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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Orthopaedic Nursing 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
124614  Postgraduate Diploma in Orthopaedic 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 02 - Culture and Arts  Cultural Studies 
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 0633/25  2025-07-10  2028-07-10 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-07-10   2032-07-10  

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 Orthopaedic Nursing is to strengthen and deepen the clinical nurse specialist's knowledge and advanced skills with expertise in orthopaedic nursing. It will enable the orthopaedic nurse specialists to undertake advanced reflection and development by means of engaging in research which is evidence-based in their field. Furthermore, this qualification will enable a link between professional practice accountabilities, competence, research, leadership and quality patient care.

The qualification will develop orthopaedic nurse specialists who will use expert knowledge and advanced skills to provide care for patients with neuro-musculoskeletal trauma (injuries) and disorders and their families across the health-illness continuum in various orthopaedic health care settings throughout the lifespan.

This qualification will enable the orthopaedic nurse specialist to play a significant role in preventive, promotive, curative and rehabilitative care of the orthopaedic patients at primary, secondary and tertiary levels of health care. This qualification will provide extensive theoretical engagement, sound clinical judgement, intellectual independence and the ability to apply knowledge to a range of contexts to render professional and comprehensive evidence-based orthopaedic nursing care. It promotes professional development and advances the practice of orthopaedic nursing speciality for the nursing profession while producing the competent orthopaedic nurse specialist to meet the needs of the individuals and communities, displaying commitment to continuing education, excellent practice and dedication to providing the highest quality care to orthopaedic patients.

The qualification will produce orthopaedic nurse specialists equipped with research and leadership skills, clinical judgement and advocacy skills which promote reflective practice in orthopaedic nursing in accordance with the relevant ethical and legal frameworks through collaboration with the inter- and intra-professional orthopaedic team. The qualification has a comprehensive health care focus and incorporates competencies for the prevention, promotion, management and rehabilitation of orthopaedic patients in all orthopaedic care settings and the community. The curriculum is competency-based and has a strong component of work-integrated learning. Learners will be placed in a variety of clinical learning sites throughout the qualification, as part of work-integrated learning to facilitate integration of theory to practice and development of the required competencies in line with the requirements of the relevant statutory professional bodies.

The qualification is structured will equip the learners with the competencies in various skills as well as optimal hands-on learning opportunities to assist in the provision of orthopaedic nursing care in various healthcare settings to address the needs of patients with neuro-musculoskeletal problems in the country within the orthopaedic nurse specialists' scope of practice. The qualification utilises learner-centred approaches in learning and teaching, aimed at providing the orthopaedic specialist nurse with a wide range of skills, knowledge and attitudes which will promote the culture of lifelong learning and continuing professional development.

Rationale:
The qualification is aligned to the Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework (HEQSF), new nursing qualifications and the new scope of practice for an Orthopaedic nurse specialist as envisaged by the South African Nursing Council (SANC) promulgated by the Nursing Act no.33 of 2005. This qualification will enable the Orthopaedic Nurse Specialist to function as a leader who is clinically focused, service-oriented, autonomous, innovative and able to render comprehensive, scientific Orthopaedic nursing care, as determined by the appropriate legislative framework.

According to the South African Nursing Council Statistics (2020), there were 1151 registered orthopaedic nurse specialists, implying that the country with a high burden of disease does not have sufficiently trained orthopaedic nurses. The World Health Organisation Global Health Estimates (2019) depict that accident injuries are the 6th cause of death and disability internationally. This portrays the increase in the number of accidents resulting in musculoskeletal injuries, which in turn demands an increase in the number of orthopaedic nurse specialists needed to provide specialised care and rehabilitation for these patients. The Department of Health followed the World Health Organisation's Strategy on the implementation of Community-Based Rehabilitation for Disabled People of South Africa.

