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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Nursing 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
115826  Diploma in Nursing 
ORIGINATOR
KWAZULU-NATAL COLLEGE OF NURSING 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  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  2020-01-08  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:
The purpose of this Diploma in Nursing is to develop a generalist nurse who can demonstrate focused knowledge and skills in general nursing. This qualification takes into account the Primary Health Care (PHC) approach. It encompasses the core competencies for disease prevention, health promotion, treatment and rehabilitation to tackle the physical-psycho-social determinants of health, to contribute towards strengthening healthcare systems through the delivery of comprehensive, high quality and safe nursing services.

The curriculum is outcomes-based and has a strong component of work-integrated learning. The learners will be placed in a variety of clinical learning sites throughout the qualification, as part of work-integrated learning to facilitate the integration of theory to practice and development of the required competencies in line with the requirements of the relevant statutory professional bodies.

The curriculum content will equip the learners with the competencies in various skills as well as optimal hands-on learning opportunities to assist in the provision of nursing care in various healthcare settings during training, to address the health needs of the country within the general nurse's scope of practice. The qualification utilises learner-centred approaches in teaching and learning, aimed at providing the nurse with a wide range of skills, knowledge and attitudes which will promote the culture of lifelong learning and continuing professional development.

Rationale:
Nursing education reforms are an important strategy for enhancing health workforce performance, and thereby improving the functioning of health systems. The related nursing education transformations in South Africa culminated in the South African Nursing Council introducing a new Framework for Nursing Qualifications in 2013.

This qualification will prepare the qualifying learner as a Generalist Nurse who will be able to meet the service delivery needs of the country. The qualification will respond to priority health care needs and emerging issues to the population across life by providing holistic health care that is ethical, safe and evidence-informed to positively impact the health and quality of life of the individuals, families, groups and communities.

This qualification responds to the developments as follows:
The qualification aligns to the Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework (HEQSF), the South African Nursing Council (SANC)'s new nursing qualifications framework for General Nurse, the general nurses' scope of practice and new categories of nurses as promulgated by the Nursing Act No 33 of 2005.

The qualification will produce learners who are competent to serve in a dynamic health care system, which requires health care professionals who can deliver health care in a District Health System (DHS) with emphasis on Primary Health Care (PHC).

The qualification will contribute to the production of Generalist Nurses who can function as clinically focused, service-oriented independent registered General Nurses. Learners of this qualification will be equipped with decision-making skills and be capable of functioning beyond the defined scope.

