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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Nursing 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
116606  Higher Certificate in Nursing 
ORIGINATOR
STRIVING MIND 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  2020-03-26  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:
This qualification serves to provide learners with the basic knowledge, affective, cognitive, conceptual tools and practical techniques for additional higher education in nursing. The knowledge emphasises general principles and their application in provision of basic 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 will recognise the skill required to identify own strengths, issues and development areas and work in a systemic way to develop self-awareness, improve skills and continuously improve practice.

Rationale:
A first-level nurse, capable of delivering skilled primary nursing care, is essential to health care in a variety of settings. The qualification shall promote Primary Health Care, which is one of the cornerstones of the rural areas health objectives. Learners will be equipped with knowledge and skills to provide nursing care in hospitals, community health care centres, hospices and Non-Governmental sectors. The learner will work under the supervision of a nurse with a National Diploma or Degree in Nursing and within the relevant legal and ethical parameters.

The competence of this qualification will be in line with the recommendation of the Human Resources report (Pick Report), which recommend the expansion of that nurse training to include essential skills needed in the community.

The Department of Health is currently attempting to provide best practices for all with the aim of implementation of the National Health system. Clinics, community health centres and frail care centres, especially in rural areas, are increasing in size to accommodate the National Health system. Staffing of this category is a significant problem both in townships and rural areas. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution considers access to RPL under the following circumstances:
  • If learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements.
  • Learners wanting to access higher certificate and have gained entry into the nursing field at lower NQF level.
  • Learners with advance learning (previous studies) during which they may have completed relevant modules, unit standards or learning outcomes contained in Higher Certificate in Nursing programme, may receive credits for such modules.

    The formal RPL process includes selection and assessment.
  • Learners will receive advice in terms of modules, unit standards and learning outcomes.
  • Apply in writing to the registration officer of the institution.
  • Learners will receive advice and assistance to compile the necessary evidence in preparation for assessment for RPL.
  • Learner submits the relevant documents for consideration of admission.
  • The institution examines the documents for authenticity and selection made for those who qualify for admission into the qualification.
  • Plan and prepare for the assessment, which will include the necessary resources, forms and venue.
  • Prepare the learner for the assessment by explicitly explaining the assessment details, such as the purpose, process and appeal process.
  • Assess a combination of integrated methods such as evaluation of the portfolio for evidence, practical examination, theory examination, projects and demonstrations if they are sufficient, current, relevant and authentic. The learner may undergo an interview.
  • Evaluate the RPL assessment achievements against prescribed standards.
  • Determine whether standard learning outcomes were achieved.
  • Credit the learner for the knowledge and skills gained from previous experience.
  • Record all findings and making recommendations to the moderator.
  • Learners may appeal if not satisfied with the outcome of the decision

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with Life Sciences and Mathematics/Mathematical Literacy.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with Biology and Mathematics. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory at National Qualifications Framework Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Scientific Foundations of Nursing, 16 Credits.
  • Ethics and Professional Practice, 4 Credits.
  • Basic Nursing Care, 12 Credits.
  • Social Sciences, 4 Credits.
  • Community Health Nursing, 12 Credits.
  • Work Integrated Learning, 72 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 content.
    3. Use the scientific nursing approach to address the basic needs of individuals and groups in a various health care setting.
    4. Demonstrate appropriate methods 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:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of macro body structure and functioning by the nursing care provided, in accordance with the relevant scope of practice.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of 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.
  • Write clear, relevant and unambiguous communication.
  • Ensure that non-verbal communication is congruent with oral communication.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Implement and evaluate individual and/or group health care plans across the health-illness continuum in collaboration with other members of the health care team.
  • Correctly apply information obtained from continuous monitoring of responses to nursing interventions to the individual or group.
  • Appropriate emergency care and First Aid principles in respect of:
    > Treatment of injuries and accidents.
    > Basic life support is applied.

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

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

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

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative assessment includes tests, portfolio of evidence, supervised procedures and objective structured clinical evaluation (OSCE).

    Summative assessment include clinical and written assessment respectfully.

    During a placement at clinical facilities, learners will undergo supervised clinical assessment by clinical preceptors during which time they will perform procedures on life patients and given feedback about the procedure and corrective counselling. Remedial follow up will be done where a learner is found not to be yet competent.

    Clinical portfolio of evidence with procedures will be given to learners for completion during their clinical exposure. The institution conducts an OSCE comprising 10-minute stations to assess theory and practical integration objectively.

    A final examination mark of 50% is required to pass the final theory and OSCE examinations respectfully. The year mark contributes 50%, and the examination mark contributes 50% towards the final mark.

    The mathematical calculation of the final mark is Relative number/whole number X 100.
    The institution grants supplementary theoretical and OSCE to a learner who gets 45%-49% in the final examination (theory and WIL). 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares favourably with the following international qualifications in terms of the focus on knowledge and practical experience in primary health care:

    In Australia, The Health Careers International offers the Certificate in Health Services Assistant. The focus of the qualification is to 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. The qualification is for prospective workers who will assist health professional staff with the care of clients; this certification course is a great way to get started in the healthcare industry. As a nursing assistant, learners are directly involved in client contact under supervision which is similar to the South African qualification.

    In the United States, it is called Nursing Assistant Qualification, the focus of this qualification is on health and wellness (preventative and promotive health), rehabilitation nursing and community nursing which is a similar purpose of the South African qualification. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Dental Assisting, 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. STRIVING MIND 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.