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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Post-basic Diploma: Midwifery 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
21253  Post-basic Diploma: Midwifery 
ORIGINATOR
St Aidans Mission Hospital 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Post-basic Diploma  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Preventive Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  158  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Registered" 		 SAQA 1536/01  2003-07-01  2006-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2007-06-30   2011-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
To provide qualifiers with knowledge and skills to function as midwifery practitioners in the hospital and community settings in all aspects related to mother and child, (under 6 years) and to provide opportunities for continued, holistic, professional and personal growth, contributing towards effective comprehensive health services delivery. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
1. Senior certificate or an equivalent certificate which gives admission to formal secondary education.

2. Diploma in General Nursing, registered with the South African Nursing Council, this learning knowledge and skills of:
  • Natural and biological science.
  • Nursing history and ethics.
  • Fundamentals of nursing.
  • General nursing care.
  • Medical and surgical conditions and disorders.
  • Comprehensive health care and healthcare systems. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    N 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification is achieved under SANC Regulation R254. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Demonstrate competence in the application of scientific approach in nursing management of individuals, groups and communities of maternal and child within the legal-ethical framework with emphasis of promotion of health and prevention of diseases during antenatal, intrapartum, post partum and neonatal period through to childhood (6 years).

    Specific Outcomes:

    1. Apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology related to maternal and neonatal nursing care.

    2. The scientific approach in the management of women during ante-natal period.

    3. Use the scientific approach in the management of the pregnant woman during all stages of labour.

    4. Use the scientific approach in the management of the woman in the puerperium.

    5. Use the scientific approach in the management of the newborn baby.

    6. Works effectively with the multi-disciplinary team, group or community.

    7. Apply knowledge and skill required to render comprehensive care to the child up to 6 years.

    8. Participate in implementation of a fertility regulation programme to individuals, families and communities.

    9. Apply knowledge of the South African health system.

    10. Practice midwifery within the ethical-legal framework and institutional policies.

    11. Works effectively with the multi-disciplinary team, group or community.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    1. Identifying and solving problems in which response display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.

    2. Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation and community.

    3. Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.

    4. Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information.

    5. Communicating effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the mode of oral and or written persuasion.

    6. Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and the health of others.

    7. Demonstrating an understanding of the work as a set of related systems by recognising that the problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

    8. Contributing to the full personal development each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large by making it the underlying intention of any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of:
  • Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.
  • Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities.
  • Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.
  • Explore education and career opportunities.
  • Develop entrepreneurial opportunities. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Assessment criteria associated with Specific Outcomes:

    1. Perform pelvic assessment to defect abnormalities and adequacy of the pelvis.
  • Utilise knowledge to explain the benefits of antenatal exercises to promote and maintain reproductive health.
  • Utilise knowledge of perineum and pelvic floor muscles to perform an episiotomy and suture the perineum.

    2. Take a complete history.
  • Conduct a thorough physical examination of the pregnant woman including abdominal examination.
  • Perform relevant tests and investigations and correctly interprets data to make a nursing diagnosis.
  • Formulates nursing care plan for needs identified including minor disorders.
  • Give appropriate health education.
  • Renders competent nursing care/treatment.
  • Modify interventions according to changing needs.
  • Manage and/or refer abnormalities and emergencies appropriately.

    3. Obtains a detailed history to confirm labour.
  • Conducts a comprehensive physical examination including abdominal and vaginal examinations.
  • Interpret data accurately using the partograph.
  • Monitor fetal and maternal conditions and the progress of labour.
  • Manage all the stages of labour completely.
  • Manage and/or refer abnormalities and emergencies appropriately.

    4. Take a comprehensive history of pregnancy, labour and delivery.
  • Conduct a thorough physical and psychological assessment of the puerperal woman.
  • Implement nursing care according to identified health needs/problems.
  • Give health information and support in self-care and in the care of newborn baby.
  • Assist mother to initiate and maintain breastfeeding.
  • Manage complications arising and/or refer appropriately.

    5. Carries a out a comprehensive assessment of the neonate.
  • Interpret data to formulate a nursing diagnosis.
  • Plan and implement care for health needs identified.
  • Identify accurately and manage competently complication arising in the neonate and refer appropriately.
  • Inform parents of condition and progress of baby.

