Higher Certificate in Nursing

Purpose

The purpose of the Higher Certificate in Nursing is to provide learners with the basic knowledge, affective, cognitive and conceptual tools and practical techniques for additional higher education studies in nursing. The knowledge emphasises general principles and their application in the provision of basic nursing care. This qualification signifies that the learner has attained a basic level of higher education knowledge and competence in nursing and is capable of applying such knowledge and competence in the workplace.

The qualification aims to

• Produce nurses that will provide basic nursing care in all spheres of health care service delivery.
• Provide the nurse with a wide range of cognitive, affective and psychomotor skills.
• Hone skills in assessment, planning and implementation basic nursing care.
• Develop writing and oral communication skills.

The qualifying learner will be able to

• Apply knowledge of theory and practice of basic nursing care.
• Assess, plan, implement and evaluate basic nursing care for individuals and groups throughout the life span.
• Demonstrate professionalism when rendering basic nursing care.

Rationale

A first level nurse, capable of delivering skilled basic nursing care, is essential to health care in a variety of settings. Combining nursing care with prevention and promotion makes this nurse a strong primary health care worker. The competence of this first level nurse will be in line with the recommendation of the Pick Report nurse training to be expanded to include essential skills needed in the community. The qualification is to independently in a variety of health care settings within the relevant legal and ethical parameters. A first level nurse works under the supervision of a nurse with a National Diploma or Degree in Nursing within the applicable scope of practice.

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.

Or

• An equivalent qualification at exit Level 4.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 5, totalling 120 Credits

• Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacology, 16 Credits.
• Effective Communication, 4 Credits.
• Basic Nursing Care, 66 Credits.
• Transcultural Nursing, 4 Credits.
• Professionalism Practice and Ethics, 6 Credits.
• Basic Community Nursing, 24 Credits.

1. Apply basic knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biophysics, pharmacology and microbiology in the provision of nursing care.
2. Communicate effectively in a variety of ways in a nursing context.
3. Use the scientific nursing approach to address the basic needs of individuals and groups in various health care settings.
4. Demonstrate appropriate methods of interacting sensitively and professionally with people from diverse backgrounds.
5. Maintain professionalism in nursing practice within the ethical and legal framework.
6. Participate in addressing the needs of individuals and groups in a community.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Demonstrate understanding of macro body structure and functioning provided by the nursing care, in accordance with the relevant scope of practice.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the structure and functioning of anatomy, physiology, biophysics, pharmacology and microbiology in the provision of nursing care.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Maintain oral and written communication to promote effective fundamental nursing care.
• Write clear, relevant and unambiguous communication.
• Ensure that non-verbal communication is congruent with oral communication.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Implement and evaluate individual and/or group health care plans across the health-illness continuum in collaboration with other members of the health care team.
• Correctly apply information obtained from continuous monitoring of responses to nursing interventions to the individual or group.
• Ensure appropriate emergency care and first aid principles in respect of treatment of injuries and accidents and basic life support.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Implement basic nursing interventions with sensitivity to people of diverse backgrounds.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Record data in compliance with legal criteria.
• Maintain patient records accurately, concisely and systematically, to reflect the basic nursing care rendered.
• Maintain confidentiality and integrity of patient information in interaction with patients and others.
• Display adherence to professional code of conduct in provision of nursing care.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Implement health promotion programmes.

Integrated Assessment

The Qualification will comprise of formative, practical and summative assessments.

Formative Assessment

• Tests will be written in each of the four (4) theoretical blocks on each module.
• There will be a total of four (4) tests written for each module per academic year.
• There will be one assignment or a case study for each module per academic year.
• Learners will have work books to complete whilst doing practical assignments.
• Evaluation tools will be used for work integrated learning assessments.
• Learners will be given projects to complete.

Practical

• Learners will undergo practical accompaniment evaluations during which time they will perform procedures and will be given feedback about procedure and corrective counselling by clinical facilitators.
• Remedial activities will be done where a learner is not yet competent.
• Work books will be kept by learners for completion during practical assignments.
• A practical evaluation will be done in the practical facility where the learners will interact with the patient to evaluate their competence.
• An objective structured examination (OSCE) comprising five (5) minute stations will be done to objectively assess theory and practical integration.

Summative Assessment

• The internal Summative Assessment comprised of theory and practical will be conducted.
• The South African Nursing Council examination will be written at the end of the qualification.