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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Adult Critical Care Nursing 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
123342  Postgraduate Diploma in Adult Critical Care Nursing 
ORIGINATOR
MEDICLINIC (Pty) Ltd 
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 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in Adult Critical Care Nursing is to provide Registered General/Professional Nurses with a career path as well as specialised and managerial skills. These nurses will focus on one area which will add to their depth of knowledge and skills to become experts in providing specialised and comprehensive critical care nursing to critically ill adult patients and managing the critical care unit for adults with expert knowledge. The qualification intends to reduce the shortage of critical care nurses in South Africa.

Rationale:
There is a worldwide shortage of skilled specialist nurses. The critical care unit for adult patients is one of the affected areas in the South African hospitals. There is a dire need for trained critical care nurses to provide specialised and comprehensive critical care to critically ill patients.

This qualification will produce skilled nurses with the sought-after critical care nursing skills. This qualification provides a career path for Registered General Nurses and Professional Nurses who want to stay in a clinical context and would like to specialise in critical care nursing.

The sector requires qualified perioperative nurses to fill the vacant posts; improve practice, and train other nurses in the critical care nursing environment. Trained critical care nurses can progress to managerial posts or enter the higher education and training environment.

The qualification will also benefit the graduate as he/she will be a sought-after specialised critical care nurse. Society will benefit due to the specialised critical care nursing the critically ill and compromised patient will receive. Registered/ professional nurses of all ages, genders, and races will get an opportunity to better their careers. An advantage to the economy is that skilled staff will be able to work in the critical care units of the private and public sectors.

The International Council of Nurses (ICN) has developed the criteria and standards for the education, practice and regulation of specialist Nurse/Midwifery practice and these include:
  • Education for nursing speciality practice is a formally recognised programme of study built upon education required for qualification as a registered/licensed nurse and providing the content and experience to ensure competency in speciality practice.
  • Preparation and authorisation are in accordance with the scope of practice and the education and regulatory policies and practices for post-basic specialists in other professions.
  • The domains of the revised ICN Framework and Competencies for the Generalist Nurse should be used to guide the process of identifying core nurse specialist competencies.

    The core competencies identified for Specialist Nurses include:
  • Be the expert in clinical knowledge and skills for complex decision-making abilities.
  • Attain clinical competencies for expanded practice, the characteristics of which are shaped by the context and/or country in which she/he has the credentials to practice.
  • Have the appropriate credentials to practice autonomously.

    In addition, the following criteria are considered essential and should underpin the nurse/midwifery speciality practice. Specialist Nurse Practice needs to:
  • Practise as a nurse.
  • Adhere to the foundational registration of a Professional Nurse.
  • Be sufficiently complex and advanced beyond the scope of a general professional nurse.
  • Exist due to a demand and need for the speciality.
  • Focus on a recurring problem that lies within the nursing discipline.
  • Be based on a core body of nursing/midwifery knowledge, refined by research.
  • Have established educational and practice standards.
  • Have expertise obtained through approved professional advanced educational programmes administered by a Nurse.
  • Have financial and human resources available to support the programme accredited by the profession.
  • Ensure that specialist practitioners are organised and represented in interest groups/associations/societies.

    The development and design of the qualification adheres to the standards and competencies advocated by the (ICN) and which specialist nurses need to acquire. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will be granted in accordance with the specific institutional requirements/policy and procedure, in agreement with the relevant Statutory Council. The application for RPL/CAT must be in writing to the institution.

