Higher Certificate in Nursing

Purpose

The Higher Certificate in Nursing serves to provide learners with 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 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.

Rationale

According to various articles consulted, South Africa is facing a health crisis due to the shortage of nurses. The ratio of nursing staff to the population in the public health care sector is currently one nurse per 401 people. One of the biggest challenges in the nursing industry in South Africa is the shortage of nursing staff. A first level nurse should be capable of delivering skilled basic nursing care which is essential to health care in a variety of settings. Combining nursing care with prevention and promotion will enable a nurse to be a strong primary health care worker. The competence of this first level nurse will be in line with the recommendation of the Human Resources report (Pick Report) and nurse training to be expanded to include essential skills needed in the community.

The Minister of Health is currently attempting to provide best practice with the aim of implementation of the National Health system. Clinics are increasing in size to accommodate the National Health system. Each town has a minimum of three frail care centres, where staffing is a major problem.

This qualification will enable learners who have obtained pass or access for Diploma studies to study further by beginning their studies with this qualification. This person will work under the supervision of a nurse with a National Diploma or Degree in Nursing within the applicable scope of practice. The rationale is to enable learners to provide health care in a variety of health care settings within the relevant legal and ethical parameters.

The qualification will lead to a Higher Certificate in the category Auxiliary Nurse. This qualification is an entry level into nursing. The qualification serves to provide learners with basic knowledge, tools and techniques to enter into additional higher education studies in nursing.

The qualification focuses on general and their application in the provision of basic nursing care. The qualification signifies that learners have achieved a basic level of higher education knowledge and competence in nursing. It also signifies that the learner can apply this knowledge and competence in the workplace, specifically in a healthcare setting. The qualification is characterised by a work integrated learning component.

Upon qualifying the learner can progress to an Advanced Certificate at NQF Level 6 or can articulate to a Diploma in Nursing at NQF Level 6 that leads to registration as a General Nurse.

The qualification signifies that learners have achieved a basic level of higher education knowledge and competence in nursing. It also signifies that the learner can apply this knowledge and competence in the workplace, specifically in a healthcare setting.

Society benefits on a primary health care level and will assist with preventative measure in the community. This promotes prevention towards the secondary and tertiary levels in the health sector. This said, it will provide more economic health growth on the public and private sector. Economically it provides a competent and qualified nurse that will be able to provide quality care in the public and private sector.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for access to this qualification or credit bearing exemptions, a learner must submit an application 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 Higher Certificate studies.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5: 120 Credits

• Bio Medical Sciences and Pharmacology, 16 Credits.
• Effective Communication, 4 Credits.
• Basic Nursing Care, 66 Credits.
• Trans Cultural Nursing, 4 Credits.
• Professionalism and Ethics, 6 Credits.
• Basic Community Nursing, 24 Credits.

1. Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.
2. Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organization, community.
3. Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively. Collecting, analysing, organizing and critically evaluating information.
4. Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion.
5. Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
7. Contributing to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria applies across all Exit Level Outcomes

• Solve problems by means of exploring and critically evaluating abstract and personal situations.
• Solve problems by generating alternative strategies for dealing with those problems.
• Demonstrate empathy and sensitivity in the rendering of scientific nursing care to individuals, families, groups and communities.
• Demonstrate a holistic approach in the care of individuals, groups and communities in a comprehensive health care environment.
• Demonstrate competency in functioning and communicating as an effective member of the multi-professional team.
• Function within the ethical and legal framework of the nursing profession.
• Demonstrates self-directed learning with regard to formal studies and continuous professional development.
• Display managerial skills regarding self-management and management of groups, organizations and communities by the utilization of human, equipment and financial resources optimally.
• Ensure that the rights of the individual, groups and communities and their well-being
• Promotion of the profession through assertive participation, at different levels, in health related activities.
• Demonstrate negotiating and presentation skills in labor and financial contexts.
• Application of research principles in selective appropriate situations according to the nursing needs of the individual, groups and communities.
• Demonstrate effective verbal, non-verbal and written communication.
• Apply science and technology responsibly and effectively with regard to the environment, personal health and the health of others.
• Utilise` problem solving opportunities as a learning experience.

Integrated Assessment

WIL is defined as the integration of theoretical knowledge with authentic practice in the workplace. The purpose of WIL is to improve employability and develop competence, e.g. the ability to apply knowledge and skills to the demands of the workplace.

According to the framework, there are many ways of incorporating WIL into education and training programmes. This has given rise to many specialised terms, such as work placement, work experience, workplace learning, experiential learning, workplace-based experience, job shadowing, apprenticeship, internship, in-service training, Learner ship, project-based learning, service learning and cooperative education.

Practical

The learner must acquire 120 Credits to meet the qualification's requirements. The qualification rules stipulate that 70% (72 Credits) must be acquired in an appropriate and accredited clinical facility and at least 70% of these must be supervised and mentored.

Work Integrated Learning

• The learner will undergo work integrated learning throughout the qualification.
• The work integrated learning will comprise 72 Credits (720 notional hours).
• The Work Integrated Learning is based on a Clinical Model accepted in the National Strategic Plan for Nurse Education, Training and Practice 2012/13 - 2016/17.

Learning for role taking.

According to the qualification rules at least 70% (504 hours) of Work Integrated Learning must be achieved in an accredited and appropriate clinical facility.

Suggested areas for learning opportunities include but not limited to

• Basic Nursing Care and Needs approach.
• General Curative Units (Hospital).
• Community Health Centres.
• Vulnerable Groups Institutions.
• Frail Care/Hospices.
• Rehabilitation Centres.
• Paediatrics Care Units
• Facilities for physically and mentally challenged individuals.

Clinical practical for learning.

According to the qualification rules 30% of works integrated leaning (216 hours) may be achieved in the following settings:

• Case-based Learning.
• Clinical Simulation Laboratory.
• Projects.
• Workbooks and Portfolio of Evidence.
• Health Education.