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 Adult Critical Care Nursing 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
123361  Postgraduate Diploma in Adult Critical Care Nursing 
ORIGINATOR
Netcare Education (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  Preventive 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 qualification is to equip learners with advanced knowledge and expertise in adult critical care nursing, positioning them as specialists in the field. Learners will acquire the ability to engage in advanced reflection, critical analysis, and professional development through a systematic exploration of current practices, research, and innovations in adult critical care. The target learners for this qualification are registered general nurses with an Advanced Diploma in Midwifery, a Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery Degree, or a 4-year Diploma in Nursing (Reg. 425), registered with the the South African Nursing Council (SANC), and who are interested in specialising in critical care nursing. Completing this qualification will enable learners to enhance their clinical skills, deepen their understanding of critical care nursing, and advance their careers by becoming recognised specialists in this high-demand field.

This qualification is designed to prepare learners for specialised roles within the professional nursing field, particularly in adult critical care. Upon achieving this qualification, learners will have developed a comprehensive understanding of critical care nursing, including the application of advanced clinical judgment, ethical decision-making, and evidence-based practice (EPB). Graduates will be responsible for delivering high-quality, person-centred care in critical care settings, utilising advanced technology and evaluating patient outcomes. This qualification provides a pathway to further academic study, such as a master's degree in nursing, or to lateral movement into other clinical nursing specialties.

Upon completion of this qualification, a qualifying learner will be able to:
  • Apply sound clinical judgment to deliver high-quality, comprehensive, evidence-based, person-centred specialist nursing care, including the use of technology, and evaluate patient outcomes in response to care rendered.
  • Practise within an ethical-legal framework and apply relevant policies, regulations, and guidelines during daily functioning within the critical care clinical environment.
  • Evaluate patient outcome trends and propose innovative solutions to improve the quality of care and safety of patients in critical care units or departments.
  • Provide professional support for personnel, patients, families, and groups in the critical care context to promote health, independence, and behavioural change where necessary.
  • Demonstrate accountability, moral reasoning, and leadership in the care of patients and within the critical care environment.
  • Communicate and collaborate effectively with patients, families, and members of the inter- and intra-professional team to achieve quality patient care.

    In addition, learner attributes, including critical cross-field outcomes and NQF level 8 descriptors, such as problem-solving, teamwork, self-management, ethical reasoning, interpreting information, communication, and the use of science and technology, will be integrated into the learning process.

    Rationale:
    The introduction of a Postgraduate Diploma in Adult Critical Care Nursing is essential to address the significant gaps in the healthcare sector, specifically the shortage of nurses with specialist competencies in adult critical care in South Africa. This qualification was developed in response to the discontinuation of the legacy Advanced Diploma in Critical Care Nursing, which created a hiatus in the education and training of critical care nurses. The absence of this specialised training has resulted in a mismatch between the supply of qualified nurses and the growing demand for critical care services, especially as the healthcare system contends with complex conditions associated with South Africa's quadruple burden of disease. Given that no similar qualification is currently registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), this qualification is necessary to ensure that the standards of care for critically ill patients are maintained and improved, aligning with advancements in the field.

    The need for this qualification was identified by healthcare professionals, educational institutions, and industry stakeholders, recognising the critical shortage of specialist nurses in South Africa. This shortage compromises the ability to meet the demands for high-level care in critical care units, which are increasingly essential due to the ageing population and the emergence of new health priorities such as pandemics and non-communicable diseases. Extensive consultation was undertaken with reputable academia, nursing executives, academic committees, and professional bodies to develop a qualification that meets these pressing needs.
    It is also a requirement of the SANC that nurses working in specialised units have the requisite qualifications as communicated in a position statement. This qualification will benefit society and the economy by producing a new generation of highly skilled nurses capable of improving patient outcomes in critical care settings. It will also contribute to national health strategies by addressing scarce skills and supporting the development of a more resilient and responsive healthcare system.

    The typical learners likely to be attracted to this qualification are registered nurses currently working in critical care units who seek to gain advanced competencies and leadership skills in the field. These learners are predominantly from Generation X and Generation Y (millennials), with the majority being female due to the gender distribution in the nursing profession. They are expected to be middle-income, permanent employees with complex social responsibilities and a strong internal motivation to enhance their professional standing. These learners will most likely have completed their schooling pre- or post-2000 and will study English as a second language, reflecting South Africa's linguistic diversity. Upon completion, graduates are expected to enter or advance in roles within critical care settings, with opportunities to progress to higher-level qualifications such as a master's degree in nursing or to branch into other speciality areas within clinical nursing.