    RPL for access:
  • Recognition of prior learning access to the qualification is open, conditional to the minimum admission requirements, learning assumed to be in place and student access to a facility that will enable clinical practice to take place under recognised supervision.
  • Evidence may be presented in a variety of forms, including previous international or local qualifications, reports, testimonials, mentoring, well-structured and credible Portfolio of Evidence (PoE), work records and performance appraisals.
  • Only learners whose prior learning has been assessed and validated by means of a well-structured and credible Portfolio of Evidence may be granted RPL to access the programme.
  • A maximum of 10% of a cohort of students, per intake, will be admitted through an RPL process.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Advanced Diploma in Critical Care Nursing, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Trauma and Emergency Nursing, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Nursing Science, NQF Level 7.
    And
  • Registered professional nurse with the South African Nursing Council (SANC).
  • Two years' post-basic experience as a Professional Nurse / General Nurse and Midwife.
  • At least one year of experience in the field of Adult Critical Care Nursing within the last five years (excludes the Community Service year). 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits:
  • Professional Practice, 8 Credits.
  • Specialist Unit Management, 8 Credits.
  • Critical Care Nursing: Adult I, 38 Credits.
  • Critical Care Nursing: Adult II, 58 Credits.
  • Nursing Research Practice, 8 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the ability to practice and facilitate specialist nursing within the ethical-legal parameters of the decision-making and moral reasoning models.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to apply the knowledge of basic research methodology in the appraisal of articles in the specialist field and facilitate evidence-based practice in the specialist field 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 or leadership and lifelong learning.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to facilitate advocacy for the profession and provision of specialist professional support for personnel, patients or clients, families, and communities.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to engage in planning, commissioning, and managing a specialist 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 co-ordinate patient-centred specialist 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 the area of specialisation, to ensure quality patient care and safety.
    10. Demonstrate the ability to collaborate within the inter-professional team by engaging in health dialogue, shared leadership, decision-making and sound clinical judgment.
    11. Demonstrate the ability to participate in the design, development, implementation and evaluation of nursing policies, programmes, and projects.
    12. Demonstrate the ability to develop and implement institutional policies, protocols, and guidelines in the area of specialisation, utilizing the process of change management in 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.
  • Apply critical decision-making and moral reasoning models and principles to make clinical judgements and resolve ethical dilemmas within Adult Critical Care Nursing.
  • Be accountable for own professional judgement, actions, outcomes of specialist care, nursing education or health services management provided and continued competence.
  • Apply relevant current legislation, policies, protocols, regulations, directives, and guidelines pertaining to specialist practice in Adult Critical Care Nursing.
  • Accurately, comprehensively, and timeously document all care activities considering the legal requirements for record keeping.
  • Apply knowledge of the nurse specialist's role in the management of Professional misconduct and risks taking into consideration the institutional protocols, and ethical-legal framework.
  • Apply professional ethical and legal frameworks to guide the practice of Adult Critical Care Nursing.
  • Practice and facilitate advocacy for the rights and best interests of the patient.
  • Observe ethical codes, professional accountability, responsibility, confidentiality, and standards for the practice of patient care in the various specialities.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Engage in specialist practice and apply the process of evidence-based practice.
  • Apply evidence-based specialist practice considering the appropriate methodology of gathering evidence for practice, education, and management, for example, systematic or scoping reviews, appraisal of articles, practice-based research and publication.
  • Use evidence-based practice, nursing education and health service management and critically analyse the various levels of evidence.
  • Integrate safe, effective and efficient practice evidence-based practice in research findings.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Effectively facilitate Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for self and others and lifelong learning by creating a positive learning climate in the workplace through the processes of mentorship, preceptorship, supervision, and performance appraisal.
  • Discuss the purpose and processes of the performance management and development system when engaging in performance appraisal.
  • Utilise feedback from self-reflection, peers, learners, and management to improve effectiveness in the specialist role.
  • Identify and apply 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:
  • Explain the purpose of the advocacy role for 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.
  • Lobby and/or participate in interest groups to influence legislation and policy affecting the role performance.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Analyse the levels and/or classification of the respective specialist units.
  • Commission task taking into consideration the burden of diseases and priority services as determined by current events.
  • Participate in the evaluation of the existing specialist unit by applying the guidelines for provisioning a specialist unit.
  • Discuss the role and responsibilities in planning and commissioning within the inter and intra-professional team.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Apply understanding and practice of appropriate search engines and databases for literature review to inform evidence-based practice in the respective specialisations.
