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: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
123242  Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health 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
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0628/24  2024-11-21  2027-11-21 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-11-21   2031-11-21  

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 
The purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing is to develop a specialist nurse who can demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in mental health nursing as a speciality. It will enable the Mental Health Nurse Specialists to undertake advanced reflection and development by means of engaging in evidence-based practice in their field. The qualification will develop Mental Health Nurse Specialists who will use expert knowledge to enhance quality and safe mental health care which will include preventive and promotive, screening, appropriate management, and prompt referral of mental health care users with specific and complex mental illnesses in all clinical settings. This qualification will also provide a high level of theoretical engagement, sound clinical judgement, intellectual independence and the ability to apply knowledge to a range of contexts to render professional and competent mental health care.

This qualification considers the Primary Health Care (PHC) approach to mental health care, to contribute towards strengthening healthcare systems through the delivery of comprehensive, high quality and safe mental health nursing services.
The curriculum is competency-based and has a strong component of work-integrated learning. Learners will be placed in a variety of mental health clinical learning sites throughout the qualification, as part of work-integrated learning to facilitate the integration of theory to practice and the development of the required competencies in line with the requirements of the relevant statutory professional bodies.

The curriculum content is structured such that it will equip the learners with the competencies in various skills as well as optimal hands-on learning opportunities to assist in the provision of mental healthcare nursing in various mental healthcare settings to address the mental health needs of the country within the competencies of the Mental Health Nurse Specialist. The qualification utilizes learner-centred approaches in teaching and learning, aimed at providing the specialist nurse with a wide range of skills, knowledge and attitudes which will promote the culture of lifelong learning and continuing professional development.

Rationale:
According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), one in six South Africans suffer from anxiety, depression, or substance-use problems. Furthermore, 40% of people living with HIV have been diagnosed with a mental disorder. With respect to human resources, there is a substantial shortage of mental health workforce, especially Mental Health Nurse Specialists who would benefit individuals with advanced mental health conditions, their families, groups, and communities.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health identified training of Nurse Specialists, including Mental Health Nurse Specialists as a priority area to bridge the nursing human resource skills gap and provide the much-needed nursing specialist services. The qualification responds to specific departmental needs.

The qualification intends to address the health care needs aimed at preparing Mental Health Nurse Specialists with the knowledge, skills, and professional values for advocating for the prevention of mental illness and promoting mental health care needs of the population, across their lifespan from birth to old age. Learners will function within the approved scope of practice as specified by the South African Nursing Council (SANC), complemented by the policies and procedures of the institution of employment. The context will include all kinds of health establishments. Mental Health provisions in South Africa are currently supported by the White Paper for the Transformation of the Health System in South Africa (1997), National Mental Health Policy Framework and Strategic Plan 2013-2020 and Primary Health Care (PHC) Re-engineering Policy (2010), to ensure that mental healthcare services are accessible, equitable, comprehensive and integrated at all levels including PHC; however, mental health specialists will be required to implement such provisions.

The qualification will produce a mental health specialist who is competent to serve in a dynamic healthcare system which requires healthcare professionals who can promote and provide excellent care for people with mental health challenges, their families and their community through a comprehensive, inter- and intra-professional, evidence-based approach to mental health nursing. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
The is no RPL for access to this qualification. Applicants must meet the minimum entry requirements, which is a basic qualification in nursing and midwifery as it forms the basis to build into specialization.

This is a specialisation, a professional qualification designed for nurses who have obtained a basic qualification through undergraduate degrees or advanced diplomas. A National Senior Certificate is a minimum requirement to access the undergraduate qualification. Applicants would therefore have a National Senior Certificate and one or more of the undergraduate qualifications in nursing.