The Orthopaedic Research Collaboration for Africa Investigators (2020) revealed that South Africa has the highest gunshot-related mortality rate in the world (86%), representing a significant burden of disease in the South African health system, with KwaZulu-Natal having 21% in two weeks. Most of these gunshot injuries occur in the neuro-musculoskeletal system, which requires specialised care rendered by orthopaedic nurse specialists.

According to the Health Human Resource Strategy (2020), South Africa has an 80% nurse-based health system. Given the central role nurses play in the South African health system, the qualification will address human resources needs and skills gaps in line with the current burden of disease. Furthermore, Sustainable Development Goal 3C, which is aimed at improving service quality and addressing the challenges in the health system, will be met

The qualification will produce a nurse specialist who is competent to serve in a dynamic health care system. This requires health care professionals who can promote and provide excellence in care for people with neuro-musculoskeletal injuries and diseases and their families through a comprehensive, inter-professional, evidence-based approach to orthopaedic practice.

On successful completion of this qualification, the nurse will be registered with the South African Nursing Council as an Orthopaedic nurse specialist and will be internationally recognised for practice to meet the needs of the global health economy. The Orthopaedic nursing curriculum is primary health care-based, includes both theory and practice elements, with a minimum of 40% theory and a minimum of 60% practice. 

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

RPL for access:
The is no RPL for this Postgraduate Diploma in Orthopaedic Nursing for access.
The South African Nursing Circular 14 of 2022 illustrates the SANC's disagreement with the Council on Higher Education's Communique 10 of 2022.

The SANC's Education and Training Guideline for Postgraduate Diplomas is specific about the minimum requirements for admission: proof of current registration as a Professional Nurse and Midwife (NQF level 8) or a General Nurse with a Midwifery qualification (NQF level 7). Considering this requirement, it is challenging for a higher education institution to accommodate applicants via the route of RPL for access. Applicants must meet the minimum entry requirements that form the basis upon which to build into the specialisation.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Advanced Diploma in Trauma and Emergency Nursing, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Critical Care Nursing, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Nursing in Education and Administration, NQF Level 7.
    And
  • Registration with SANC as a Professional Nurse or General Nurse with Midwifery. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8, totalling 128 credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 8, 128 Credits:
  • Foundations of Orthopaedic Nursing, 16 Credits.
  • Orthopaedic Trauma Nursing, 24 Credits.
  • Orthopaedic Nursing Practice 1, 24 Credits.
  • Orthopaedic Nursing Practice 2, 24 Credits.
  • Nursing Research, 16 Credits
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist Practice, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Practice and facilitate orthopaedic specialist nursing within ethical-legal parameters of the profession and resolve professional-ethical dilemmas by using decision-making and moral reasoning models.
    2. Apply the knowledge of and facilitate evidence-based practice in the orthopaedic nursing specialist field to solve contextual problems and develop policies and guidelines.
    3. Appraise and develop self, peers and nurse specialist learners by facilitating self-directedness/leadership and lifelong learning to maintain competence.
    4. Facilitate advocacy for the profession and provision of specialist professional support for personnel, patients or clients, families and communities.
    5. Engage in planning, commissioning and managing a specialist unit.
    6. Engage in scholarly activities to inform evidence-based practice.
    7. Utilise, manage and communicate data to support decision-making and research.
    8. Render and coordinate patient-centred orthopaedic nursing within a continuum of care using the scientific approach, integrating biomedical and psychosocial sciences, including advanced pharmacology.
    9. Mobilise appropriate resources to implement standards of practice relevant to orthopaedic nursing practice, 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 at the provincial or national level.
    12. Develop and implement institutional policies, protocols, and guidelines in the orthopaedic nursing area of specialisation, 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 personal attributes and behaviour 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.
  • Demonstrate accountability for own professional judgement, actions, outcomes of specialist care provided and continued competence.
  • Identify and apply relevant current legislation, policies, regulations and guidelines pertaining to specialist practice.
  • Document all care activities accurately, comprehensively and timeously considering the legal requirements for record keeping.
  • Apply knowledge of the orthopaedic nurse specialist role in the management of professional misconduct and risks, taking into consideration the institutional policies, protocols and ethical-legal framework.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Engage in orthopaedic specialist practice and apply the process of evidence-based practice.
  • Apply evidence-based specialist practice, taking into consideration the appropriate methodology of gathering evidence for practice.
  • Critically analyse various levels of evidence in the evidence-based practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply leadership skills appropriate to 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 performance appraisal and show an understanding of 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 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.