  • Use appropriate methods to generate evidence for utilisation in specialist practice (e.g. research, systematic reviews etc).
  • Use peer-reviewed journals for sharing evidence.
  • Base the activities in the specialist practice, education, and health services management on scientifically proven evidence.
  • Actively participate in inter and intra-professional dialogues, debates, or discourses in quality improvement.
  • Appraise research articles in specialist fields through the application of basic knowledge of research methodology.
  • Accurately differentiate between qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method research designs.
  • Utilize, manage, and communicate data to support decision-making and research.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Gather documents and data/information in the context of the specialist practice for utilisation and storage in accordance with the set standards.
  • Utilise comprehensive data, information, and emerging evidence pertinent to the respective specialist practice.
  • Identify and diagnose the problem and opportunities for improvement based on gathered and critically analysed assessment data from the patients/clients, families, communities, learners, or employees including current scientific evidence.
  • Respect intellectual property and avoid plagiarism.
  • Apply academic writing skills in research reports.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Examine the position of own specialist service within the health care system.
  • Apply the full range of services within the nurse or midwife specialist area of practice.
  • Render and integrate promotive, preventive, curative, rehabilitative and palliative care in the specialist care healthcare continuum.
  • Apply knowledge, skill, and attitudes in rendering specialist care in accordance with national and international standards and protocols of the specialist field.
  • Accurately base formulated nursing or midwifery diagnoses with the patients/clients' clinical manifestations/data analysis and interpretation of data obtained from scientific, laboratory, diagnostic, technological and psycho-sociocultural assessment including consultation of relevant/current literature/evidence.
  • Plan individualised nursing or midwifery interventions considering patients/clients' needs, values, beliefs, preferences, culture, and contextual variables, for example, disease burden, health risks, and national priorities.
  • Plan nursing or midwifery interventions based on formulated nursing diagnoses and the application of specialised knowledge and skills (competencies) including advanced pharmacology in collaboration with the inter- and intra-professional team.
  • Plan and implement nursing or midwifery interventions timeously, accurately, safely, and effectively and in accordance with set evidenced-based standards, guidelines, protocols, algorithms etc. specific to the specialist field.
  • Plan health care interventions in collaboration with the patient or client, family, and relevant members of the health care team.
  • Include nursing or midwifery interventions in the preparation of patients/clients, 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 patient/client.
  • Document and revise nursing or midwifery interventions timeously based on critical analysis of the monitoring and evaluation data and reaching a sound clinical judgement.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Identify the infrastructure and equipment needed in the specific area of specialisation.
  • Render care and operate and monitor the equipment used in the specialist area.
  • Employ sound asset management principles to ensure appropriate, adequate, well-maintained and up-to-date equipment.
  • Assign staff to nurse considering the specialist qualification and its competencies, experience, standard nurse-patient ratios for the area of specialisation, job description and skill mix.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Practice problems in the specialist area are identified, shared and collaboratively solved by informed decisions and sound clinical judgement.
  • Consult and provide holistic care appropriately and timeously in a healthcare continuum through awareness of one's competence.
  • Conduct patient referrals as dictated by the patient's condition appropriately and timeously and in accordance with the referral guidelines.
  • Participate in the inter- and intra-professional team and promote visibility recognised by the members of the team.
  • Participate in the design, development, implementation and evaluation of nursing policies, programmes, and projects.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:
  • Examine the steps in and or levels of participation in the development of policies, programmes, and projects.
  • Analyse own role and responsibilities in the participation in project and policy development within the inter- and intra-professional policy/project team.
  • Participate in advocacy for the nursing profession and patients/clients, families, and communities in the specialist area and policy development, programme, and project development.
  • Participate in project development by including 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:
  • Discuss the process and or steps of development of policies, standards, guidelines and protocols.
  • Involve the relevant and pre-determined stakeholders in the process of development of policies, standards, protocols and guidelines.
  • Use the appropriate methods in the process of development and evaluation or testing of guidelines and protocols.
  • Implement the new policies, protocols and guidelines to the specialist area and apply the change process.
  • Collaboratively develop policies, protocols and guidelines, revise them at appropriate intervals and approve them as per the institutional policy for the specialist area.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT:
    The institutional, qualification and subject policies will be followed to assess learners. Assessment strategies will apply subject policy, procedures, rules, and regulations aiming towards having valid, fair, authenticated, sufficient, current, and reliable evidence to reflect the learner's knowledge and competence to apply newly acquired skills. Thus, assessment and moderation policies will apply.

