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: 

Higher Certificate in Nursing 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
88894  Higher Certificate in Nursing 
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
Higher Certificate  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0733/25  2024-06-30  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
17133  Certificate: Nursing  Level 4  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L4  240  Complete 
17132  Certificate: Auxiliary Nursing  Level 4  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L4  120  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
This qualification is an entry level qualification, designed to provide the learner with the necessary knowledge and skills required to function as a registered auxiliary nurse in both private and public health care facilities. The qualification will enable learners to utilise their knowledge of anatomy, microbiology, physiology and Patho-physiology to provide fundamental nursing care under the direction of nurse practitioners in a higher category. They will:
  • Focus on the implementation of fundamental patient care and treatment.
  • Assist registered health professionals with treatment of patients.
  • Develop skills that allow for handling emergency situations.
  • Be competent to deliver a service in accordance with the required health and safety regulations, ethics and health codes of practice for auxiliary nurses.

    This qualification is aligned to the new nursing categories laid down in the Nursing Act of 2005, (Act No 33 of 2005), where provision is made for a registered auxiliary nurse.

    The successful candidate will be eligible for registration as an auxiliary nurse with the South African Nursing Council (SANC).

    Rationale:
    South Africa has grown health needs and a shortage of nurses in both private and public health care institutions. This qualification should address the shortage of nurse practitioners available to provide fundamental nursing care in South Africa by providing a registered auxiliary nurse that is competent to work in certain areas of critical shortage. The burden on other healthcare professionals can thus be reduced as other healthcare professionals can manage the complicated cases and direct the care given by registered auxiliary nurses.

    The critical shortage of nurses has led to the need for private institutions to offer training for nurses; nevertheless, this programme is also suitable for the public sector and provides the knowledge and skills required for practical application in the workplace. This qualification is suitable for those working in Community Clinics and for those wishing to work as part of a multidisciplinary team in a hospital setting.

    The registered auxiliary nurse will be able to function in a wide variety of healthcare settings and provide fundamental care to patients. The registered auxiliary nurse will be able to provide for the basic needs of patients and provide a supportive function to staff nurses, professional nurses and to other healthcare professionals. Auxiliary nurse practitioners are not equipped to function independently and will need to work under the supervision of higher category nurse practitioners or medical practitioners. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning:(RPL):
    This qualification can be achieved wholly, or in part, through Recognition of Prior Learning. Evidence may be presented in a variety of forms, including previous international or local qualifications, reports, testimonials, mentoring, portfolios, work records and performance appraisals. Recognition will be granted in accordance with the specific institutional requirements, in agreement with the relevant Quality Council.

    Access to the Qualification:
  • A National Senior Certificate or National Certificate: Vocational at NQF Level 4 with minimal requirements for admission to Higher Certificate and Diploma studies as Gazetted for Higher Education.
  • Any science subject at NQF Level 4.
  • Recognition of Prior Learning.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, without endorsement. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6, 120 Credits:
  • Professional Practice 1; 16 Credits.
  • Integrated Science (General) 1; 16 Credits.
  • Anatomy 1; 12 Credits.
  • Physiology 1; 12 Credits.
  • Nursing Science 1; 64 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply knowledge of biomedical, biotechnological and psychosocial sciences to the practice of fundamental nursing.
    2. Participate in the implementation of fundamental nursing care.
    3. Maintain professionalism in own nursing practice. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Apply knowledge of fundamental psychology and sociology to ensure the support of the patients' needs and the quality of health care delivery.
  • Apply knowledge of anatomy, micro-organisms and physiology is applied to ensure the promotion of effective health care delivery.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Implement Nursing care in an integrated manner according to the nursing care plans.
  • Deliver Nursing care to provide the necessary physical and psychological care and support for patients in line with the accepted scope of practice for nursing.
  • Provide support to patients recovering from acute illness or surgical procedures to prepare them for discharge in ways that enable the patient, family and/or significant others to cope with the management of the patient at home.
  • Provide information to the patient and/or significant others to identify relapse or development of complications and ways of preventing these.
  • Record all relevant nursing activities according to applicable regulations and all documentation is current and accurate.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Use interpersonal skills effectively to maintain positive interpersonal relationships with patients and members of the healthcare team.
  • Include a range of interpersonal skills, but is not limited to: Patient confidentiality, advocacy, cultural sensitivity and recognition of diversity.
  • Ensure that the interpersonal communication support the needs of patients and/or significant others, and cooperative and support the members of the healthcare team.
  • Apply consistently ethical codes, professional accountability and responsibility and standards for the practice of nursing in line with their spirit and intent.
  • Apply relevant Nursing and Health Care Legislation to ensure the safety of personnel and patients and prevent the occurrence of medico-legal incidents.
  • Frequently check and test all emergency equipment and lines of communication to ensure effective responses and reactions when needed.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative assessment may be given by means of:
  • Case presentations.
  • Clinical simulations.
  • Workbooks.
  • Clinical evaluations.