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

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Conduct a literature review using appropriate search engines and databases to inform orthopaedic evidence-based practice.
  • Use appropriate methods to generate evidence for utilisation in specialist practice (e.g. research, systematic reviews, etc.).
  • Use the peer-reviewed journals for sharing of evidence.
  • Base the specialised orthopaedic practice activities 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 specialised orthopaedic practice for utilisation and storage in accordance with the set standards.
  • Utilise comprehensive data, information and emerging evidence pertinent to the orthopaedic specialist practice.
  • Identify and diagnose problems and opportunities for improvement based on gathered and critically analysed assessment data from the patients/clients, families, communities, including current scientific evidence.
  • Respect for intellectual property by documenting without plagiarism.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Discuss the position of orthopaedic nursing specialist service within the health care system.
  • Apply the full range of services within the orthopaedic nurse specialist practice.
  • Render specialised orthopaedic nursing care and integrate promotive, preventive, curative, rehabilitative and palliative care in a healthcare continuum.
  • Apply knowledge, skill and attitudes to render orthopaedic nursing specialist care in accordance with national and international standards and protocols of the orthopaedic nursing specialist field.
  • Formulate orthopaedic nursing 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 orthopaedic nursing interventions considering patients'/clients' needs, values, beliefs, preferences, culture and contextual variables, for example, disease burden, health risks, national priorities, etc.
  • Plan orthopaedic nursing interventions based on formulated nursing diagnoses, and application of orthopaedic specialised knowledge and skills (competencies), including advanced pharmacology in collaboration with the inter- and intra-professional team.
  • Timeously, accurately, safely and effectively implement planned orthopaedic nursing interventions in accordance with set evidence-based standards, guidelines, protocols, algorithms, etc., specific for the specialist field.
  • Plan health care interventions in collaboration with the patient or client, family and relevant members of the health care team.
  • Include the preparation of patients/clients, families, and nurses in the lower-level care for continued care in the hospital and community in the nursing interventions in accordance with the health status and health literacy of the patient/client.
  • Timeously and effectively document and revise nursing interventions based on critical analysis of the monitoring and evaluation data and reach a sound clinical judgement.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Identify the infrastructure and equipment needed in the orthopaedic nursing practice area of specialisation.
  • Render care, operate and monitor the equipment used in the orthopaedic nursing specialist area.
  • Employ sound asset management principles to ensure appropriate, adequate, well-maintained and up-to-date equipment.
  • Assign staff to nursing care considering the orthopaedic nursing 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:
  • Identify, share and collaboratively solve problems, informed decisions and sound clinical judgement in the orthopaedic nursing specialist area.
  • Appropriately and timeously consult and provide holistic care in a healthcare continuum through awareness of one's competence.
  • Appropriately and timeously carry out patient referral as dictated by the patient's condition and in accordance with the referral guidelines.
  • Recognise the members of the team in the inter- and intra-professional team participation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:
  • Discuss the steps in and or levels of the development of policies, programmes and projects.
  • Explain own role and responsibilities within the inter- and intra-professional policy/project team in project and policy development.
  • Advocate for the orthopaedic nursing profession and patients/clients, families and communities in the specialised orthopaedic nursing area in policy development, programme and project development.
  • Apply appropriate communication (negotiation, bargaining, assertiveness, persuasion, etc.) in project development.
  • 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 relevant and pre-determined stakeholders in the development of policies, standards, protocols and guidelines.
  • Use appropriate methods in the development and evaluation, or testing of guidelines and protocols.
  • Apply change processes in the implementation of the new policies, protocols and guidelines to the specialised orthopaedic nursing area.
  • Develop collaboratively, revise policies, protocols and guidelines at appropriate intervals and approve as per the institutional policy for the specialist area.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    The assessment strategy comprises formal and informal assessments. Informal assessments are used during facilitation and as part of the consolidation of what the learners may have learnt on their own. They provide an opportunity for lecturers to establish learners' understanding of the subject matter. This includes the following strategies, which serve as both teaching and assessment strategies:
  • Flipped class: Learners will be given content to read on their own, and in class, reflect on what they have learnt. Questions on the application of the theory will be asked to determine their level of understanding.
  • Group discussions: Small group discussions will provide an opportunity for the lecturer to observe a few learners discussing a specific assigned topic in a limited period, thus determining the depth of their understanding of the subject matter.
  • Presentations: Learners will be asked to do presentations in class on selected topics. These may be done in summary form. The lecturer will be able to gauge the learners' level of understanding.
  • Jigsaw: Learners will be divided into groups to discuss to learn about a topic in class. Individual learners will be assigned specific focal areas in each group. Each learner will have an opportunity to present to their group, and consolidation in each group is done before further presentation to the class. This will provide an opportunity for a lecturer to determine the learners' ability to participate in a group and their appreciation of collaboration and cooperation.
  • Simulation: It will provide an opportunity for learners to see the relevance of their learning in the practice environment, while it provides the lecturer opportunity to observe learners perform in a controlled, safe environment. This is more relevant in orthopaedic nursing as orthopaedic treatment modalities need to be practised before exposure to real-life situations, as they may result in irreversible complications that may cause physical and psychological disabilities.
  • Demonstrations: Learners will demonstrate specific skills in both simulated and real-life situations during supervision. Lecturers will have the opportunity to observe learner performance individually or in a group.
  • Role Play: This assessment approach in orthopaedic nursing provides an opportunity for learners to practice skills such as health education and counselling of Orthopaedic patients. Lecturers observe learners' level of clinical competence and provide feedback for improvement where necessary.
  • Debate: Debates will be applied wherein learners are given a topic to debate about, especially application of legal prescripts in practice, e.g. The Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Disease Act no 130 (COIDA) of 1993, Road Accident Fund Act no 56 of 1996 & Employment Equity Act no 55 of 1998.
    The lecturer can be a moderator while observing the level of understanding on the learners' part.

