Advanced Diploma in Medical and Surgical Nursing Science

The purpose of the qualification is to develop the intellectual and practical skills and professional values of the learner to:

• set and monitor nursing care standards
• improve policy decisions
• provide a cost-effective service
• improve patient care outcomes
• investigate and solve service care problems
• act as a resource to health workers
• assist with the implementation of nursing development and new concepts into practice
• teach patient, nurses and other health workers in the specialised field of study

The qualification prepares the learner for a science-based career in a specialised field of nursing science and provides employment opportunities to qualified learners.

A qualified learner provides benefits to society and the South African economy in terms of counteracting the shortage of nurses in specialised areas.

The programme is designed in line with the health care needs of the South African society.

Entrance requirements

Learners who are admitted to this qualification must comply with the following entrance requirements

• A senior certificate or equivalent at NQF level 4
• The ability to read, write and negotiate orally in English
• Knowledge of biological and social sciences on NQF level 5
• Proof of at least six months clinical nursing experience in the chosen field of speciality
• Registration as a nurse with the South African Nursing Council
• Proof of personal, professional indemnity insurance coverage
• Written permission from employer for participation in the programme

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition of prior learning will be given to learners who meet all but the first assumptions of learning listed above. Admission will be granted to learners who can provide documented evidence of:

• The ability to provide, manage and facilitate comprehensive nursing/health care practice based on a scientific approach
• At least one-year clinical nursing experience in the chosen field of speciality

Specific outcomes

On completion of the programme learners should demonstrate the following essential outcomes

1. Manage complex clinical problems using critical and creative thinking
2. Interpret and implement research findings and other innovations
3. Render quality patient care using systematic information, science and technology appropriately
4. Develop nursing science through research involvement
5. Carry out a cost analysis of area(s) of the specialist service
6. Set clinical standards and measure quality of care
7. Carry out a situational analysis, plan, implement and evaluate service improvements
8. Develop a sound view and philosophy of life and a continued understanding of the influence of different views of life on the thoughts and behaviour of man
9. Demonstrate respect for the dignity and uniqueness of man in his social, cultural and religious context and approach, as well as an understanding of man as a complete being within this context
10. Apply a systematic approach to the nursing of man in the various phases of life at any point along the health/sickness continuum, in situations inside and outside the hospital
11. Maintain ethical codes of the profession and practice within the provisions of the appropriate legislation
12. Develop, organise and demonstrate evidence of contributions to a comprehensive health service
13. Define and accept responsibility for independent nursing practice
14. Co-operate within the nursing and multi-disciplinary team according to the principles of co-responsibility for and collaborate with a view to achieve a common objective
15. Develop and implement operational leadership, managerial and teaching skills

Critical cross-field outcomes

Because the critical cross-field outcomes prescribed by SAQA are integral to the process of nursing education, they are potentially embedded in all the specific outcomes.

In the above outcomes the emphasis are as follows

1. Problem solving, critical and creative thinking: This outcome is embedded in all the specific outcomes of the programme in order to function as an independent nurse practitioner.
2. Working effectively as a member of a team: This outcome is embedded in specific outcomes 2, 5, 7, 9 and 13
3. Self-organisation and management: This outcome is embedded in specific outcomes 6, 7, 11 and 13
4. Information processing: This outcome is embedded in specific outcomes 2, 4, 5, 7 and 13
5. Communicating effectively: This outcome is embedded in all the specific outcomes of the programme in order to function as an independent nurse practitioner
6. Effective and critical use of science and technology: This outcome is embedded in specific outcomes 1-7, 10 and 15
7. Demonstrating a systematic understanding of the world: This outcome is embedded in all the specific outcomes of the programme in order to function as an independent nurse practitioner.
8. Reflecting on and exploring learning strategies: This outcome is embedded in specific outcome 15
9. Participating as citizens in social life: This outcome is embedded in all the specific outcomes through the practice of nursing
10. Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts: This outcome is embedded in all the specific outcomes of the programme, in which learners will identify and respond to the needs of a diverse group of health care users
11. Exploring education and career opportunities: This outcome is embedded in all the specific outcomes of the programme. Learners will identify their personal learning needs for further development. (Link to articulation possibilities in 8)
12. Developing entrepreneurial opportunities: This outcome is embedded in all the specific outcomes of the programme because the learner is prepared to function as an independent nurse practitioner at primary, secondary and tertiary health care levels

Assessment and evaluation during the programme takes place through a process of continuous evaluation, based on a comprehensive and integrated approach.

The criteria for assessing learners are based on the learning outcomes listed above and the strategies that will be used to ensure that the specific and critical cross-field outcomes are achieved comprise:

Formative assessment by means of

• case presentations
• nursing ward rounds
• assignments
• nursing care plans
• workbooks
• tests
• oral presentations by individuals and project teams
• clinical evaluations

Summative evaluation by means of

• written and oral examinations
• clinical examination

Integrated assessment

To attain the qualification, every qualifying learner would have demonstrated his/her

• discipline and scientific-related knowledge and insight
• discipline-related skills aimed at:
• problem identification and solving
• applying scientific methodology - both theoretically and practically
• acquiring, analysing and interpreting scientific data
• scientific interaction and teamwork
• appreciation of academic values that should reflect in his/her attitude towards and service to society