The candidate shall be granted credits and exempted from modules passed in an accredited qualification. An application must be submitted according to the RPL policy of the college review.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Advanced Diploma in Occupational Health Nursing, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Health Management, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Nursing, NQF Level 7.
    And
  • A minimum of two years' experience as a nurse including community service experience.
  • Registration with SANC as a Nurse and Midwife/General Nurse with Midwifery/Professional Nurse and Midwife. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 128 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 128 Credits.
  • Foundations of Mental Health Nursing, 16 Credits.
  • Mental Health Nursing Adult, 24 Credits.
  • Community-Oriented Mental Health, 24 Credits.
  • Nursing Research, 16 Credits.
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist Role, 16 Credits.
  • Contemporary Issues in Mental Health, 8 Credits.
  • Mental Health Nursing Child, 24 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1 Demonstrate the ability to practice and facilitate mental health care within the ethical-legal parameters of the profession and resolve professional-ethical dilemmas by using decision-making and moral reasoning models.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to apply the knowledge of evidence-based practice to solve contextual problems and develop policies and guidelines.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to appraise and develop self, peers, and nurse specialist learners by facilitating self-directedness and lifelong learning.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to facilitate advocacy for the profession and provide specialist professional support for personnel, mental health care users, families, and communities.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to engage in planning, commissioning, and managing a mental health care unit.
    6. Demonstrate the ability to engage in scholarly activities to inform evidence-based practice.
    7. Demonstrate the ability to utilize, manage and communicate data to support decision-making and research.
    8. Demonstrate the ability to render and coordinate patient-centred mental health nursing within a continuum of care using the scientific approach, integrating biomedical and psychosocial sciences including advanced pharmacology.
    9. Demonstrate the ability to mobilise appropriate resources to implement standards of practice relevant to mental health nursing to ensure quality patient care and safety.
    10. Collaborate within the mental health inter- and intra-professional team by engaging in health dialogue, shared leadership, decision making and sound clinical judgement.
    11. Demonstrate the ability to participate in the design, development, implementation and evaluation of mental health nursing policies, programmes, and projects at a provincial or national level.
    12. Demonstrate the ability to develop and implement institutional policies, protocols, and guidelines in mental health care, utilising the process of change management in the improvement of quality of care.

    Associated Assessment Criteria
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Conform to the relevant code of ethics in the practice of specialist nursing.
  • Use critical decision-making, and moral reasoning models and principles to make clinical judgements and resolve ethical dilemmas within the specialist practice.
  • Be accountable for own professional judgement, actions, outcomes of specialist care provided and continued competence.
  • Identify and apply the relevant current legislation, policies, regulations, and guidelines pertaining to specialist practice.
  • Document accurately, comprehensively, and timeously all care activities considering the legal requirements for record-keeping.
  • Examine the nurse specialist's role in the management of professional misconduct and risks taking into consideration the institutional protocols, protocols, and ethical-legal framework.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Engage in specialist practice and the process of evidence-based practice.
  • Apply the evidence-based specialist practice by considering the appropriate methodology of gathering evidence for practice.
  • Use evidence-based practice and critically analyse the various levels of evidence.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply leadership skills, leadership styles, principles, and theories of health services management.
  • Effectively facilitate Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for self and others for lifelong learning by creating a positive learning climate in the workplace through the processes of mentorship, preceptorship, supervision, performance appraisal, etc.
  • Engage in the performance appraisal and explain the purpose and processes of the performance management and development system.
  • Utilise feedback gained from self-reflection, peers, learners, management, and other relevant stakeholders to improve effectiveness in the specialist role.
  • Discuss the various risk factors that impact health and wellness within the workplace and apply strategies to care for self, peers, employees, and learners.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Discuss the purpose of advocacy and examine the roles of a nurse specialist practice.
  • Apply advocacy principles to ensure safe and quality care in various healthcare settings.
  • Use appropriate communication skills and channels in facilitating advocacy.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Discuss the classification level of the respective specialist units.
  • Allocate tasks by considering the burden of diseases and priority services as determined by current events.
  • Participate in the evaluation of the existing specialist unit and develop guidelines for provisioning a specialist unit.
  • Engage in planning and commissioning and discuss the role and responsibilities in the task within the inter and intra-professional team.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Practice in the respective specialisation and conduct appropriate search engines and databases for the literature review to inform evidence-based practice.
  • Use appropriate methods to generate evidence for utilisation in specialist practice, e.g. research, systematic reviews etc.
  • Conduct the peer-reviewed journals and use them for sharing of evidence.
  • Base activities in the specialist practice on scientifically proven evidence.
  • Actively participate in inter and intra-professional dialogues, debates, or discourses in quality improvement.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Document all data/information gathered in the context of the specialist practice for utilisation and storage in accordance with the set standards.
  • Utilise the comprehensive data, information, and emerging evidence pertinent to the respective specialist practice.
  • Identify the problem diagnoses and explore the opportunities for improvement based on the evidence gathered.
  • Critically analyse assessment data from the patients/clients, families, and communities, including current scientific evidence.
  • Document the comprehensive data, respect for intellectual property and avoid plagiarism.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Reflect on the position of own specialist service within the health care system.
  • Apply the full range of services within mental health practice.
  • Render and integrate promotive, preventive, curative, rehabilitative and palliative care in a healthcare continuum.
  • Render mental health care in accordance with national and international standards and protocols of mental health nursing.
  • Formulate mental health nursing diagnoses congruent with the mental health care user's (MHCU) clinical manifestations/data based on accurate analysis and interpretation of data obtained from scientific, laboratory, diagnostic, technological and psycho-sociocultural assessment including consultation of relevant/current literature/evidence.
  • Plan individualised mental health nursing interventions considering MHCU's needs, values, beliefs, preferences, culture, and contextual variables, for example, disease burden, health risks, national priorities, etc.
  • Plan mental health nursing interventions based on formulated nursing diagnoses, and application of specialised knowledge and skills (competencies) including advanced pharmacology in collaboration with the inter- and intra-professional team.
  • Implement timeously, accurately, safely, and effectively the planned mental health nursing interventions in accordance with set evidenced-based standards, guidelines, protocols, algorithms etc. for mental health nursing.
  • Plan health care interventions in collaboration with the MHCU, family and relevant members of the health care team.
  • Prepare nursing interventions for MHCUs, families, and nurses in the lower-level care for continued care in the hospital and community in accordance with the health status and health literacy of the MHCU.
  • Document and revise timeously and effectively mental health nursing interventions based on critical analysis of the monitoring and evaluation data and reaching a sound clinical judgement.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Discuss the infrastructure and equipment needed in mental health care settings.
  • Operate and monitor the equipment used in mental health settings to render care.
  • Employ sound asset management principles to ensure appropriate, adequate, well-maintained and up-to-date equipment.
  • Assign staff to nurse care considering the mental health qualification and competencies, experience, standard nurse-patient ratios for mental health nursing, job description and skill mix.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Identify, share, and collaboratively solve practice problems by informed decisions and sound clinical judgement in mental health care.
  • Consult and provide holistic care in a healthcare continuum through awareness of one's competence appropriately and timeously.
  • Carry out patient referrals as dictated by the patient's condition and in accordance with the referral guidelines appropriately and timeously.
  • Participate in mental health inter- and intra-professional teams and promote, visible and recognise the team members.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:
  • Identify the steps in and/ or levels of the development of policies, programmes, and projects.
  • Analyse own role and responsibilities within the mental health inter- and intra-professional policy/project team.
  • Participate in policy development, programme and project development and advocate for the nursing profession and MHCUs, families and communities in mental health care.
  • Participate in project development and include appropriate communication (negotiation, bargaining, assertiveness, persuasion, etc.).
  • Provide timely and adequate feedback to relevant stakeholders as necessary.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 12:
  • Apply knowledge of the process and steps of development of policies, standards, guidelines, and protocols.
  • Involve the relevant and pre-determined stakeholders in the development process of policies, standards, protocols, and guidelines.
  • Use the appropriate methods in the development process and evaluation or testing of guidelines and protocols.
  • Implement the new policies, protocols, and guidelines for mental health and apply the change process.
  • Develop policies, protocols and guidelines and collaboratively revise at appropriate intervals and approve as per the institutional policy for mental health settings. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The South African (SA) qualification is recognized in some of the African and Southern African Development Community. (SADC) countries as well as in countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Holland.