    This qualification has been designed in alignment with the specifications and guidelines of the South African Nursing Council (SANC) and SANC regulation 635. It ensures that graduates are eligible for professional registration as critical care (adult) specialist nurses. The development process included collaboration with recognised professional bodies, ensuring that the qualification meets all requirements for professional registration as stipulated by statutory councils. This collaboration guarantees that the qualification is recognised within the healthcare sector, thereby enabling graduates to be registered as specialists and contributing to the professional designation framework. 
    		•

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

    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable with regard to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    RPL for exemption of modules
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Nursing, NQF Level 7
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Critical Care Nursing, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery, NQF Level 7.
    And
    Applicants must have at least two (2) years' experience as a professional nurse or general nurse and midwife, which includes the prescribed period of community service, where applicable and must be registered as a Professional Nurse and Midwife. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits:

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, totalling to 120 Credits
  • Specialist Professional Practice, 24 credits.
  • Critical Care Nursing Science, 96 credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Practice and promote specialist critical care nursing practices within the ethical-legal parameters of the profession, ensuring accountability and responsibility at an advanced level.
    2. Apply advanced knowledge to facilitate evidence-based practice in specialist critical care nursing, to solve contextual problems and contribute to the development of policies and guidelines.
    3. Exhibit a commitment to lifelong learning by fostering self-directedness, leadership and continuous professional development in self, peers, and learners, thereby maintaining, and advancing competence in the field.
    4. Advocate and facilitate the professional role of critical care nursing specialists, providing expert support to personnel, patients, families, and communities to enhance care delivery.
    5. Plan, commission, and manage a specialist critical care unit, demonstrating advanced organisational and leadership skills in a complex healthcare environment.
    6. Inform and advance evidence-based practice within the specialist field of critical care nursing.
    7. Utilise data management and communication skills to support decision-making processes and research activities, ensuring that clinical and management decisions are evidence-based.
    8. Provide and co-ordinate patient-centered specialist critical care nursing within a continuum of care using the scientific approach, integrating biomedical and psychosocial sciences, including advanced pharmacology.
    9. Optimise appropriate resources to implement high standards of practice in critical care nursing, to ensure quality patient care and safety.
    10. Collaborate within the inter- and intra-professional team by engaging in health dialogue, shared leadership, decision making and sound clinical judgement.
    11. Participate in the design, development, implementation and evaluation of nursing policies, programmes, and projects, demonstrating leadership in health policy. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Conform to the relevant code of ethics in the practice of critical care specialist nursing.
  • Apply critical decision-making and moral reasoning models and principles to make clinical judgements and resolve ethical dilemmas within the critical care specialist practice.
  • Account for own professional judgement, actions, outcomes of specialist care provided, and continued competence.
  • Define and apply the relevant current legislation, policies, regulations, and guidelines pertaining to critical care specialist practice.
  • Document all care activities accurately, comprehensively, and timeously considering the legal requirements for record keeping.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Engage in critical care nursing specialist practice, illustrating an understanding of the process of evidence-based practice.
  • Apply evidence-based critical care nursing specialist practice taking into consideration the appropriate methodology of gathering evidence for practice, for example, systematic or scoping reviews, appraisal of articles, practice-based research and publication.
  • Apply evidence-based practice and illustrate knowledge of and critical analysis of the various levels of evidence.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Illustrate leadership skills through the application of appropriate leadership styles, principles, and theories of critical care specialist practice.
  • 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, and performance appraisal.
  • Engage in performance appraisal and demonstrate an understanding of the purpose and processes of the performance management and development system.
  • Utilise feedback from self-reflection, peers, learners, management, and other relevant stakeholders 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 role performance.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Analyse the levels and or classification of the respective specialist units.
  • Commission tasks taking into consideration the burden of diseases and priority services as determined by current events.
  • Participate in the evaluation of the existing specialist unit, health or education entity and demonstrate knowledge of guidelines for provisioning a specialist unit.
  • Engage in planning and commissioning the role and responsibilities in this task 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 review of literature to inform evidence-based practice.
  • Apply appropriate methods to generate evidence for utilisation in specialist practice (e.g., research, systematic reviews etc.).
  • Use peer-reviewed journals for sharing evidence.
  • Actively participates 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 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.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Examine the position of own specialist service within the health care system.
  • Render specialist care that integrates promotive, preventive, curative, rehabilitative and palliative care in a healthcare continuum.
  • Apply knowledge, skill, and attitudes in rendering specialist care in accordance with national and international standards and protocols of the specialist field.
  • Formulate nursing or midwifery diagnoses that are congruent with the patient's/client's clinical manifestations/data and are 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 nursing or midwifery interventions considering patient's/client's needs, values, beliefs, preferences, culture and contextual variables, for example, disease burden, health risks, and national priorities.
  • Plan nursing or midwifery interventions are 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 nursing or midwifery interventions 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 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 revisit nursing or midwifery 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:
  • Identify the infrastructure and equipment needed in the critical care unit.
  • Render care to 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 nurses considering the specialist qualification and competencies, experience, standard nurse-patient ratios for critical care, job description and skill mix.

