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: 

Diploma: General Nursing Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
88563  Diploma: General Nursing Science 
ORIGINATOR
Mediclinic (Pty) Ltd - Corporate Office 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 240)  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  256  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 "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2018-12-31 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2019-12-31   2023-12-31  

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 primary purpose of this qualification is to provide a supply of Registered Nurse Practitioners who can practice their independent, interdependent and dependent nursing roles within the private and public health care institutions. It contributes to the maintenance and improvement of nursing standards in both private and public health care institutions.

The Registered Nurse Practitioner will have the necessary knowledge, skills and value system to implement safe patient care. The Registered Nurse Practitioner will function as an independent nurse practitioner providing comprehensive, holistic and scientific care to patients in collaboration with other members of the healthcare team.

On successful completion of this qualification the learner will be eligible for registration as a Registered Nurse with the South African Nursing Council.

Rationale:
South Africa has growing health needs and a shortage of registered nurses in both the private and public health care institutions. Access is not widely available for nurses to train as registered nurses through tertiary institutions. The critical shortage of Registered Nurses has lead to the need to provide continuous training for current eligible Enrolled Nurses to enable them to access the level of a Registered Nurse Practitioner. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Applicants for admission to this qualification must comply with the following entrance requirements:
  • A Grade 12 Certificate, Senior Certificate or recognised equivalent at NQF Level 4.
  • Current enrolment as a nurse with the South African Nursing Council (SANC).

    Recognition of Prior Learning:
    This qualification recognises, through the submission of portfolios of evidence, the formal, non-formal and informal prior learning of learners, in agreement with the South African Nursing Council.

    Access to the Qualification:
    Candidates, who register for this qualification, must be in possession of a recognised Grade 12 Certificate and provide proof of current accreditation by the South African Nursing Council as an Enrolled Nurse. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Learners must achieve the minimum of 256 Credits.
    All learning components must be completed to achieve the qualification.

    Modules at NQF Level 5:
  • Nursing Dynamics I, 36 Credits.
  • Integrated Nursing Science I, 64 credits.
  • Applied Social Science I, 28 Credits.

    Total credits at NQF Level 5: 128.

    Modules at NQF Level 6:
  • Nursing Dynamics II, 36 Credits.
  • Integrated Nursing Science II, 64 Credits.
  • Applied Social Science II, 28 Credits.