    The SA qualification will maintain the same international recognition. The level and standard of the qualification are pegged at internationally accepted standards. Qualifying graduates from this qualification will be recognised by many state registration boards in different countries.

    County: Australia
    Institution: University of South Australia
    Qualification Title: Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing
    NQF Level: AQF level 8
    Credits: 100 Credit points
    Duration: One-year full time

    Entry Requirements:
    Applicants must have:
  • Completed a Bachelor of Nursing, or equivalent qualification (i.e. Master of Nursing Science entry to practice).
    and
  • Current unrestricted registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
    and
  • Current employment and clinical support in a mental health speciality area.

    Purpose:
    The Graduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing Practice is designed to extend nursing knowledge and develop depth and complexity in the understanding of mental health.
    The qualification was created in response to the growing need for specialist nurses with excellence in mental health, this entirely online course is based on the National Framework for Postgraduate Mental Health Nursing Education developed by the Australian College of Mental Health Nursing. This qualification is designed for current AHPRA Registered Nurses looking to specialise in mental health nursing.

    This qualification provides learners with the opportunity to focus on specialities in aged mental health, first-episode psychosis, child or youth mental health, or acute/adult mental health nursing. It is relevant to current practice and prepares learners for a fulfilling career as a specialist mental health nurse. Successful learners can progress into the Master of Advanced Nursing Practice.

    Qualification: structure:
    The qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules. To gain the qualification learners must complete 100 credit points comprising of:
  • Six 12.5 credit point core subjects
  • Two 6.25 credit point core subjects
  • One elective subject.

    Compulsory Modules
  • Foundations of Mental Health Nursing, 12.5 Credit points compared to Foundations of Mental Health Nursing.
  • Foundations of Mental Health Nursing, 12.5 Credit points compared to Foundations of Mental Health Nursing.
  • Assessment in Mental Health Nursing I, 12.5 Credit points.
  • Assessment in Mental Health Nursing II, 12.5 Credit points.
  • Psychopharmacology, 12.5 Credit points.
  • Consumer Perspective: Theory and Practice, 12.5 Credit points.
  • Advanced Therapeutic Skills I, 12.5 Credit points.
  • Advanced Therapeutic Skills II,.25 Credit points.
  • Mental Health Nursing Practice 16 Credit points compared to Foundations of Mental Health Nursing.
  • Mental Health Nursing Practice I, 6.25 Credit points compared to Foundations of Mental Health Nursing.
  • Mental Health Nursing Practice II, 6.25 Credit points compared to Foundations of Mental Health Nursing.
  • Evidence in Practice, 12.5 Credit points.