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

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:
  • Participate in the development of policies, programmes and projects and demonstrate an understanding of the steps in and or levels of the development of policies, programmes, and projects.
  • Participate in project and policy development and demonstrate knowledge of own role and responsibilities within the inter- and intra-professional policy/project team.
  • Participate in policy development, programme and project development and advocate for the nursing profession and patients/clients, families and communities in the specialist area.
  • Participate in project development including appropriate communication (negotiation, bargaining, assertiveness, persuasion, etc.).
  • Provide timely and adequate feedback to relevant stakeholders is provided as necessary. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution name: University of Birmingham
    Qualification title: Postgraduate Diploma in Critical Care Nursing
    Duration: 27 months
    Credits: 120

    Entry requirements:
  • 3 years of post-qualification experience in specialization, and a first degree in a health-related field.

    Purpose/Rationale
    The programme includes 24 months of theoretical and clinical integration, followed by 3 months of supervised practice. Highly successful nursing programmes, are designed to meet the current demands of the rapidly evolving healthcare system, giving you the skills, experience, and knowledge to become effective, patient-focused healthcare leaders of the future.

    Course structure
    Modules:
  • Intro to Clinical Practice in Anaesthesia and Intensive Care
  • Applied Science of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care
  • Body Systems in Anaesthesia and Critical Care
  • Critical Care in Clinical Practice, comparable to Critical Care Nursing Science.

    Similarities:
  • The University of Birmingham (UB) and the South African (SA) qualifications are both offered over one year.
  • The UB and SA qualifications share the same credit load.
  • Both qualifications share the same selection criteria that are more stringent, requiring additional work experience.
  • Both qualifications share similar modules such as Critical Care in Clinical Practice, comparable to Critical Care Nursing Science.
  • Both qualifications accept learners who have completed a first degree in the related field.
  • The UB qualification offers skills, experience and knowledge to become effective, patient-focused healthcare leaders of the future.
  • The SA qualification is designed to prepare learners for specialised roles within the professional nursing field, particularly in adult critical care.

    Differences:
  • The content of the UB qualification does not cover the core components.
  • The UB qualification is offered over 27 months, whereas the SA qualification is offered over one year.

    Country: Australia
    Institution name: Flinders University
    Qualification title: Graduate Diploma in Acute Care Nursing
    Duration: Two years
    Entry requirements:
  • Three-year Australian bachelor's degree.

    Purpose/Rationale
    The postgraduate critical care nursing program equips learners with a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical frameworks and practical, evidence-based research skills that are required for nurses to work in critical care environments.
    It focuses on acquiring advanced knowledge and skills to care for patients with complex medical needs in critical care settings.

    Learners will have the opportunity to:
  • Develop critical care knowledge, skills and competencies.
  • Develop critical reasoning in action skills and problem-solving skills.
  • Analyse and critique the delivery of specialist nursing care in the current healthcare context.
  • Develop and use evidence-based nursing research skills to plan, implement and evaluate care provision in critical care environments.

    Course structure
    Modules:
  • Clinical decision-making
  • Research
  • Population Studies

    Similarities:
  • The Flinders University (FU) and the South African (SA) qualifications both accept learners who have completed a bachelor's degree in the relevant field.
  • Both qualifications share similar outcomes.
  • The FU qualification focuses on acquiring advanced knowledge and skills to care for patients with complex medical needs in critical care settings.
  • The SA qualification aims at delivering high-quality, person-centred care in critical care settings, utilising advanced technology, and evaluating patient outcomes.

    Differences:
  • The FU qualification does not lead to registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, whereas the SA qualification leads to registration with the South African Nursing Council. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Emergency Nursing, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Education, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Operating Room Nursing, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Health Service Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Health Nursing, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Nursing, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Nursing in Critical Care and Trauma, NQF Level 9.

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

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    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. Netcare Education (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.