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
112643  Higher Certificate in Nursing 
ORIGINATOR
Keobakile Nursing Academy 
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  Promotive Health and Developmental Services 
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  2019-10-30  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 provides learners with the necessary 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 primary 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 primary 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 primary nursing care.
  • Develop writing and oral communication skills.

    The nurse who completes this qualification will be able to:
  • Apply knowledge of theory and practice of primary nursing care.
  • Assess, plan, implement and evaluate basic nursing care for individuals and groups throughout the life span.
  • Demonstrate professionalism when rendering primary nursing care.

    Rationale:
    A first-level nurse is capable of delivering skilled primary nursing care, which is essential to health care in a variety of settings. Combining nursing care with prevention and promotion makes this nurse a robust primary health care worker. The competence of this first level nurse will be in line with the recommendation of the Pick Report nurse training to be expanded to include essential skills needed in the community. The Minister of Health is currently attempting to provide best practice with the aim of implementation of the National Health system.

    Health centres and clinics are increasing in numbers and size to accommodate the national Health system. Each town, village and township has a minimum of three (3) frail care centres, where staffing is a major problem. The continuous rise of illegal immigrants and the increasing burden of disease overload the provision of health services. This qualification will enable learners who have not obtained the necessary admission requirements to study a degree may begin their studies with this qualification.

    This nurse will work under the supervision of a nurse with a Diploma or Degree in Nursing within the applicable scope of practice. The rationale is to enable learners to provide health care in a variety of health care settings within the relevant legal and ethical parameters. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Learners may provide evidence of prior learning for which they may receive credit towards the qualification. The learners may submit portfolios, other forms of appropriate evidence and challenge examinations, as agreed to between the relevant provider and relevant quality council. Learners will receive a maximum of the prescribed percentage of the completed qualification, as determined in the policy of the institution and the relevant Quality Council. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be used to grant access to the qualification to learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements. The applicant will be assisted to compile the necessary evidence in preparation for assessment for RPL. The onus to present the necessary evidence is on the applicant. Direct data may be a portfolio of evidence containing projects, case studies, records of performance, results of assignments and examinations. Indirect data serve as a confirmation of prior knowledge includes, amongst others, letters of reference, performance reviews and certificates of competence.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate or an equivalent qualification, NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
    (The Nursing Education Institution (NEI) is required to register learners with the South African Nursing as for the duration of the period of training).
    (Learners must have access to approved clinical facilities according to training regulations issued by SANC that has a Memorandum of Agreement in place). 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5:
  • Bio-Medical Sciences and Pharmacology, 16 Credits.
  • Effective Communication, 4 Credits.
  • Basic Nursing Care, 66 Credits.
  • Trans Cultural Nursing, 4 Credits.
  • Professionalism and Ethics, 6 Credits.
  • Basic Community Nursing,24 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. Communicate effectively in a variety of ways in a nursing context.
    4. Demonstrate appropriate methods for 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:
  • Understand macro body structure and functioning by the nursing care provided, by the proper scope of practice.
  • Understand the structure and functioning of anatomy, physiology, biophysics, pharmacology and microbiology in the provision of nursing care.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Maintain oral and written communication 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 group health care plans across the health-illness continuum are Implemented and evaluated in collaboration with other members of the health care team.
  • Apply information obtained from continuous monitoring of responses to nursing interventions correctly to the individual or group.
  • Appropriate emergency care and first aid principles in respect of the treatment of injuries and accidents and essential life support are applied.

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

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Record data in compliance with legal criteria.
  • Patient records are maintained accurately, concisely and systematically, to reflect the primary nursing care rendered.
  • Maintain confidentiality and integrity of patient information in interaction with and others.
  • Display adherence to a professional code of conduct in the provision of nursing care.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Implement health promotion programmes.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The institution will seek to apply the following procedures assessment practices. Test are written at intervals when learners are on a 4-week contact phase. Learners do both theory and practice, which culminates in a summative assessment which tests both the theoretical and practical components dealt with during the block. Experiential learning components of the qualification utilise continuous assessment managed by clinical facilitators. Clinical facilitators accompany learners to their various venues where clinical practice will be tested, such as clinics, hospices. Summative practical evaluation and assessment take place after the academic year. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    A similar qualification exists in Australia, as Assistant Nursing qualification. The focus of the qualification is to enable Nursing Assistants and help nurses provide patients with direct support and services in health and community centres and environments. Learners need to be understanding and helpful with patients and be able to perform a variety of functions and services.

    In the United Kingdom, the initial nursing qualification guides learners through the necessary strategies and key competencies utilised in assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating effective community disease prevention and health promotion programmes. There is an introduction of critical public health practices and concepts through both direct observation and classroom experience. This qualification compares favourably with the above-cited international qualifications in terms of the focus on knowledge and practical experience. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulations.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Nursing, NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Diploma in Nursing, NQF 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. Keobakile Nursing Academy 


    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.