    Elective Modules (complete 1 elective module):
  • Health Assessment for Advanced Practice1II, 12.5 Credit points.
  • Health Assessment for Advanced PracticeI,12.5 Credit points.
  • Advanced Nursing Practice in Context I,12.5 Credit points.
  • Advanced Nursing Practice in Context II,12.5 Credit points.
  • Applied Pathophysiology,12.5 Credit points.
  • Advanced Trauma Perspectives I,12.5 Credit points.
  • Advanced Trauma Perspectives II,12.5 Credit points.
  • Domestic and Family Violence,12.5 Credit points

    Similarities:
  • The University of South Australia (UniSA) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over one year of full-time study.
  • Both qualifications are registered at Level 8 on the AQF and SANQF.
  • Both qualifications prepare learners for a fulfilling career as a specialist mental health nurse.
  • Both qualifications require applicants who complete a Bachelor of Nursing, or equivalent qualification and Current unrestricted registration with AHPRA and SANC; and
  • Current employment and clinical support in a mental health speciality area.
  • Both qualifications will enable learners to employ specialist nursing knowledge and skills to conduct comprehensive mental health assessments and develop meaningful formulations.
  • Graduates from both qualifications will be able to progress into the Master's degree in Nursing Practice or equivalent.

    Differences:
  • The UniSA qualification carries 100 credit points whereas the SA qualification carries 120 credits.
  • The UniSA qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules whereas the SA qualification consists of compulsory modules and no electives.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: University of Essex
    Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Global Mental Health and Wellbeing
    NQF Level: Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 7
    Credits: 120
    Duration: 16 months part-time online only

    Entry Requirements:
  • Undergraduate degree from an approved institution, equivalent to a UK Honours degree, or a relevant professional qualification
    And
  • At least three years of relevant work experience within a mental health/health and social care field.

    Purpose:
    The qualification was designed with a specific focus on employability. Upon graduation, learners will have the skills and experience required to pursue a career as a Mentor, Coach, Manager, Mental Health Lead or Wellbeing Adviser. With further training, learners could also become Specialist Nurses, Specialist Mental Health Practitioners or Health Service Managers. Additionally, learners may wish to further their studies with the Master of Science in Global Mental Health and Wellbeing.

    The qualification is assessed through a series of assignments by engaging in discussion forums throughout the modules, completing reflective journal entries, delivering live presentations and submitting longer written pieces.

    Qualification structure
    The qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Introduction to Global Mental Health and Wellbeing, 20 credits compared to Foundations of Mental Health Nursing.
  • Epidemiology, 20 credits
  • Mental Health over the Life Course, 20 credits compared to Mental Health Nursing Adult
  • Global Policy and Ethics in Mental Health, 20 credits
  • Contemporary Issues in Mental Health and Wellbeing, 20 credits compared to Contemporary Issues in Mental Health.

    Elective Modules (Select one module from the following options):
  • Advanced Practice in Healthcare, 20 credits.
  • Specialist Topics in Mental Health, 20 credits compared to Clinical Nurse Specialist Role
  • Dementia in Contemporary Society, 20 credits compared to. Contemporary Issues in Mental Health and Contemporary Issues in Mental Health.

    Similarities:
  • The University of Essex (UE) and the South African (SA) qualifications require learners who completed a bachelor's degree in the related fields.
  • Both qualifications consist of a minimum of 120 credits.
  • Both qualifications share a similar purpose to equip learners with the skills and knowledge needed to take a proactive approach to managing and supporting mental health, focusing on real-world issues such as mental health in the workplace and at various life stages.
  • The UE and SA qualifications progress to a master's degree in a cognate field.
  • The assessment strategies are similar for both qualifications.

    Differences:
  • The UE qualification is registered at RQF Level 7 whereas the SA qualification is registered at SA NQF Level 8.
  • The UE qualification is offered over 16 months part-time online only and no contact mode while the SA qualification is offered over twelve months full-time.
  • The UE qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules whereas the SA qualification consists of compulsory modules and no electives. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Nursing, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Nursing, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Philosophy in Community Mental Health, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Social Science (Community Mental Health Promotion), NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Philosophy in Liaison Mental Health, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Philosophy in Public Mental Health, NQF Level 9.

    Diagonal Articulation
    There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification. 
    		•

    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.