Diploma in Nursing

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 learner will be able to 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.

Upon qualifying the learner will gain the following attributes

• 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 learner who has successfully completed 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 general nurse is focused on quality service delivery within a broad spectrum of health services and in a variety of settings, including rural areas.

The qualification aims to

• Produce learners who are able to be competent nursing practitioners in a range of health service settings.
• Provide learners with a range of skills, knowledge and attitudes that will enable them to make a meaningful and sustained contribution to health services.
• Equip learners 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.

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

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelor's studies.

Or

• A qualification at exit level 3 and 4.

1. Apply knowledge of natural and biological sciences in the practice of nursing.
2. Apply knowledge of psycho- social sciences in the practice of nursing.
3. Apply knowledge of pharmacology in nursing practice.
4. Provide nursing care throughout the lifespan in various healthcare settings.
5. Render nursing care within a legal and ethical framework.
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 for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Provide preventive, promotive, curative and rehabilitative nursing care to different age groups in various health care settings.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Render nursing care within an ethical legal framework.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology in caring for the health care user.
• Apply knowledge of microbiology in caring for the health care user.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Apply knowledge of psychology and sociology is applied in ways which benefits the quality of healthcare delivered to health care users.
• Understand and apply knowledge of human behaviour and psychological development throughout the life span.
• Implement social and diversity-sensitive care in nursing practice.
• Identify and manage a range of psychological emergency situations accordingly.
• Deal with emotional demands of nursing practice effectively.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Apply knowledge of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics in nursing practice within the applicable scope of practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Use and maintain healthcare information systems in the practice of nursing.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Implement the management process in a health care unit.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Promote and maintain the optimum health of individuals and families through the provision or reproductive health care.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment will be done throughout the qualification and comprises of formative and summative assessments.

Formative Assessment

Formative assessments will be conducted on both theoretical and clinical component of the qualification. The formative assessments will be done on a regular basis by nurse educators, registered nurses, peer-group and self-assessment. The method of assessment may vary from written tests, assignments, role-play, case studies, workbooks, oral presentation, demonstration, on the spot assessment to simulation. At the commencement of each academic year the students are provided with an assessment strategy for both the theoretical and clinical component of the qualification.

Summative Assessment

Summative assessment will be conducted on both the theoretical as well as clinical component of the qualification.

The Summative Assessment for the theoretical component will be conducted by means of formal theoretical examinations. The learner must successfully complete the formative clinical component of the qualification to be entered into the summative clinical examination. The clinical assessment will assess the competence of the learner and the ability to integrate theory and clinical principles as well as professional conduct and psycho-social skills.

The clinical assessment of the qualification will be done by means of

• Monthly professional growth reports.
• Case Study Presentations.
• Clinical Workbooks.
• Clinical Portfolio of Evidence.
• Summative Clinical examination.

A summative clinical assessment will be conducted by the NEI at the end of each academic year. The learner must pass both the theoretical and clinical component of the course to obtain the qualification.