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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.