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: 

Diploma in Nursing 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97938  Diploma in Nursing 
ORIGINATOR
Ukwazi School Of Nursing (Pty) Ltd - Main Campus 
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 360)  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Preventive Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
This qualification will enable the learner to function as a clinically focused, service orientated, independent Registered Staff Nurse, who is able to render nursing care as determined by the appropriate legislative framework. The qualification will provide a basis for decision-making about what is within and beyond the defined scope of practice, as well as understanding of the referral system in place for anything outside of the scope of practice. The diplomate will apply evidence-based nursing practice which is based on research or established practices that have proven to be effective both nationally and internationally within the profession. On successful completion of this qualification, the learner is eligible for registration with the South African Nursing Council as a Staff Nurse.

The qualification aims to:
  • Produce high quality diplomates who are able to be competent nursing practitioners in a range of health service settings.
  • Provide diplomates with a range of skills, knowledge and attitudes that will enable them to make a meaningful and sustained contribution to health services.
  • Equip diplomates with a developed sense of equity, justice and service ethics that will ensure that they work in an accountable manner, irrespective of their chosen work place.
  • Offer a wide range of transferable skills for application in other professions, disciplines and general life. These include:
    > A methodical, solution-based approach to problem solving.
    > An empowerment strengths-based approach to personal development.
    > Competence in written and oral communication.
    > Capacity to assess and implement health and other policies.
    > Ability to plan, implement and manage projects of a varied nature.
    > Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

    Attributes:
    The Diplomate who completes this qualification will be able to:
  • Maintain professionalism in own practice of nursing.
  • Apply knowledge of biomedical, biotechnological and psycho-social sciences to the practice of nursing.
  • Develop, implement and evaluate population-based health care.
  • Assess, plan, implement and evaluate nursing care for individuals and groups with stable, uncomplicated health problems based on thorough assessment.
  • Deliver nursing care to sick or disabled individuals and groups with stable uncomplicated health problems.
  • Promote rehabilitation of individuals and groups with disabilities.
  • Diagnose and treat minor ailments.
  • Deliver safe maternal care.
  • Manage a health care unit.
  • Utilise principles of science and methodology in investigating nursing and health-related problems.

    Rationale:
    This qualification is intended to prepare the qualifying learner as a generalist nurse who will be able to meet the service delivery needs of the country. The nurse with this qualification has a significant contribution to make in the current situation of human resources in health in South Africa, taking into consideration the country's historical background and the shortage of professional nurses and doctors in the country. The practice of this nurse is focused on quality service delivery within a broad spectrum of health services and in a variety of settings, including rural areas. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for access to this qualification or credit bearing exemptions, an application must be submitted according to the RPL policy of the Nursing Education Institution for individual assessment.

    Entry Requirements:
    Access to this qualification is a National Senior Certificate with Diploma or Bachelor Degree studies endorsement or an equivalent qualification at Level 4 with similar endorsement or the Higher Certificate in Auxiliary Nursing at Level 5.
  • Communication Skills at Level 4.
  • Mathematical Literacy at Level 4.
  • Computer Literacy at Level 3.
  • Life Science at Level 4. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at Levels 5 and 6 totalling 384 Credits of which 200 Credits must be acquired in appropriate and accredited clinical facilities (being 2000 Hours of work-based, clinical skills laboratory or other clinical experiences of which 70% must be supervised and mentored):

    Level 5 modules - totalling 160 Credits:
  • Biomedical Sciences, 16 Credits.
  • Sociology, 8 Credits.
  • Psychology, 8 Credits.
  • Pharmacology, 8 Credits.
  • General Nursing Science, 56 Credits.
  • Nursing Dynamics, 24 Credits.
  • Reproductive Health Care, 24 Credits.
  • Health Care Information Systems, 16 Credits.

    Level 6 modules - totalling 224 Credits:
  • Pharmacology, 8 Credits.
  • General Nursing Science 96 Credits
  • Nursing Dynamics 64 Credits.
  • Reproductive Health Care 56 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Provide nursing care throughout the lifespan in various healthcare settings.
    2. Render nursing care within a legal and ethical framework.
    3. Apply knowledge of natural and biological sciences in the practice of nursing.
    4. Apply knowledge of psycho-social sciences in the practice of nursing.
    5. Apply knowledge of pharmacology in nursing practice.
    6. Use and maintain healthcare information systems for nursing practice.
    7. Manage a healthcare unit by implementing the management process.
    8. Provide reproductive health care to promote and maintain optimum health of individuals and families. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Preventive, promotive, curative and rehabilitative nursing care is provided to different age groups in various health care settings.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Nursing care is rendered within an ethical legal framework.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Knowledge of anatomy and physiology is applied in caring for the health care user.
  • Knowledge of microbiology is applied in caring for the health care user.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Knowledge of psychology and sociology is applied in ways which benefits the quality of healthcare delivered to health care users.
  • Knowledge of human behaviour and psychological development throughout the life span is understood and applied.
  • Social and diversity-sensitive care is implemented in nursing practice.
  • A range of psychological emergency situations are identified and managed accordingly.
  • Emotional demands of nursing practice are dealt with effectively.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Knowledge of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics is applied in nursing practice within the applicable scope of practice.
  • Medications are prescribed, controlled, dispensed and administered in various healthcare settings within legislative requirements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Healthcare information systems are used and maintained in the practice of nursing.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Implement the management process in managing a health care unit.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • The optimum health of individuals and families is promoted and maintained through the provision of reproductive health care.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated assessment comprises formative and summative assessment. Assessment takes place through a process of continuous evaluation based on a comprehensive and integrated process.
    Formative assessment (theory and work-integrated learning) may include, but shall not be limited to:
  • Case studies, projects and/or presentations.
  • Assignments.
  • Nursing care plans.
  • Written tests.
  • Oral presentations.
  • Demonstrations.
  • Practical assessments.

    Summative Assessment:
    All modules are summatively assessed which may include, but not be limited to:
  • Oral examinations.
  • Written examinations.
  • Practical examinations. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Institute of Health and Nursing in Australia, offers a Diploma of Nursing. This qualification will provide the learner with the practical skills and knowledge to assist in the provision of preventative, curative and rehabilitative nursing. Furthermore they will learn about anatomy and physiology, infection control, nursing care of the client, legal and ethical parameters of nursing practice and promote positive health. The content of this programme compares well with this qualification as the qualification's emphasis is also on preventative, curative and rehabilitative nursing.

    Diploma nursing programs in the United States for eg. The Jeffersson Medical Institute currently provide a solid foundation in biology and social science aspects of nursing practice, with a strong emphasis on clinical experiences in direct patient care. They generally provide more hours of clinical instruction than any other type of entry-level program. Graduates are adept in clinical skills and find employment in acute care, long-term care, and community health care facilities. Their programmes thus compare favourably with this qualification and it's outcomes as conclusion. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification, the Diploma in Nursing, offers systemic articulation with the following qualifications offered by other institutions, provided that minimum entry requirements are met:
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma: General Nursing Care, Level 6.
  • Diploma in Emergency Care, Level 6.
  • Diploma in Emergency Medical Care, Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Nursing Science, Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma: Critical Care Nursing, Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma: Health Services Management and Leadership, Level 7.
  • Advanced University Diploma: Midwifery and Neonatal Nursing, Level 7. 
    		•

    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. Ukwazi School Of Nursing (Pty) Ltd - Main Campus 


    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.