethos in practice when applying nursing principles.

    2.
  • Identify factors which promote or threaten maternal and neonatal health; Critical thinking and problem-solving skills related to midwifery and neonatal care are used in identifying.
  • Identify the detrimental factors to the antenatal, intra-partum and post-partum patient and of the neonate by doing a comprehensive health assessment and making a diagnosis.
  • Plan and facilitate midwifery care in the individual family and community based on the findings of the assessment and diagnosis in 2.2.
  • Discuss basic needs, minor ailments, high-risk conditions, complications and emergencies in midwifery care and describe the use of non-pharmacological methods and medications as well.
  • Evaluate the process and outcomes of the implemented care plans for midwifery patients and neonates.
  • Assess the outcomes of implemented nursing care and the interpretation of progress during pregnancy and labour as indicated from the plotting on the antenatal card and partogram. Document the assessment and write reports on incidents that occurred.
  • Describe how referrals of patients with midwifery problems or illnesses are accepted from primary health care practitioners and then managed and treated and apply this in case studies.

    3.
  • Describe and implement health promotion strategies, including structured and unstructured health education for lifestyle modification and enhancement of informed decision-making.
  • Describe cultural sensitivity in midwifery practice and compare and utilise appropriate cultural customs pertaining to the practice of midwifery nursing and maternal health care.
  • Plan and implement family-centred midwifery care by promoting parenting and parenthood in community projects, like establishing women's health teams and collaborating with traditional birth attendees and health promotion campaigns regarding the overall reproductive health of the community.
  • Discuss and apply the Batho Pele principles.

    4.
  • Discuss the applicable acts and regulations regarding midwifery and neonatal nursing; demonstrating accountability in the practice of midwifery care and display respect for the human rights of the individual, family and community.
  • Defend a substantial point of view regarding emerging issues and debates relevant to midwifery nursing.

    5.
    The learner will in specific case studies:
  • Make responsible independent decisions in obstetrical and neonatal emergencies.
  • Arrange the referral (including safe transfer) of midwifery patients and neonates to an appropriate facility.
  • Apply relevant pharmacology.
  • Implement evidenced-based protocols to deal with the rendering of health care services.

    6.
  • Select and implement appropriate technology (diagnostic, therapeutic, administrative support) using effective evidence-based practices.
  • Interpret and manage findings obtained by diagnostic equipment.

    7.
  • Analyse population and reproductive health services at district, provincial and national levels and interpret the outcomes, using evidence-based assessment in order to plan alternative strategies and programmes.
  • Discuss the mobilisation of resources within as well as outside the reproductive and general health care system through networking and management to implement strategies or programmes.

    8.
  • Identify problems in midwifery by using applicable health indicators pertaining to local, provincial, national and international trends.
  • Participate in research projects.
  • Utilise problem-solving techniques to arrive at diagnosis and use findings to maintain or improve quality midwifery and neonatal care.
  • Compile statistics (indicators) to identify problems and devise solutions to the problems.

    9.
  • Plan and administer clinical supervision through client and service-centred consultation.
  • Discuss best practices in Midwifery practices.
  • Facilitate other members of the multi-professional team to collaborate in order to provide optimal midwifery care.
  • Demonstrate networking strategies to enhance relationships, intersect orally and within the diversity of the health-providing sector.
  • Audit principals of obstetric records and use this knowledge to identify avoidable factors from maternal and perinatal deaths and find solutions in order to ensure cost-effective, quality midwifery care.
  • Identify quality assurance activities and discuss these activities to enhance reproductive health services.

    10.
  • Discuss and manage stress and conflict in personal and professional interactions.
  • Discuss and facilitate intra- and interpersonal skills in him/herself and in others.

    11.
  • Develop an environment conducive to learning by utilising interpersonal skills and encouraging learning participation.
  • Design and present educational programmes for midwives and other team members.

    12.
  • Be actively involved in continuing professional development activities and participate in peer review processes and be willing to seek help when necessary.
  • Progress on his/her career path through the setting of appropriate goals for learning through making realistic plans.
  • Document evidence of personal and professional growth through the developing of evidence in a portfolio.

    Integrated assessment:
    Integrated assessment appropriately incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved:
  • Integrated assessment is incorporated throughout the course and permits the learner to demonstrate applied competence; it uses a range of formative and summative methods.

    Formative:
  • A minimum of four assignments, tests, group projects, portfolio and clinical evaluations per module will be done as evidence of competency during the learning period.

    Summative:
  • A minimum of one written paper per module and a clinical examination. Proof of 640 hours work based learning. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    South Africa is a long standing member of the ICN (International Council of Nurses) and is a member of the African Union (AU), formally Organisation of African Unity (OAU), Southern African Development Community (SADC) and commonwealth and the qualification is recognised in most member countries of these organisations as well as in other African countries. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Vertical:
  • Master's Degree in the related field, Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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.