The qualification will address the inequity in the distribution of nurses in line with population density in urban and rural areas as identified in the Human Resource for Health (HRH) of South Africa by 2030. The qualification will increase the number of learners that will function effectively in different health care settings. It will also improve access to sustainable employment and skills development opportunities which is part of the rural development goals of South Africa. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
This qualification will allow access or recognition of credits in modules from other institutions. That will require a learner to apply according to the RPL policy of the college for individual assessment. The College Senate shall determine RPL.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF, Level 4. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 5 and 6 totalling 368 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Basic Nursing: Community 1, 24 Credits.
  • Applied Anatomy & Physiology 1, 8 Credits.
  • Foundations of Professional practice 1, 8 Credits.
  • Applied Psycho-Social Science, 8 Credits.
  • Applied Biophysics-chemistry, Microbiology & Parasitology, 8 Credits.
  • Basic Nursing: Community 2, 24 Credits.
  • Applied Anatomy & Physiology 2, 8 Credits.
  • Foundations of Professional Practice 2, 8 Credits.
  • Introduction to Mental Health, 8 Credits.
  • Basic Management of Emergencies, 16 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 6, 248 Credits:
  • Nursing Science: Child 1, 24 Credits.
  • Nursing Science: Adult 1, 24 Credits.
  • Applied Pharmacology, 8 Credits.
  • Professional Practice, 8 Credits.
  • Nursing Science: Child 2, 16 Credits.
  • Nursing Science: Adult 2, 24 Credits.
  • Reproductive Health, 16 Credits.
  • Community Nursing 1, 24 Credits.
  • Professional Development, 16 Credits.
  • Unit Management 1, 16 Credits.
  • Health Information System, 8 Credits.
  • Community Nursing 2, 16 Credits.
  • Priority Health Issues, 24 Credits.
  • Unit Management 2, 24 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate a detailed knowledge and skills in the field of General Nursing as well as main areas of one or more fields or disciplines in the area of Nursing Render nursing care within a legal and ethical framework.
    2. Render nursing care within a legal and ethical framework
    3. Apply knowledge of natural and biological sciences in the practice of nursing.
    4. Apply knowledge of psychosocial sciences in the practice of nursing.
    5 Apply knowledge of pharmacology in nursing practice.
    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:
  • Describe the techniques used during the basic health assessment.
  • Demonstrate the use of equipment available during patient assessment.
  • Describe the monitoring and interpretation of vital signs.
  • Accurate demonstration of monitoring and interpretation of vital signs.
  • Identify factors that can influence patients' safety.
  • Describe the measures taken to prevent safety risks.
  • Demonstrate the application of principles of safety during nursing care.
  • Demonstrate hand washing technique.
  • Describe the standard precautions of infection prevention and control.
  • Describe the measures to prevent and control diseases at primary, secondary and tertiary level.
  • Describe the basic nursing care to meet health needs related to, oxygenation and ventilation, elimination, hygiene, maintenance of fluid balance and maintenance of body temperature.
  • Demonstrate skill in conducting nursing activities to meet the health needs of the patient relating to oxygenation and ventilation, elimination, hygiene, maintenance of fluid balance and maintenance of body temperature.
  • Describe the steps of the nursing process.
  • Describe the principles of record-keeping.
  • Demonstrate the principles of asepsis and simple wound care.
  • Describe basic nursing care to promote rest and sleep.
  • Describe the basic nursing care of a patient in pain.
  • Demonstrate knowledge in the nursing care of a patient with mobility needs.
  • Describe basic nursing care to meet nutrition needs.
  • Demonstrates skill in conducting nursing activities to meet nutrition needs.
  • Describe the principles of specimen collection.
  • Collect and dispatching of specimens.
  • Identifies abnormalities in specimens and results and report or refer as necessary.
  • Describe the measures to prevent the occurrence of non-communicable disease.
  • Explain the aim and principles of health education in the management of patients.
  • Conduct a health education talk.
  • Explain the principles of teaching and learning.
  • Describe the aspects to be.
  • Considered when collecting a family history to assess health risks.
  • Demonstrate the use of family history in the nursing management of needs and problems of families and individuals.
  • Describe the management of the adult with the conditions of the body systems in the community and secondary health care settings.
  • Discuss the health assessment and management of an adult with communicable diseases.
  • Render the clinical nursing skills according to the health needs of an adult with the conditions of each relevant system and communicable diseases.
  • Refer to the sick adult with problems that need urgent attention or complications to secondary health care settings.
  • Describe the management of the child with the conditions of the body systems.
  • Describe the health assessment and management of a child with nutritional disorders.
  • Discuss the health assessment and management of a child with communicable diseases.
  • Render the clinical nursing skills according to the health needs of the child with the conditions of each relevant system and communicable diseases.
  • Refer the sick child with general danger signs or complications to secondary health care settings.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Describe ethics concerning nursing science.
  • Identify caring issues in nursing.
  • Describe the ethical codes in nursing.
  • Describe ethical issues and implications in nursing practice.
  • Identify the ethical theories that apply to nurse.
  • Describe the ethical principles that apply to nursing practice.
  • Identify the regulations that guide the scope of practice of the nurse.
  • Identify Rules and Regulations that apply to the practice of the nurse.
  • Identify other related legal prescripts that impact on the nursing profession as a whole.
  • Describe the characteristics of a profession.
  • Describe the role of the nurse within the multi-professional teams.
  • Describe the attributes and character traits of a nurse which can be applied to reflect high moral values.
  • Describe professional accountability and how it applies to nursing practice.
  • Describe nurse's rights and responsibilities and the application in nursing practice.
  • Describe patient rights and responsibilities and the application in patient care practices.
  • Describe the purpose and functions of professional nursing organisations.
  • Describe the nurses' obligations to professional nursing organisations.
  • Describe the functions and responsibilities of the South African Nursing Council (SANC).
  • Displays knowledge of the legal and ethical prescripts following the Nurses Scope of Practice when faced with ethical dilemmas.
  • Explains medico-legal aspects in nursing practice and describes the consequences of negligence and malpractice to the nurse, patient and health care provider.
  • Displays good interpersonal skills, thereby creating a harmonious working relationship within the multidisciplinary team.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Describe the structure and functions of the human body related to organisational structure (cells, tissues, organs, systems and organism).