    The aim of the assessment is to establish a learning environment to allow an interactive learning process to ensure learners achieve the desired outcomes, i.e. coaching learners and offering appropriate tutorials. Assessments will be formative and summative, as specified.

    Formative Assessment:
    Formative assessments will take the form of assignments, tests, examinations, case studies, and clinical assessments. Clinical assessments will include cognitive, psychomotor, and affective aspects.

    Formative assessment may be given by means of:
  • Patient case study/presentation.
  • Written assignments.
  • Projects and evidence of involvement in a research project.
  • Demonstrations.
  • Clinical assessments.
  • Portfolio of Evidence (PoE)/workbook.
  • Tests.
  • Oral presentations by individuals and project teams.
  • Direct observation in simulation and clinical environment (practice, procedures under supervision).

    A monthly progress report will be requested from the unit managers in the clinical environment to monitor competence, affective skills, and characteristics of professionalism such as honesty, integrity, reliability, and caring while the learners are placed in practice for the WIL component of the qualification. Learners must obtain at least a mark of 50% in a system of continuous assessment by the educators for the theoretical aspects and a mark of at least 70% for the clinical procedures, to be declared competent.

    Summative assessment:
    Summative assessment may be made by means of:
  • Portfolios of Evidence (PoE) / workbook.
  • Written and oral examinations, as well as projects.
  • Practical examination.

    Learners must have an average of at least 50% in a system of continuous assessment of the theoretical aspects to obtain examination admission. A mark of 70% is required for each clinical assessment to obtain examination admission for the practical component. A pass mark of 50% is required for theoretical and practical examinations to pass.

    Security and quality assurance will be done according to the institution's policies, procedures, and processes as well as the minimum requirements stipulated in the regulations of the SANC. Assessments will be aligned with the relevant Specific Exit Level Outcomes (ELOs), being guided by the associated assessment criteria. Furthermore, the principles agreed upon with the SANC will guide the assessment strategy. Assessors and internal and external moderators must be in possession of an appropriate qualification at an NQF Level above this qualification, i.e. a Master's degree.

    A minimum of 60% of assessments must be done in-real life situations. Marks will be captured using the official procedures provided by the institution. Learner disputes and appeals, in terms of assessment outcomes/results, will be settled using the relevant institution's policy. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    It is envisaged that the South African (SA) qualification will lead to registration as a nurse specialist and international employment due to the alignment of the qualification to the National Qualifications Framework.

    The International Council of Nurses (ICN) firmly places Nurse Specialist education and practice on the foundation of education and competencies of the generalist nurse practice. The ICN defines a Nurse Specialist as a nurse with "advanced education and expertise in a branch of nursing, built upon the Nurse base of competence and authority for generalist practice in all settings and branches of nursing. Specialist practice includes clinical, teaching, administration, research and consultant roles."

    The qualification was compared with similar qualifications offered in the following countries.

    Country: Canada.
    Institution: Ontario College.
    Qualification Title: Postgraduate Certificate in Critical Care Nursing.
    Duration: 1 year full-time.
    Entry requirements:
  • Applicants possessing degrees/diplomas from institutions where the language of instruction was not English will be required to provide test scores as evidence of their English language proficiency.
    And
  • Registration with the professional body as a registered nurse.
    And
  • One year of critical care nursing experience.

