Diploma in Nursing

Purpose

The Diploma in Nursing qualification will enable the learner to function as a clinically focused, service-orientated, independent Registered Staff Nurse, who can 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 an understanding of the referral system in place for anything outside of the scope of practice.

The graduate 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 (SANC) as a Staff Nurse.

The qualification aims to

• Produce high-quality diplomates who are 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 workplace.
• 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

Upon completion of the qualification, the qualifying learner will be able to

• Apply knowledge of natural and biological sciences in the practice of nursing.
• Apply knowledge of psycho-social sciences in the practice of nursing
• Provide nursing care throughout the lifespan in various healthcare settings.
• Render nursing care within a legal and ethical framework.
• Use and maintain healthcare information systems for nursing practice.
• Manage a healthcare unit by implementing the management process.

Rationale

The South African Health Care System is predominantly nurse based. It is imperative that nursing education institutions produce nurses who are able to manage the country's burden of disease and meet the basic health care needs of the population.

The qualification was approved by the South African Nursing Council (SANC). The qualifying learner will register with the SANC as a nurse educator.

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 qualification also serves to provide an entry level qualification to the profession of nursing. Learners who obtain this qualification will be deemed competent in applying basic knowledge, affective, cognitive and conceptual skills and practice competencies to articulate to higher studies in nursing.

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 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.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL for access

• A learner may seek entry to a programme where he/she does not meet the standard entry criteria based on prior learning experiences. In this case, a learner will demonstrate to the provider that he/she can successfully participate on the programme.

It is acknowledged that some learning programmes leading to awards have no entry requirements. Where entry criteria apply, a prospective learner may use prior learning experiences to gain entry to a programme.

• To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations.

Exemptions

• The institution may grant an exemption from a requirement of a programme to a learner based on prior learning experience at the point of entry to a programme.
• Exemptions from programmes generally relate to exemption(s) from particular requirements of a programme and can include exemption from attendance or participation in parts of the programme requirements.
• The learner will be required to provide valid and reliable evidence of this prior learning to the provider to demonstrate attainment of the exempted element of the programme.

Credit towards an award

• The institution may grant credit to a learner based on prior learning in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, with endorsement.

Or

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies.

Or

• National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies

Or

• Higher Certificate in Nursing, NQF Level 5.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, NOF Level 5, 48 Credits

• Bio-Medical Science I, 8 Credits.
• Psycho-social Science I, 8 Credits.
• Pharmacology I, 8 Credits.
• Professionalism, Ethics and Legislation I, 24 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, NOF Level 6, 256 Credits

• Introduction of General Nursing Science, 72 Credits.
• Bio-Medical Science II, 4 Credits.
• Psycho-social Science II, 4 Credits.
• General Nursing Science II, 56 Credits.
• Professionalism, Ethics and Legislation II, 8 Credits.
• Reproductive Health Science I, 24 Credits.
• Professionalism, Ethics and Legislation III, 8 Credits.
• Health Information Systems I, 8 Credits.
• Health Systems Information II, 8 Credits.
• Management and Leadership II, 40 Credits.
• Reproductive Health Science II, 24 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, at NOF Level 7, 56 Credits

• Management and Leadership I, 16 Credits.
• General Nursing Science III, 40 Credits.

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

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Apply knowledge of anatomy, microbiology psychology, sociology and physiology in caring for the health care user.
• Evaluate 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.
• Apply knowledge of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics in nursing practice within the applicable scope of practice

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Provide preventive, promotive, curative and rehabilitative nursing care to different age groups in various healthcare settings.
• Illustrate understanding and knowledge in nursing patients in totality, by integrating physical, psychological, emotional, social and religious aspects.
• Identify the basic health needs of healthcare users in various healthcare settings.
• Provide emergency care in various healthcare settings.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Render nursing care within the ethical legal framework.
• Deal with the emotional demands of nursing practice effectively.
• Implement social and diversity-sensitive care in nursing practice.
• Apply and illustrate knowledge of applicable ethics, professional practice and legal aspects during ethical decision-making in nursing practice.
• Account and be responsible for own professional acts and omissions within the relevant legal and ethical parameters.
• Provide nursing practice respect for human rights as enshrined in the Constitution and translated into the Patient's Right Charter.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Use and maintain healthcare information systems in the practice of nursing.
• Use technology in ways that facilitate the effective diagnosis and treatment of conditions.
• Investigate, test and evaluate health-related technology to suit the needs of the individual or groups in nursing appropriately.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Implement the management process in managing a health care unit.
• Implement nursing care in an integrated manner according to plans.
• Plan for health care on sound assessment and informed decision-making.
• Apply understanding of clinical leadership and management principles in nursing practice.
• Manage the nursing unit to reflect the ability to engage in continuous professional development.
• Utilise existing unit philosophy, vision, mission, goals, policies, procedures, and protocols to direct nursing care.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Promote and maintain the optimum health of individuals and families through the provision of reproductive health care.
• Apply the correct care principles to ensure the overall well-being of the whole family and individuals to ensure it is within the scope of practice.
• Promote knowledge, attitude and practice towards puberty and adolescent sexuality in the provision of reproductive health care.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

Assessment will be done throughout the course.

Continuous Assessment

This will be done on a regular basis by lecturers, facilitators, registered nurses, the peer group and self-assessment.

The method of assessment may vary from

• formal tests
• assignments
• role-play
• case studies
• spot assessment to simulation.

Formative and Summative Assessment

Formative and summative assessments will be conducted on theoretical as well as clinical components of the course. Successful completion of the clinical component gives entry to the summative theoretical assessment.

Theoretical assessment will be conducted through

• Written tests
• Assignments
• Examinations
• Workbooks
• Class attendance

Learners will have to obtain a year mark of at least 50% for all modules to qualify for examination entry. The year mark will be calculated from formative tests, assignments and review of the portfolio of evidence. Class attendance will also be taken into consideration as learners to attend at least 85% of lectures and clinical hours. The year mark will be weighted at 50% of the final mark. The final examination will be written at the end of the academic year.