    Formal assessments will be in the form of formative and summative assessments. Formal assessments will determine learners' progression between semesters and completion of training.

    Formative Assessments: Formative assessments will contribute 30% towards the final mark in the module. The assessment content will be commensurate with the percentage contributed by the formal assessment.

    Theory: The following strategies will be used to assess learners' cognitive grasp of the subject matter: written tests, assignments, case studies, projects (quality improvement, community projects) and clinical assessments in real-life situations. Integration of theory and practice approach will be applied in all assessments; however, theory and work-integrated learning will be assessed separately, and marks will be published separately. Formative clinical assessments are conducted in the clinical areas, and their average percentage contributes 30% towards the final clinical nursing result.

    Summative assessments: Summative assessments will be conducted at the end of each semester. They contribute 70% towards the final examination result. Theory examination papers will be set for each module. Work-integrated learning will be assessed in the form of a comprehensive clinical examination in each semester. This comprehensive examination will embrace all the modules which have a clinical component in a semester. Work-integrated learning is assessed separately and must be passed for the learner to complete training. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    For more than fifteen years, the institution has offered postgraduate medical and surgical nursing science qualifications. These qualifications were recognised in the African and Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries as well as countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and the Netherlands. Postgraduate Diploma in Orthopaedic Nursing is a South African qualification that would meet recognition requirements throughout all the Sub-Saharan countries as a member of the SADC and the African Union.

