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: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
99376  Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing 
ORIGINATOR
MEDICLINIC (Pty) Ltd 
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 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 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 1141/23  2021-07-01  2024-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2025-06-30   2028-06-30  

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 
Purpose:
The aim of the Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing is to equip specialist Nurses with specialist knowledge, clinical and managerial skills to manage the specialised unit. The focus of this qualification is to extend theory and its application in practice.

Upon qualifying specialist nurses will be able to:
  • Work as specialist practitioner with other team members within the health care system in the assessment of the health status of patients.
  • Develop an informed and critical understanding of the principles, theories and emerging issues and debates in the area of specialisation such as the operating theatre, critical care, paediatric or emergency nursing.
  • Apply specialist knowledge and managerial skills in the provision of specialised nursing care to patients in the chosen area of specialisation to ensure a safe environment for the patient.
  • Conduct and report research in a specialised area.

    Rationale:
    The current situation of human resources in the healthcare service in South Africa indicates that there are major health inequalities which stem from the past, and the current healthcare landscape is characterised by complex distortions of supply, production, distribution, and development of health personnel. This context of health care practice with a growth in debilitating health conditions demands a cadre of specialist Nurses who are able to provide specialised nursing care to patients.

    In addition, the increasing acuity levels of patients being cared for require specialist nurses who are able to self-evaluate, to exercise personal responsibility and initiative and have in-depth knowledge and be able to display the necessary skills and competences in specialised health care units. Also due to the high levels of trauma and critical illness in the country, specialist Nurses must be able to utilise rapid metacognitive problem-solving skills to solve concrete and abstract critical issues.

    Thus it becomes imperative to have an advanced practitioner who is able to integrate knowledge and skills to improve the practice in clinical nursing. Therefore the development of a Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing is seen as important in providing the necessary competencies for specialist nurses to be able to function independently within their specialised scope of practice. The Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing is aimed at registered professional general Nurses who wish to become a clinical expert in an area of specialisation (operating theatre, critical care-paediatric or emergency nursing). 
    		•

    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 will be considered. An application must be submitted according to the RPL Policy of the Institution for individual assessment. Candidates will need to provide evidence such as previous international or local qualifications, reports, testimonials, mentoring, portfolios, work records and performance appraisals. This evidence will assessed against the exit level outcomes of the qualification.

    Only candidates whose prior learning has been validated by means of a well-structured and credible Portfolio of Evidence will be eligible to be awarded RPL for access and Credit Accumulation.

    Candidates will receive a maximum of 50% of the prescribed percentage of the completed qualification, as determined by the institution's RPL Policy.

    Entry Requirements:
  • Diploma in Nursing.
    Or
  • Bachelors' Degree in Nursing at NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Midwifery at NQF Level 7.
    And
  • Be registered with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a registered nurse/professional nurse.

    Secure placement in a clinical practice setting relevant to speciality of choice. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification comprises compulsory and elective modules totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory modules, 51 Credits:
  • Nursing Research Methods, 15 Credits.
  • Professional Practice, 12 Credits.
  • Nursing Research Practice, 12 Credits.
  • Health Service Management, 12 Credits.

    Elective modules (choose one), 69 Credits:
  • Operating Theatre Nursing Modules, 69 Credits.
  • Critical Care Nursing Modules, 69 Credits.
  • Emergency Nursing Modules, 69 Credits.
  • Paediatric Nursing Modules, 69 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Utilise principles of science and research methodology in investigating nursing and health related problems.
    2. Manage and evaluate specialised nursing services in a variety of settings.
    3. Demonstrate an informed and critical understanding of the principles, theories and emerging issues and debates in the area of specialisation (operating theatre, critical care, paediatric or emergency nursing).
    4. Apply specialist knowledge and skills in the provision of specialised nursing care to patients in the area of specialisation. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1:
  • The specified research area is clearly and unambiguously delineated.
  • The research plan/design and methods are feasible and meet ethical requirements.
  • The specified research problem is accurately described and defined.
  • The specific research question/problem is examined and formulated clearly and conceptualised.
  • Research variables are accurately defined.
  • Accurate criteria for selecting information sources are developed.
  • Information sources identified are appropriate to the research question/problem.
  • Research information is accurately recorded.
  • Where applicable, clear hypotheses that are measurable, parsimonious and logical are developed, and arguments that support the hypotheses are provided.
  • Reliable descriptive, quantitative or qualitative information/data gathering methods are identified and justified.
  • Quantitative research data is captured and coded correctly.
  • Descriptive, inferential and quantitative statistics are accurately computed or qualitative research data is accurately recorded and analysed.
  • Research data is correctly described, analysed and interpreted.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2:
  • Specialised health care units, programmes and services are evaluated and managed in an efficient and effective manner.
  • Mentorship is provided to others in a specialised health team.
  • Team members are developed and supported to cope with the emotional demand of the specialty.
  • Professional and ethical working relationships with colleagues and participants are maintained.
  • Limitations in ethical, legal and policy guidelines are timeously identified with particular reference to a human rights approach and advocacy.
  • The specialised disease profile at district, provincial and national levels and in different settings is correctly determined and interpreted in the formulation of specialised nursing needs of these communities and/or regions.
  • Implementation of infection control measures is promoted in order to enhance the safety of the environment.
  • Skills for the effective coaching, support and mentorship of members of the multi-professional team are demonstrated, and the importance thereof accurately explained.
  • Quality assurance activities are conducted to enhance quality in specialised health services.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3:
  • Appropriate theoretical frameworks regarding the prevention and management of the area of specialisation are identified and integrated in theoretical and practical work.
  • A substantiated point of view regarding emerging issues and debates relevant to the area of specialisation is articulated.
  • An understanding of the dynamic and tentative nature of specialised knowledge on issues in the area of specialisation is presented.
  • A coherent understanding of principles, theories and emerging national and global issues in the area of specialisation is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4:
  • Evidence-based nursing care provided to patients with various conditions is based on comprehensive knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology as well as genetics, embryology; congenital and inherited conditions, including complex pathological and/or differentially-abled conditions.
  • Conditions of the various body systems including, cardiac, respiratory, fluid and electrolyte, neurological etc. are identified and management systems are developed.
  • Information and practices are critically reviewed in order to make creative suggestions in response to challenges in their field or discipline.
  • Relevant and up to date information is utilised when developing and communicating professional and occupational ideas.
  • Evidence-based knowledge and skills are applied to understand, interpret and mediate the physical and emotional environment for patients, their families and staff.
  • Emergency situations and casualties/patients are accurately assessed and managed.
  • Laboratory results and special investigations and procedures are interpreted with the clinical interface, accurately recorded and correctly acted upon.
  • Assessment of the critically ill and high-risk patient is conducted in an integrated manner and includes measures of physical, psychosocial emotional and spiritual needs.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The institution's Assessment policies will be followed to assess learners and to ensure that the assessment strategies are valid, fair, authenticated, sufficient, current and reliable.

