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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Nursing 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
112081  Diploma in Nursing 
ORIGINATOR
Arwyp Training Institute (Pty) Ltd 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-09-09  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

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:
This qualification will enable the learner to function as a clinically focused, service orientated, independent Registered Staff Nurse, who is able to render nursing care as determined by the appropriate legislative framework.

The qualification will provide a basis for decision-making about what is within and beyond the defined scope of practice, as well as understanding of the referral system in place for anything outside of the scope of practice. The learner will be able to apply evidence-based nursing practice which is based on research or established practices that have proven to be effective both nationally and internationally within the profession.

Upon qualifying the learner will gain the following attributes:
  • Maintain professionalism in own practice of nursing.
  • Apply knowledge of biomedical, biotechnological and psycho-social sciences to the practice of nursing.
  • Develop, implement and evaluate population-based health care.
  • Assess, plan, implement and evaluate nursing care for individuals and groups with stable, uncomplicated health problems based on thorough assessment.
  • Deliver nursing care to sick or disabled individuals and groups with stable uncomplicated health problems. Promote rehabilitation of individuals and groups with disabilities.
  • Diagnose and treat minor ailments.
  • Deliver safe maternal care.
  • Manage a health care unit.
  • Utilise principles of science and methodology in investigating nursing and health-related problems.

    Rationale:
    This qualification is intended to prepare the qualifying learner as a generalist nurse who will be able to meet the service delivery needs of the country. The learner who has successfully completed this qualification has a significant contribution to make in the current situation of human resources in health in South Africa, taking into consideration the country's historical background and the shortage of professional nurses and doctors in the country. The practice of this general nurse is focused on quality service delivery within a broad spectrum of health services and in a variety of settings, including rural areas.

    The qualification aims to:
  • Produce learners who are able to be competent nursing practitioners in a range of health service settings.
  • Provide learners with a range of skills, knowledge and attitudes that will enable them to make a meaningful and sustained contribution to health services.
  • Equip learners with a developed sense of equity, justice and service ethics that will ensure that they work in an accountable manner, irrespective of their chosen work place.
  • Offer a wide range of transferable skills for application in other professions, disciplines and general life. These include:
    > A methodical, solution-based approach to problem solving.
    > An empowerment strengths-based approach to personal development.
    > Competence in written and oral communication.
    > Capacity to assess and implement health and other policies.
    > Ability to plan, implement and manage projects of a varied nature.
    > Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for access to this qualification or credit bearing exemptions, an application must be submitted according to the RPL policy of the Nursing Education Institution for individual assessment.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelor's studies.
    Or
  • A qualification at exit level 3 and 4. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply knowledge of natural and biological sciences in the practice of nursing.
    2. Apply knowledge of psycho- social sciences in the practice of nursing.
    3. Apply knowledge of pharmacology in nursing practice.
    4. Provide nursing care throughout the lifespan in various healthcare settings.
    5. Render nursing care within a legal and ethical framework.
    6. Use and maintain healthcare information systems for nursing practice.
    7. Manage a healthcare unit by implementing the management process.
    8. Provide reproductive health care to promote and maintain optimum health of individuals and families. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Provide preventive, promotive, curative and rehabilitative nursing care to different age groups in various health care settings.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Render nursing care within an ethical legal framework.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology in caring for the health care user.
  • Apply knowledge of microbiology in caring for the health care user.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Apply knowledge of psychology and sociology is applied in ways which benefits the quality of healthcare delivered to health care users.
  • Understand and apply knowledge of human behaviour and psychological development throughout the life span.
  • Implement social and diversity-sensitive care in nursing practice.
  • Identify and manage a range of psychological emergency situations accordingly.
  • Deal with emotional demands of nursing practice effectively.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Apply knowledge of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics in nursing practice within the applicable scope of practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Use and maintain healthcare information systems in the practice of nursing.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Implement the management process in a health care unit.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Promote and maintain the optimum health of individuals and families through the provision or reproductive health care.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment will be done throughout the qualification and comprises of formative and summative assessments.

    Formative Assessment:
    Formative assessments will be conducted on both theoretical and clinical component of the qualification. The formative assessments will be done on a regular basis by nurse educators, registered nurses, peer-group and self-assessment. The method of assessment may vary from written tests, assignments, role-play, case studies, workbooks, oral presentation, demonstration, on the spot assessment to simulation. At the commencement of each academic year the students are provided with an assessment strategy for both the theoretical and clinical component of the qualification.

    Summative Assessment:
    Summative assessment will be conducted on both the theoretical as well as clinical component of the qualification.
    The Summative Assessment for the theoretical component will be conducted by means of formal theoretical examinations. The learner must successfully complete the formative clinical component of the qualification to be entered into the summative clinical examination. The clinical assessment will assess the competence of the learner and the ability to integrate theory and clinical principles as well as professional conduct and psycho-social skills.
    The clinical assessment of the qualification will be done by means of:
  • Monthly professional growth reports.
  • Case Study Presentations.
  • Clinical Workbooks.
  • Clinical Portfolio of Evidence.
  • Summative Clinical examination.

    A summative clinical assessment will be conducted by the NEI at the end of each academic year. The learner must pass both the theoretical and clinical component of the course to obtain the qualification. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    South Africa is a member of the International Council of Nurses (ICN), member of the African Union (AU), South Africa Development Community (SADC) and the Commonwealth. The Diploma in Nursing would meet recognition requirements in most of the member countries of these organizations and throughout the Sub-Saharan Africa.

    The Institute of Health and Nursing in Australia offers a Diploma in Nursing. This qualification will provide the learner with practical skills and knowledge to assist in the provision of preventative, curative and rehabilitative nursing. Furthermore, qualifying learners will learn about the anatomy and physiology, infection control nursing care of the patient, legal and ethical parameters of nursing practice and promotive health. The content of this qualification compares well with this qualification's emphasis is also on preventative, curative and rehabilitative nursing.

    The Diploma in Nursing qualification in the United States, offered by the Jefferson Medical Institute currently provide a solid foundation in Biology and Social Science aspects of nursing practice with a strong emphasis on clinical experiences in direct patient care. They generally provide more hours in clinical instruction than any other type of entry-level qualification. Qualifying learners are adept in clinical skills and find employment in acute care, long-term care, and community health care facilities. Their qualifications thus compare favourably with this qualification and its outcomes as conclusion. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Emergency Care, Level 6.
  • Diploma in Emergency Medical Care, Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Critical Care Nursing, Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Health Services Management and Leadership, Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Midwifery and Neonatal Nursing, Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Midwifery, Level 7
  • Bachelor in Nursing and Midwifery, Level 8.
  • Bachelor in Nursing Science, Level 8. 
    		•

    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.
     
    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.