    Comparisons have been made with the following two countries:

    Country: Ireland
    Institution: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI)
    Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Orthopaedic Nursing
    NQF Level: Level 9 Irish National Framework Qualifications (NFQ) Credits: 60 credit points. The credits are not specifically allocated to theory or Work Integrated Learning (WIL)
    Duration: Part-time is one academic year, with an option to complete the programme over a period of up to three years if necessary.

    Entry Requirements:
    To be eligible for the programme, the applicant must:
  • Hold an NFQ Level 8 qualification.
  • Be a registered nurse or midwife on the register in the country of practice.
  • All applicants must hold a bachelor's degree.
  • For applicants who do not hold a bachelor's degree, there is a recognition of prior learning (RPL) pathway available.
  • Applicants (unless exempt) must meet the English language requirements: English proficiency test, IELTS score of 6.5 or the equivalent score on another standardised test.
  • A Clinical Learning Agreement/hours of learning experience document signed by the director of nursing will be required.

    Purpose:
    This qualification will provide learners with the skills and knowledge to demonstrate a critical understanding of a comprehensive range of knowledge in orthopaedic nursing. This qualification is designed for registered nurses working in planned orthopaedic procedure settings at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Cappagh or affiliated sites. This qualification is offered by the School of Nursing and Midwifery in the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), which is accredited by the National University of Ireland (NUI). This qualification is also professionally accredited by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland as a Category 2 Post Registration course. Graduates of this qualification who wish to take a further step may enrol on the Master of Science in Nursing (Orthopaedic Nursing)

    Learning outcomes:
    Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Explore problem-solving skills in planned orthopaedic nursing.
  • Prepare a comprehensive care plan using advanced problem-solving skills for a patient undergoing elective interventions for orthopaedic problems.
  • Critically discuss the principles associated with the management of common orthopaedic traumatic injuries.
  • Explore problem-solving skills in orthopaedic trauma nursing.
  • Consolidate knowledge in relation to the development of bone, its composition, development of muscle, fracture healing, the terminology used in musculoskeletal assessment, musculoskeletal anatomy and the implications for patients of specific investigations performed to evaluate a musculoskeletal condition or injury.
  • Examine the role of the nurse with reference to planning care for patients with physical/intellectual disabilities, for patients of different ages, and to recognise the psychological and sociological effects of orthopaedic conditions.

    Modules:
  • Advanced Research Methods, 10 Credits comparable to Nursing Research
  • Advanced Leadership: Clinical and Professional, 10 Credits comparable to Clinical Nurse Specialist Practice
  • Professional Critical Reflexivity and Competence, 10 Credits comparable to Orthopaedic Nursing Practice 2
  • Principles of Orthopaedic Nursing, 10 Credits comparable to Foundations of Orthopaedic Nursing
  • Nursing the patient undergoing management of musculoskeletal issues by conservative means, 10 Credits comparable to Orthopaedic Nursing Practice 1.
  • Nursing the Orthopaedic Trauma Patient, 10 Credits comparable to Orthopaedic Trauma Nursing.

    Similarities:
  • The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and the South African (SA) qualifications accept learners who have completed a bachelor's degree in the relevant field and are both offered over one year.
  • The RCSI aims to offer learners the opportunity to enhance their knowledge, experience and clinical expertise in the challenging and dynamic environment that is orthopaedic nursing.
  • Furthermore, the RCSI qualification aims to assist learners in taking a leading role in advancing and developing nursing in this area, and effecting policy change in professional practice and health service provision. This qualification is also suitable for nurses who are taking up new posts in orthopaedic trauma or for those who have been working in the area for some time but have not completed postgraduate education.
  • Similarly, one of the aims of the SA qualification is to enhance competencies in orthopaedics, which will improve or advance the quality of nursing care and advance nursing knowledge and skills to address the burden of disease, health needs, and the population healthcare system in South African culture.
  • The SA qualification further aims to increase the number of qualified Orthopaedic nurses who will have the ability to practice within a specialised Orthopaedic field in hospitals, clinics, primary health care settings, industries, and communities in both public and private sectors.
  • Both qualifications share several similar modules, such as Nursing the Orthopaedic Trauma Patient, compares with Trauma Related Orthopaedic Nursing, Principles of Orthopaedic Nursing, compares with Foundations of Orthopaedic Nursing and Advanced Research Methods, compares with Nursing Research and Professional Ethics.
  • In both these countries, there are more similarities in their curriculum, which enable the nurses in both countries to be able to care effectively for patients with trauma and diseases of the neuro-musculoskeletal system and address the global burden of disease of the same system.
  • Both qualifications vertically articulate into a master's degree.
  • The RCSI qualification leads to registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) as a Category 2 Post Registration course; similarly, the SA qualification also leads to registration as a clinical nurse specialist with the South African Nursing Council (SANC).