    Total Credits at NQF Level 6: 128. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate understanding for the individual as a psychological, physical and social being.
    2. Provide comprehensive patient care according to the scientific nursing process, legal, ethical and moral codes relevant to the nursing profession.
    3. Collaborate harmoniously within the nursing and multi-disciplinary team.
    4. Delineate and evaluate own practice.
    5. Apply the principles of management and clinical teaching in a nursing unit.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
  • Identifying and solving problems is demonstrated by using creative and critical thinking skills, flexibility, adaptability and knowledge to solve health related problems by assessing factors relevant to nursing within a given health care context.
  • Working effectively with others is demonstrated through group participation and organising themselves and others into effective working groups in the class and clinical environment.
  • Organising of self is demonstrated in the management of themselves and their activities in a responsible and effective way in the class and clinical environment.
  • Collating information is indicated in the collecting, analysing and organising of information by critically showing responsibility towards the environment and the health of others.
  • Communicating effectively is demonstrated by using visual and language skills in the modes of oral and written presentation in the class and clinical environment.
  • Utilising science and technology effectively and critically is indicated in the use of scientific method of investigation, testing and evaluation in nursing by selecting appropriate health related technology to suit the needs of the individual or groups.
  • Understanding the world as a set of related system is indicated in the illustration of an awareness of the importance of effective learning strategies, responsible citizenship, cultural sensitivity, education and career opportunities and entrepreneurial abilities. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Clinical practice and theoretical assessment reflects understanding and application of knowledge of the subjects covered in applied social sciences suitable for practice in the medical units, surgical units, paediatric units, operating theatre, emergency units, day care settings and community settings.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Knowledge of the fundamentals of anatomy, physiology and patho-physiology are used to implement the scientific nursing process and provide comprehensive and safe patient care through the stages of assessment, nursing diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation, and documentation is integrated throughout the process.
  • The scientific nursing process is utilised to provide comprehensive and safe patient care in any health care setting.
    > Range of settings includes, but is not limited to: Medical units, surgical units, paediatric units, operating theatre, emergency unit, day care settings and community settings.
  • Clinical practice and theoretical assessment reflect the following:
    > Safe administration of prescribed medication and the calculation and recording thereof.
    > Recording the effect of medication given - whether therapeutic, adverse or of no effect.
    > Timeous recognition of adverse effects of medication and initiation of appropriate action.
    > Recognition and description of drug interactions.
    > Correct preparation of patients for diagnostic and/or surgical procedures.
    > Assisting in the operating theatre according to own Scope of Practice.
    > Providing of correct information to patients on discharge from the unit.
  • The principles of good communication are demonstrated and the learner acts in a way that demonstrates empathy rather than sympathy.
  • Theoretical knowledge of nursing dynamics, ethos and professional practice is applied in clinical practice and reflected in theoretical assessment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Learner activities within the multi-disciplinary team reflect the knowledge and application of the principles of team cohesion.
  • The need to refer a patient where necessary is determined and carried out.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • The implications regarding taking responsibility and accountability within the limits of competence and scope of practice are consistently demonstrated.
  • A skills plan regarding own needs is drawn up and justified.
  • Problems regarding already planned nursing actions are assessed and changes are thought out, recorded and implemented and the appropriate reporting is made.
  • Cognitive, affective and psychomotor skills relevant to the scope of practice of the registered nurse are consistently demonstrated by own actions which indicate the potential to articulate into higher level training.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Nursing standards are drawn up according to recognised practice.
  • Organisational principles are used to co-ordinate activities in the unit.
  • Management principles are used to administer a health unit effectively.
  • Leadership skills are demonstrated within the unit and in private life.
  • Interpersonal relationships that promote health care are maintained.
  • Problem solving and decision making skills in the management of a unit are demonstrated.
  • A teaching/learning programme using the principles of teaching/learning is drawn up correctly and available resources to enhance teaching/learning are used.
  • Clinical demonstrations to colleagues are provided according to required principles.
  • Health education to patients is appropriate and freely offered.

    Integrated Assessment:
    A variety of assessment strategies and/or approaches may be used, in agreement with the relevant Quality Council, and may include, but are not limited to:
  • Formative assessment:
    > Written tests.
    > Assignments.
    > Workbooks.
    > Projects.
    > Demonstrations.
    > Clinical assessments.
  • Summative Assessment:
    > Written examinations.
    > Clinical examinations.
    > Oral assessments. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification has been compared to similar programmes offered in other countries. It is evident that there is an ever-increasing need, even internationally, for formally trained Registered Nurses. All the countries used for comparison are members of the International Council of Nursing (ICN) as is South Africa, and the qualifications used comply with ICN required standards, as does this South African qualification.

    In the United States of America several universities are accredited to offer a two-year Diploma in general nursing, equivalent to NQF Level 6.

    The United Kingdom offers a two-year Higher Education Diploma in Nursing, equivalent to NQF Level 6, at various institutions.

    In Australia the Nursing Diploma, equivalent to NQF Level 6, is accredited at several universities for both full-time and part-time studies.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification has been has been found comparable to the areas of best practice identified amongst the currently existing qualifications internationally. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
    This qualification articulates horizontally with any cognate qualification at NQF Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
    This qualification articulates vertically with any cognate qualification at NQF Level 7. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The South African Nursing Council, as the Statutory Body responsible for the Registration of Nurse Practitioners, in agreement with the relevant Quality Council (QC), will be consulted for the moderation of examinations. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Learners can be assessed by a currently Registered Nurse who is registered as an assessor by the relevant Quality Council, in agreement with the South African Nursing Council. 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    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 - Bellville 
    2. Mediclinic (Pty) Ltd - Corporate Office 
    3. Mediclinic (Pty) Ltd - Polokwane 


    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.