    6. Administer medications correctly and safely according to prescription, legislation and scope of practice.
  • Assess the therapeutic effects of medication.
  • Recognise adverse effects of medication and take appropriate action.
  • Apply knowledge of drug interactions when prescribing and administering medication.

    7. Assess and promote child growth and development through education.
  • Identify problems and makes appropriate referral.
  • Advise/counsel caregiver appropriately according to needs or problems including use of resources.
  • Administer immunisation according to expanded programme for immunisation.

    8. Advise clients on family planning methods.
  • Take history and conduct a thorough physical examination.
  • Assist client to make an informed choice.
  • Counsel clients on specific method chosen.

    9. Outline the components of National Health Services of South Africa.
  • Refer identified problems to members of the multi-disciplinary team.

    10. Demonstrate professional behaviour while carrying out duties.
  • Accept responsibility and accountability to provide safe quality patient/client care.
  • Apply knowledge of relevant legislation that influences health care delivery.
  • Use appropriate ethical codes and principles to act as patient advocate.

    11. Display effective written and verbal communication with patient, family, community and multidisciplinary health team.
  • Show consideration of cultural diversity during communication.
  • Consult effectively, refer, and does follow up.
  • Create a supportive environment for colleagues and patients.

    Assessment criteria associated with Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    1. Explore and analyse direct and indirect factors which give rise to maternal and child health problems.
  • Assess the nature, extent and intensity of the problem and set priorities.
  • Generate alternative strategies to deal with problems at all levels.
  • Draws from theoretical and experiential knowledge to solve problems.
  • Demonstrate the use of the nursing process as a scientific, systematic framework for critical thinking.

    2. Demonstrate personal skill (e.g. tolerance, empathy and accepting of criticism).
  • Works effectively within the multidisciplinary team.
  • Demonstrate cultural sensitivity when working with colleagues and other multi-disciplinary and multi-sectoral team members.

    3. Demonstrate a high degree of personal and professional behaviour, accountability and responsibility towards the practice of midwifery and neonatal nursing science.
  • Copes with self-discipline necessary for studying.
  • Assess own strength and weaknesses and develops coping strategies, appropriately.

    4. Develop cognitive strategies, i.e. able to think on the job, create innovative solutions in times of emergency situations in the care of pregnant mother and the neonate.
  • Use community profile to note trends in disease patterns.
  • Undertake mini-research projects in finding answers to problems related to mother and child health.
  • Plan and conduct educational programmes and prevent illness and promote health.

    5. Demonstrate the ability to give clear concise, verbal and written reports.
  • Communicates own ideas by supportive evidence.
  • Recognise limitations in communication and seeks help appropriately.

    6. Use equipment and technology in health settings safely, appropriately and ethically.
  • Use the scientific method of investigation, testing and evaluation in nursing.
  • Ensures a safe practice in the physical environment and meeting the health needs of others.

    7. Draw upon the prior knowledge and experience (personal and professional) as appropriate when investigating and analysing the health fields around them.
  • Recognise and treat patients as physical, psycho-social and spiritual beings.

    8. Demonstrate awareness of personal values, strengths, abilities and aspirations and an understanding of how these will influence future choices and opportunities.
  • Demonstrate awareness of the available range of personal and career opportunities.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the relationship between educational achievement and career opportunities.
  • Take responsibility to ensure continuous professional competence.
  • Engage constructively in change.

    Integrated assessment to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved:

    1. Continuous assessment by unit personnel and teaching personnel using assessment instruments.

    2. Formative and summative assessments are integrated.

    2.1 Formative
  • Tests
  • Projects - Assignment; Case Study; Ethical problems - group projects
  • Clinical evaluation
  • Clinical workshop
  • Others - accompaniment
  • Self evaluation.

    2.2 Summative
  • Examination: Internal; External
  • Final report
  • Curriculum evaluation
  • Teachers'/facilitators' evaluation for each student. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The midwifes' Diploma is recognised. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
  • On completion of the course the Diplomat has opportunities to proceed with any other post basic course at Diploma and specialised levels;
  • Advanced Midwifery;
  • Degree;
  • Masters;
  • Doctorate. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • A system of second examiner is used/optional.
  • The SANC provides its own system of moderation. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
  • Our own staff is used as assessor for formative and summative evaluation.
  • During the period of exposure to another institution e.g. Phoenix Health Clinic - the staff accompanying the student assesses the student and provides a report.
  • SANC provides the external examination papers and marks/assess the papers. 
    		•

    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.