    Differences:
  • The RCSI qualification is registered at level 9 on the NFQ, whereas the SA qualification is registered at level 8 on the SA NQF.
  • The SA qualification has 128 credits while the RCSI qualification has 60 credits.
  • The RCSI qualification is offered with the part time option with face to face and online engagement for learners, which maintains stability for the learner's responsibilities and provides for continuous professional development without changing the workplace while in South Africa qualification is only offered full time and this helps the learner to fully focus on the learning needs within a short period while maintaining dual status of being a learner and an employee.
  • The RCSI qualification is offered in two streams: elective orthopaedic care in partnership with the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Cappagh and orthopaedic trauma, which is open to participants working in any orthopaedic trauma unit whereas the SA qualification has only one stream which encompasses of the content covered for all aspects of elective orthopaedic care and orthopaedic trauma.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: London South Bank University
    Qualification Title: Master of Science in Nursing (Orthopaedic Care) with intermediate award titles at Postgraduate Certificate in Nursing (Orthopaedic Care) and Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing (Orthopaedic Care)
    NQF Level: 7
    Credits: 120
    Duration: 1- 6 years Part-time via CPD OPEN
    Entry Requirements:
  • A primary degree in a health-related field or international equivalent with a classification above senior colleagues with extensive experience, with a minimum of 90 credits, will be considered.
  • Current registration on a professional register of the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) with a minimum of six (6) months' post-qualification experience in orthopaedics.
  • Learners who have not previously undertaken study at academic level 7 (master's level) are advised to consider the module: Preparation for master's Level Study.

    Purpose:
    This master's degree in nursing (Orthopaedic Care) is designed for undergraduate professionals with post-qualifying experience who are aiming to deepen their knowledge and skills in orthopaedic care. Qualifying in this qualification will enable learners to work at a more advanced level in relation to the field of practice and foster strategic leadership/management and communication skills and potential. The qualification is offered part-time and employs a flexible approach to module selection and completion, which allows learners to tailor their studies to fit with work and personal commitments.

    The qualification will prepare learners for a wide variety of roles as a nurse specialist, consultant, or educator, in a wide variety of professional healthcare settings. It also aims to develop intellectual skills in collecting and interpreting information at a higher level.

    Learning Outcomes:
    On completion of the qualification, graduates will be able to:
  • . Critically apply knowledge and skills based upon evidence-based practice in the planning, delivery and evaluation of safe and effective orthopaedic care, whilst accessing or referring to specialist services as required.
  • Demonstrate an ability to meet complex and co-existing needs of orthopaedic patients.
  • Critically appraise and apply high-quality evidence to support and develop practice in orthopaedic nursing.
  • Demonstrate an advanced level of critical thinking and decision-making skills in the assessment and interpretation of findings whilst assessing orthopaedic patients.
  • Synthesise knowledge and ideas to provide solutions to complex care needs.
  • Critically apply relevant theoretical and research evidence in the evaluation of orthopaedic nursing interventions and health care provision.
  • Reflect and evaluate performance and need for further personal and professional development.
  • Critically appraise the research-based evidence of new and emerging health care technologies.
  • Utilise innovative and creative thinking skills to improve professional practice and patient outcomes.
  • Undertake in a rigorous manner a piece of independent work designed to examine an aspect of practice.
  • Communicate safely and effectively when working in partnership with other professionals across health and social care environments.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively and in partnership with other health care professionals.
  • Critically analyse and interpret data using a range of techniques to inform and develop the delivery of high-quality care.
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues to help redesign services to make them more efficient.