  • Describe the structure and functions of the human body related to all body systems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Describe psychological and sociological concepts.
  • Explain growth, development and behavioural theories related to assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating nursing care.
  • Explain the stages of growth and development from birth to old age.
  • Identify cultural, social and psychological factors that influence human behaviour concerning health and illness.
  • Explain group dynamics in social institutions and society.
  • Explain communication concerning effective interpersonal skills and intrapersonal skills.
  • Manage social problems affecting.
  • Individuals and groups in the communities, and their implications on health and illness within legal frameworks (guidelines and legislation).
  • Describe social pathologies affecting individuals and groups in the communities, and their implications on health and illness.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Describe pharmacological concepts.
  • Explain mechanisms such as pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmaco-therapeutics and adverse effects of medicines on clients presenting with diverse conditions.
  • Describe the applicable principles and rules for the safe administration of medications using appropriate routes.
  • Explain the principles when storing, reconstituting and administering of medicine to healthcare users as per the scope of practice.
  • Describe drug interactions of the various classes of medicines.
  • Differentiate between adverse and side effects and appropriately manage reactions to medicines.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Explain the concepts used in data management
  • Describe the purposes of health information systems.
  • Describe the sources of vital statistics.
  • Explain how the data is collected, collated, analysed, interpreted and recorded.
  • Comprehend various methods of statistical presentation of data.
  • Interpret health statistics accurately.
  • Describe health care information to be disseminated to multidisciplinary health team using key health indicators.
  • Apply statistical information in planning or provisioning of nursing services.
  • Explain basic concepts used in ICT.
  • Describe the process of accessing data using ICT.
  • Apply ICT skills to access needed information for creating, storing and managing patient data.
  • Explain ethical and legal implications of information technology in health care.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Apply the management principles to organise activities in the unit.
  • Draw up a vision and mission statement for the unit that is in line with the health care service.
  • Participate and formulate unit policies and procedures to ensure the smooth functioning of the unit.
  • Evaluate nursing care using nursing standards to ensure quality patient care.
  • Apply different leadership styles to facilitate execution of activities in the unit.
  • Establish and develop inter-professional and inter-sectorial relationships that promote health care.
  • Apply principles of delegation to assign tasks in the unit.
  • Conduct an orientation and induction programme in line with the job description.
  • Schedule off-duty roster/allocation taking into consideration the principles of scheduling shifts.
  • Describe the principles to consider for written, verbal and non-verbal communication.
  • Write a policy, a notice, an incident report and a memorandum to communicate within the multidisciplinary team effectively.
  • Draw up an orientation and induction programme in line with the job description.
  • Schedule off-duty roster/allocation taking into consideration the principles of scheduling shifts.
  • Describe the principles and process for conflict management.
  • Discuss the guidelines used to handle a grievance effectively.
  • Discuss the methods of handling the grievance procedure effectively.
  • Describe the guidelines for handling the disciplinary procedure.
  • Demonstrate the ability to compile unit inspection guidelines.
  • Demonstrate the ability to conduct auditing of patients record.
  • Describe the purpose of continuous professional development in the unit.
  • Explain the principles of continuous professional development.
  • Explain the following concepts: Career planning/ pathing, Self-promotion and Skills analysis.
  • Explore and use opportunities for professional development for your learning.
  • Participate in self-directed learning to be abreast with new developments.
  • Apply Skills Development Act, Employment Equity Act, Labour Relations Act and Human resource Development practices in enhancing the development of staff in the unit.
  • Compile and plan the program of the staff development concerning continuous professional and continuing education according to the learning needs for self and others.
  • Demonstrate the ability to use the following concepts: career planning, self-promotion and skills analysis for professional development and career pathing.
  • Develop the action plan based on awareness, values, reflection, goals setting and planning for the development of self and others.
  • Conduct the in-service education for the unit according to the learning needs of personnel.
  • Identify and describe the peer teaching strategies for effective teaching in the unit.
  • Demonstrate effective use of teaching and learning resources.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of the teaching programme in the unit.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Demonstrates appropriate assessment techniques related to the reproductive system and intervenes within relevant legislation, protocols and ethical consideration.
  • Explains accurate health information, including an understanding of sexual orientation.
  • Discuss fertility regulation methods and pharmacological interaction.
  • Explain the routine health screening for all contraceptives.
  • Applies relevant protocols in managing fertility regulation.
  • Defines the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations common sexually transmitted infections.
  • Describe the management of Sexually Transmitted infections following relevant treatment protocol and legal frameworks.
  • Discusses the definition, aetiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, comprehensive management and referral of female disorders and male disorders.
  • Identify, manage and refer reproductive emergencies within relevant protocols and legislation.
  • Apply relevant pharmacology within applied protocols (Forensic) and legislation.

    Integrated Assessment:
    All assessments shall be in line with the assessment and moderation policy of the college.

    Formative Assessments:
    Formative assessments ensure that Exit Level Outcomes assume a big portion part of the qualification, including:
  • Written assignments.
  • Case studies.
  • Projects.
  • Formative tests.
  • Continuous clinical assessments.

    Summative Assessments:
    This assessment will be in the form of:
  • Comprehensive clinical examination: It provides for the integration of several aspects across modules and tests application and integration of theory to practice.
  • Final written examination.
  • Portfolio of evidence.
  • Clinical Project. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification would meet recognition requirements throughout Sub-Saharan Africa and globally. The qualification matches the World Health Organisation prototype curriculum for Diploma Nursing qualification for Eastern and Sub-Saharan Africa. 

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

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

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Midwifery, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    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. KWAZULU-NATAL COLLEGE OF NURSING 


    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.