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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Nursing 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
116409  Diploma in Nursing 
ORIGINATOR
LIMPOPO 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  2020-02-28  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 primary purpose of the qualification is to produce a learner who displays applied competence which includes knowledge, skills, and reflective practice. They are independent and critical thinking general nurse practitioners who will be guided by social, economic and political issues affecting the health of the people.

The qualification uses the outcome-based approach with a strong emphasis on clinical competence. The learners will be in a variety of clinical learning areas throughout the qualification, as part of theory and practice integration and development of required competencies in line with the qualification.

Rationale:
This qualification is intended to prepare the learner to meet the health needs of the country. Practice is focused on quality service delivery within a broad spectrum of health care services. Nurses in this category will assume responsibility for the broad scope of burden of disease (Communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS, Malaria; and Non- communicable diseases such as Diabetes mellitus, Hypertension) in the health care service. The new health care system including National Health Insurance and Primary Health Care Re-engineering places increased demands on the nursing profession, therefore there is a need to educate and train more general nurses to meet the demands in the country.

The qualification is in line with the current higher education landscape and the health care systems in the country. The qualification is aligned to the Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework (HEQSF), the new nursing qualifications and the new scope of practice for general nurses as outlined by the South African Nursing Council (SANC). The qualification is accredited by both SANC and Council on Higher Education (CHE). The learner who has successfully completed this qualification has a significant contribution to make in the current situation of human resources for health in South Africa, taking into consideration the current shortage of of nurses and doctors in the country. The practice of this general nurse is focused on service delivery within a broad spectrum of health services and in a variety of settings for example hospitals, community health centres, clinics and set-down facilities; both in urban and rural areas. The learners are placed in accredited clinical facilities in a variety of clinical learning areas throughout the qualification as part of theory and practice integration and development of required competencies.

Since these general nurses provide preventive, promotive, curative and rehabilitative health care services that will have a positive impact on the economy of the country because the province would have healthy citizens. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Learners with legacy qualifications who wish to access the qualification but do not meet the admission criteria, i.e. R2175 and R2176 will be expected to undergo the process of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) by matching their skills, knowledge and experience to specific standards and associated assessment criteria of the 3-Year Diploma in Nursing R171 qualification
Individuals who have acquired learning through life or work experiences, formal or non-formal education, can be assessed and subsequently awarded credit for access to a nursing education qualification at this institution.

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

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5 and 6 totalling 364 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Integrated Anatomy and Physiology, 8 Credits.
  • Applied Physics and Chemistry, 8 Credits.
  • Basic Nursing Care, 32 Credits.
  • Community Health Nursing, 32 Credits.
  • Introductory Psychology-Sociology, 8 Credits.
  • Foundations of Nursing Science, 32 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 244 Credits:
  • Integrated Anatomy and Physiology, 8 Credits.
  • Communicable Diseases Child, 28 Credits.
  • Communicable Diseases Adult, 28 Credits.
  • Non-Communicable Disease Child, 28 Credits.
  • Non-Communicable Disease Adult, 28 Credits.
  • Community and Reproductive Health, 32 Credits.
  • Community Health Nursing, 36 Credits.
  • Professional Development and Leadership, 28 Credits.
  • Health Unit Management, 28 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply knowledge of natural and biological sciences in the practice of nursing.
    2. Apply knowledge of psychosocial 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 healthcare to promote and maintain optimum health of individuals and families. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Discuss anatomy and physiology in caring for the healthcare user.
  • Apply knowledge of microbiology, epidemiology, prevention and control of infection in caring for the healthcare user.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of human anatomy and physiology with specific reference to terminology, planes of the body and body cavities, musculoskeletal system, respiratory system, cardiovascular system (blood, heart, vessels) and lymphatic system.
  • Apply knowledge of human anatomy and physiology in the provision of nursing care to individuals of all age groups.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply knowledge of psychology and sociology in ways which benefit the quality of healthcare delivered to healthcare 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 emergencies accordingly.
  • Deal with emotional demands of nursing practice with effectively.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply knowledge of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics in nursing practice within the applicable scope of practice.
  • Prescribe, control, dispense and administer medications in various healthcare settings within legislative requirements.
  • Provide nursing care in terms of legal aspects and nurse's roles in drug therapy that include prescription, controlling and dispensing of medications.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Provide preventive, promotive, curative and rehabilitative nursing care to different age groups in various healthcare settings.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Render nursing care within an ethical, legal framework.
  • Apply knowledge of the legal and ethical framework of nursing in terms of the character and nature of Nursing; evolution of nursing- historic trends, and Nursing as a profession.
  • Define the ethical basis of the profession of Nursing and the role of multidisciplinary team.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Use and maintain healthcare information systems in the practice of nursing.
  • Apply knowledge and understanding of health information systems in respect of Computer literacy; health statistics; record keeping; legislation and legal requirements.

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

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Promote and maintain the optimum health of individuals and families through the provision of reproductive healthcare.
  • Apply knowledge of reproductive health care in respect of contraception and family planning;
    legislation and governance relevant to contraception and family planning; prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections; management of male and female reproductive health needs/problems and monitoring of growth and development of children.

    Integrated Assessment:
    There are two types of assessments: Formative and Summative.

    Formative includes:
  • Written tests.
  • Assignment.
  • Oral examination.
  • Group work.
  • Simulation.
  • Demonstration on life patients/clients.
  • Clinical assessment.
  • Group work.
  • Projects.
  • Workbooks.
  • Portfolio of evidence.
  • Journal.

    Summative includes:
  • Written examination.
  • Objective and Subjective Clinical Assessment (OSCA). 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    South Africa is an active member of both the International Council of Nurses (ICN) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO), member of the African Union (AU), formally the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Commonwealth. The proposed qualification would meet recognition requirements in most of the member countries of these organisations and throughout Sub-Saharan Africa.

    South Africa accepts qualified nurses from other countries, e.g. Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Zambia and Namibia. South African registered nurses are also offered employment in the above mentioned countries.

    Zimbabwe and Kenya offer a three year diploma qualification (Diploma in Nursing), leading to registration as a nurse. In the United States of America (USA), a three year diploma qualification leads to registration as a registered nurse and credits can be carried towards registering for a Degree.

    In the United Kingdom (UK), the Diploma in Nursing, is a qualification for two years, leading to registration as a general nurse after writing licensing examinations.

    The Job Training Institute in Australia offers a 3-year Diploma of Nursing for learners wishing to pursue a career in the Health Care Industry, in sectors such as Acute Care, Rehabilitation, Community Council. The Diploma of Nursing includes 400 hours of compulsory clinical placement and practical skills acquisition to equip learners for a career in the Health Care Industry.

    Comparison of Qualification:
    In recognition of the reality of globalisation of nursing and nursing personnel, the International Council of Nurses (ICN) (2001) recommended 'global' competencies for the generalist nurse.
    The ICN further differentiates between what they refer to as a first and second level nurse. The first level nurse refers to the generalist nurse or the equivalent of a staff nurse in SA. The countries offer the Diploma in Nursing which is similar to this qualification in that it prepares learners for registration as nurses. 

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

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

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Midwifery, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Medical and Surgical Nursing Science, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Nursing, NQF 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.
     
    1. LIMPOPO 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.