    Modules:
  • Principles of Orthopaedic Care, 20 credits comparable to Foundations of Orthopaedic Nursing.
  • Evidence-based Orthopaedic Care, 20 credits comparable to Orthopaedic Nursing Practice.
  • Management of Long-Term Conditions, 20 credits.
  • Evaluating Research in Health and Social Care, credits comparable to Nursing Research
  • Innovation for Excellence: Leading Service Change, 20 credits comparable to Orthopaedic Nursing Practice.
  • Dissertation, 40 credits and an additional 20 credit module/60 credits.

    Similarities:
  • The South African (SA) qualification compares favourably to the intermediate exit award of the Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing (Orthopaedic Care) of the London South Bank University (LSBU), Master of Science in Nursing (Orthopaedic Care).
  • The LSBU and the SA qualifications accept applicants who hold a primary degree in a health-related field, Registration with NMC/SANC as a Professional Nurse or General Nurse with Midwifery.
  • The LSBU and SA qualifications are aimed at qualified Healthcare professionals who have post-qualifying experience, recognising that a growing number of healthcare professionals have already completed their first degree as undergraduates and are looking to deepen their knowledge and skills in orthopaedic care.
  • Both qualifications prepare learners for a wide variety of roles as a nurse specialist, consultant, or educator, in a wide variety of professional healthcare settings.
  • Further, the LSBU and SA qualifications will develop learners to be confident, competent, critically responsive, flexible and adaptable practitioners whilst engaging in new ways of working in relation to orthopaedic care, and lead and develop orthopaedic nursing practice whilst enhancing patient safety.
  • The LSBU and SA qualifications share exit learning outcomes.
  • Both qualifications utilise a variety of assessment approaches to fit and reflect the nature of the modules of learning and promote different skills/abilities while providing a balance of differing forms of assessments. A range of formative and summative assessments that include exams, presentations, practical competencies for specialist modules and written assignments are used.
  • Both qualifications consist of compulsory modules.

    Differences:
  • The LSBU qualification is registered at level 7 according to the Ireland National Framework for Qualifications (NFQ), while the South African qualification is registered at level 8 in the South African Qualifications Framework (NQF).
  • The SA qualification has 128 credits while the LSBU qualification has 120 credits.
  • The LSBU qualification is offered part-time and employs a flexible approach to module selection and completion, which allows learners to tailor their studies to fit with work and personal commitments in the LSBU qualification whereas the SA qualification targets in-service personnel who are on study leave and is offered in 12 months full time, however the qualification may be extended if the learner did pass all modules.
  • The SA qualification focuses on addressing the care of the patient with different types of injuries, while injuries of the neuro-musculoskeletal system are not clearly addressed in the LBSU qualification.
  • The LBSU qualification culminates in a dissertation, while the SA qualification does not include a dissertation.
  • There are several exit and award points built into the LSBU qualification, in which learners can exit the course with a postgraduate certificate, postgraduate diploma, or complete the full qualification to gain a master's degree, whereas the SA qualification is a stand-alone and does not include multiple exit awards.

    Conclusion:
    The SA qualification will be recognised by many international state registration boards because the standard of the qualification is comparable to, but not limited to, the international higher educational institutions around the world, such as Ireland and Australia. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Nursing, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Nursing Science, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Nursing Honours, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Adult Critical Care Nursing, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Mental Health Nursing, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Orthopaedics, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Primary Care Nursing, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Medicine in Orthopaedics, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Medicine in Orthopaedic Surgery, 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. 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.