    Both formative and summative assessments will be used to assess the specialist Nurses applied competencies. Formative assessments may take the form of case presentations, clinical simulations, peri-operative care plans, workbooks, tests (written and electronically) or clinical evaluations. Summative assessment may be including written and oral examinations and a clinical examination.

    Learners must obtain at least 45% in a system of continuous assessment by the nursing school of the clinical and theoretical aspects of in order to obtain examination admission.

    The pass mark of 70% is required for each clinical assessment to be declared competent. A pass mark of 50% is required for theoretical assessments.

    The specialist nurse will need to undertake 720 Hours Work Integrated Learning (which can be simulated learning, work-directed theoretical learning, problem-based learning, project-based learning and workplace-based learning) of which 50% will be supervised and mentored. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The International Council of Nurses (ICN) firmly places the Nurse Specialist education and practice on the foundation of education and competencies of the generalist Nurse practice. The ICN defines a Nurse Specialist as a nurse with "advanced education and expertise in a branch of nursing, built upon the Nurse base of competence and authority for generalist practice in all settings and branches of nursing. Specialist practice includes clinical, teaching, administration, research and consultant roles."

    The ICN has developed the criteria and standards for the education, practice and regulation of specialist Nurse/Midwifery practice and these include:
  • Education for nursing specialty practice is a formally recognised programme of study built upon education required for qualification as a registered/licensed nurse and providing the content and experience to ensure competency in specialty practice.
  • Preparation and authorisation are in accordance with scope of practice and with the education and regulatory policies and practices for post-basic specialists in other professions.
  • The domains of the revised ICN Framework and Competencies for the Generalist Nurse are should be used to guide the process of identifying core nurse specialist competencies.

    The core competencies identified for Specialist Nurses include:
  • Be the expert of clinical knowledge and skills for complex decision-making abilities.
  • Attain clinical competencies for expanded practice, the characteristics of which are shaped by the context and/or country in which she/he has the credentials to practice.
  • Have the appropriate credentials to practice autonomously.

    In addition, the following criteria are considered essential and should underpin the nurse/midwifery speciality practice. Specialist Nurse practice needs to:
  • Practise as a nurse.
  • Adhere to the foundational registration of a professional Nurse.
  • Be sufficiently complex and advanced beyond the scope of a general professional Nurse.
  • Exist due to a demand and need for the speciality.
  • Focus on a recurring problem that lies within the nursing discipline.
  • Be based on a core body of nursing/midwifery knowledge, refined by research.
  • Have established educational and practice standards.
  • Have expertise obtained through approved professional advanced educational programmes administered by a Nurse/Midwife.
  • Have financial and human resources available to support the programme accredited by the profession.
  • Ensure that specialist practitioners are organised and represented in interest groups/associations/societies.

    In conclusion:
    The development and design of this qualification adheres to the standards and competencies advocated by the ICN and which specialist nurses need to acquire. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification offers only specific vertical articulation possibilities with another qualification offered by Medi-Clinic Limited. It is:
  • Masters Certificate: Nursing, NQF Level 9, (ID 71714).

    The qualification also offers systemic articulation possibilities with qualifications offered by other institutions, provided the learner meets the admission requirements. They are:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Nursing Honours in Administration, Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Nursing Science Honours, Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Paediatric Critical Care, Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master in Nursing, Level 9.
  • Master of Nursing Science: Advanced Emergency Nursing Science, Level 9.
  • Master of Nursing Science: Advanced Child Nursing Science, Level 9. 
    		•

    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. MEDICLINIC (Pty) Ltd 


    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.