    Purpose:
    The qualification is offered to Registered Nurses who want to specialise in the care of stable and unstable critically ill patients The qualification has theoretical and clinical components, as well as critical cross-filed outcomes such as numeracy, critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork.

    Learning outcomes:
    On completion of the qualification, successful learners will be able to:
  • Practice within the scope of professional, legal and ethical standards, organization policies and best practices in critical care nursing.
  • Establish and maintain therapeutic relationships with patients, families and/or substitute decision-makers to optimize patient and family-centred critical care.
  • Assess, analyze and monitor data for patients with complex, multi-system problems to anticipate early deterioration in patient's condition, establish priorities and plan interventions.
  • Plan, implement, evaluate and document specialized nursing interventions to achieve optimal patient outcomes in potential or actual life-threatening illness and end-of-life situations.
  • Advocate for and deliver patient and family-centred care to patients/families experiencing potential or actual life-threatening illness and end-of-life situations.
  • Collaborate with members of the inter-professional health care team in providing care for patients experiencing potential or actual life-threatening illness and end-of-life situations to achieve continuity of care and optimal patient outcomes.
  • Use evidence-based research and best practice guidelines to inform and adapt critical care nursing practice.
  • Use strategies and available resources to respond to environmental, physical and psychosocial stressors affecting self and others in the critical care setting.
  • Engage in reflective practice and ongoing professional development to enhance competence in critical care nursing.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of the following 12 compulsory modules:
  • Physiological Concepts of Critical Care I comparable to Critical Care Nursing (Adult) I.
  • Physiological Concepts of Critical Care II comparable to Critical Care Nursing: Adult II.
  • Basic Cardiac Arrhythmias.
  • Hemodynamic Monitoring.
  • Coronary Care Nursing.
  • Gastrointestinal Nursing.
  • Renal Nursing.
  • Pulmonary Nursing.
  • Neurological Nursing.
  • Professional Issues in Critical Care comparable to Professional Practice.
  • Safety in the Workplace.
  • Field Placement (RN Critical Care Nursing) comparable to Critical Care Nursing: Adult.

    Similarities:
  • The Ontario College (OC) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over 1 year of full-time study.
  • Both qualifications require applicants who hold bachelor's degrees/diplomas in nursing and registered professional nurses with the professional body and have at least one year of critical care nursing experience.
  • The OC and SA qualifications share similar purposes and learning outcomes.
  • Both qualifications consist of compulsory modules.

    Country: Australia.
    Institution: Deakin University.
    Qualification Title: Graduate Diploma in Critical Care Nursing.
    NQF Level: Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 8.
    Credits: 100.
    Duration: 2 years part-time.
    Entry requirements:
  • Completion of a Bachelor of Nursing or equivalent.
  • Registration as a registered nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia with no conditions or restrictions.
  • Evidence of secure, ongoing employment of at least 24 hours per week in a collaborating hospital within Australia, working in a relevant speciality practice area with appropriate clinical supervision.

    Purpose:
    Critical care nurses work in some of the most complex health environments across emergency departments, ICUs and other high-dependency units. The advanced specialist skills required to manage and provide care to the critically ill as part of a multidisciplinary team are in demand now more than ever across regional, rural or metropolitan hospitals. Deakin's Graduate Diploma of Critical Care Nursing prepares you to meet that demand. The Graduate Diploma in Critical Care Nursing is designed to provide the theoretical foundations of nursing science, together with clinical knowledge and skills. A significant component of the course is conducted in a healthcare institution at the Graduate Certificate level.

    The qualification focuses on the development of clinical leadership, promotion and integration of evidence-based nursing practice to foster the development of graduates consistent with the profile of the nurse specialist, offering the advanced-level nurse further clinical skills and an opportunity to extend career options.