    Formative assessment of all the clinical procedures to assess the progress of the students is carried out to identify problem areas and assess the standard of work. Progress is documented in student records through monthly reports written by the unit manager/mentor in the clinical setting and quarterly reports written by the unit manager in the clinical setting.

    Summative evaluation may be made by means of:
  • Written examination.
    And/or
  • Clinical examination.

    Learners must obtain at least 70% in a system of continuous assessment by the learning centre for the clinical aspects to obtain examination admission. Quality assurance will be done according toinstitution's policies and procedures.

    Weekly to two-weekly follow-up of learners in the clinical setting is made by the educators to assess learner progress and to ensure that the learners are rotated through the different disciplines/areas as indicated on the rotation schedule. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    There are several types of assistive nursing personnel in different countries - Nursing Assistant, Nursing Auxiliary, Healthcare Support Worker, Patient Care Assistant, and Nurse Aide. All usually undergo some formal education and apprenticeship or on the job training.

    In the United States of America, the Certified Nursing Assistant can work in a nursing home or hospital and performs basic nursing tasks. Basic nursing procedures are performed under supervision of a Registered Nurse or other healthcare professional.

    In Canada, the Support Worker performs the following duties:
  • Observation, documentation and reporting of clinical and treatment information.
  • Motion exercises, ambulation and mobilisation and rehabilitation.
  • Vital signs and weighing.
  • Collecting non-invasive specimens.
  • Emotional support services to patients, families and other caregivers.
  • Assisting with personal hygiene.
  • Assisting with food and fluid intake.

    The United Kingdom has Healthcare Assistants and Auxiliary Nurses. These nurses can work in either community or hospital settings, under guidance of a higher level qualified healthcare professional. Training is often in the form of apprenticeship but can be through a qualification. A qualification means they are able to take more responsibility.

    Duties include:
  • Washing and dressing.
  • Feeding.
  • Mobilisation.
  • Bed making.
  • Elimination.
  • Comfort.
  • Monitoring vital signs and weight.

    In Australia, ancillary level workers are trained by a combination of direct instruction and on-the-job training under supervision of a skilled and experienced employee. The lowest level of this category worker receives at least six months of training. They can then progress to a higher level.

    On-the-job instruction is combined with off-the-job theoretical instruction. Their functions include giving assistance to other employees and team work. With progression they can exercise limited judgement in the execution of their own work. This relates to the qualification resulting from this programme.

    Conclusion:
    When the South African qualification and role of this level of nurse is compared to similar qualifications/level of nurse found in other countries, it is found comparable to the areas of best practice identified in the review. Due to the nature of the healthcare environment in South Africa, where nurses are expected to work in clinics and community settings, it is advisable that this category of healthcare worker undergo formal training to provide limited ability to take more responsibility under direction of professional healthcare workers.

    Due to the increase in the burden of disease, this qualification will be of great benefit in both the private and public sectors in South Africa and will also be of benefit to our immediate neighbours and subsequently, all sub-Saharan Africa. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing, NQF level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Emergency Medical Care, NQF level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Diploma in Nursing, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Nursing Administration, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Community Nursing Science, NQF Level 6.

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

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

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

    NOTES 
    This Qualification replaces the following Qualifications:
  • 17133, "Certificate: Nursing", Level 4, 240 Credits.
  • 17132, "Certificate: Auxiliary Nursing", Level 4, 120 Credits. 
    		•

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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 - Corporate Office 


    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.