    Upon completion of the qualification, successful learners will be able to:
  • Demonstrate advanced clinical practice commensurate with critical care nursing theoretical knowledge, evidence-based practice and person-centred care.
  • Demonstrate advanced communication skills to ensure the delivery of high-quality, safe nursing care to patients in the critical care setting.
  • Evaluate information using digital technologies to effectively disseminate relevant critical care information to patients and/or the multidisciplinary team.
  • Identify, analyse and evaluate complex data from multiple sources to inform clinical decision-making in the critical care setting.
  • Apply advanced nursing knowledge to complex problems in the critical care setting to optimise patient outcomes.
  • Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, reflection, and personal autonomy as a critical nurse.
  • Establish and maintain inclusive, collaborative professional relationships with all members of the multidisciplinary team.
    accountability for, and sound professional judgement in behaviours that uphold ethical principles of practice within diverse social, cultural, and environmental contexts.

    Upon successful completion of the Graduate Diploma of Critical Care Nursing, learners have the option to further their studies by articulating into the below course:
  • Master of Advanced Clinical Nursing.
    Or
  • Graduate Certificate of Critical Care Nursing.

    Course structure:
    To complete the Graduate Diploma of Critical Care Nursing, the learner must attain 8 credit points, comprising of 6 credit points of compulsory units, plus 2 credit points of electives, of which 1 must be from the course electives, the remaining 1 can be from any level 7 electives from anywhere in the university including stackable short courses subject to eligibility.

    The core critical care nursing specialisation units are completed in year one of the course and are semester-based delivery.

    Both the theoretical and clinical components of the assessment for each unit must be passed to successfully gain an overall pass in this course. Compulsory clinical hurdles form part of the assessment of this course.

    Country: Ireland.
    Institution: University College of Dublin.
    Qualification Title: Graduate Certificate in Critical Care Nursing: Intensive Care.
    NQF Level: National Framework of Qualifications (NQF) level 9.
    Credits: 40 ECTS
    Duration: One year part-time.
    Entry requirement:
  • A primary degree in Nursing and Midwifery and work experience in the critical care environment.
  • Applicants must be listed on the Register of Nurses and Midwives, which is which is maintained by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).

    Purpose:
    The purpose of the qualification is to equip the learner with building blocks for life-long learning, research, critical analysis, creative thinking, decision-making, communication, innovation, and effective leadership in critical care practice. Successful completion enables the graduate to complete a Master's degree in Critical Care.

    Core Modules:
  • The Complex Critically Ill Patient, 10 Credits.
  • Nursing Care of the Chronically Critically Ill Patient, 10 Credits.
  • Clinical Practicum Year-long (12 months), 10 Credits.
  • Core Theoretical Concepts of Nursing Care for the Critically Ill Patient,10 Credits.

    Assessments are varied (assignments/short examination questions/MCQ/case presentation/practical examination) and occur at intervals throughout and at the end of the trimesters.

    Similarities:
  • The University College of Dublin (UCD) and the South African (SA) qualifications require applicants who completed a degree in Nursing and Midwifery and work experience in the critical care environment as well as be registered with the professional body in the country of origin.
  • Both qualifications will equip registered nurses with advanced knowledge and specialist clinical skills for personal and professional growth to provide ongoing care to critically ill patients with complex needs.
  • Both qualifications articulate vertically to a Master's degree in Critical Care.

    Differences:
  • The UCD qualification is registered at NFQ Level 9 with 40 ECTS whereas the SA qualification is registered at NQF Level 8 with 120 credits.
  • The SA qualification takes one year full-time to complete while the UCD qualification one year of part-time study. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Adult Critical Care Nursing, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Midwifery and Neonatal Nursing, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Emergency Nursing, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Education, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Critical Care Nursing, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Health Nursing, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Philosophy Health and Social Sciences, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Nursing, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Philosophy in Health Professions Education, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Nursing Science in Ethos and Professional Practice, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Nursing Science in Operating Room, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Nursing Science in Nursing Management, NQF Level 9.

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

    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. MEDICLINIC (Pty) Ltd 


    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.