Higher Certificate in Nursing

Purpose

This qualification serves to provide learners with the basic knowledge, affective, cognitive, conceptual tools and practical techniques for additional higher education in nursing. The knowledge emphasises general principles and their application in 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 will recognise the skill required to identify own strengths, issues and development areas and work in a systemic way to develop self-awareness, improve skills and continuously improve practice.

Rationale

A first-level nurse, capable of delivering skilled primary nursing care, is essential to health care in a variety of settings. The qualification shall promote Primary Health Care, which is one of the cornerstones of the rural areas health objectives. Learners will be equipped with knowledge and skills to provide nursing care in hospitals, community health care centres, hospices and Non-Governmental sectors. The learner will work under the supervision of a nurse with a National Diploma or Degree in Nursing and within the relevant legal and ethical parameters.

The competence of this qualification will be in line with the recommendation of the Human Resources report (Pick Report), which recommend the expansion of that nurse training to include essential skills needed in the community.

The Department of Health is currently attempting to provide best practices for all with the aim of implementation of the National Health system. Clinics, community health centres and frail care centres, especially in rural areas, are increasing in size to accommodate the National Health system. Staffing of this category is a significant problem both in townships and rural areas.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution considers access to RPL under the following circumstances

• If learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements.
• Learners wanting to access higher certificate and have gained entry into the nursing field at lower NQF level.
• Learners with advance learning (previous studies) during which they may have completed relevant modules, unit standards or learning outcomes contained in Higher Certificate in Nursing programme, may receive credits for such modules.

The formal RPL process includes selection and assessment.

• Learners will receive advice in terms of modules, unit standards and learning outcomes.
• Apply in writing to the registration officer of the institution.
• Learners will receive advice and assistance to compile the necessary evidence in preparation for assessment for RPL.
• Learner submits the relevant documents for consideration of admission.
• The institution examines the documents for authenticity and selection made for those who qualify for admission into the qualification.
• Plan and prepare for the assessment, which will include the necessary resources, forms and venue.
• Prepare the learner for the assessment by explicitly explaining the assessment details, such as the purpose, process and appeal process.
• Assess a combination of integrated methods such as evaluation of the portfolio for evidence, practical examination, theory examination, projects and demonstrations if they are sufficient, current, relevant and authentic. The learner may undergo an interview.
• Evaluate the RPL assessment achievements against prescribed standards.
• Determine whether standard learning outcomes were achieved.
• Credit the learner for the knowledge and skills gained from previous experience.
• Record all findings and making recommendations to the moderator.
• Learners may appeal if not satisfied with the outcome of the decision

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with Life Sciences and Mathematics/Mathematical Literacy.

Or

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with Biology and Mathematics.

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

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits

• Scientific Foundations of Nursing, 16 Credits.
• Ethics and Professional Practice, 4 Credits.
• Basic Nursing Care, 12 Credits.
• Social Sciences, 4 Credits.
• Community Health Nursing, 12 Credits.
• Work Integrated Learning, 72 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 content.
3. Use the scientific nursing approach to address the basic needs of individuals and groups in a various health care setting.
4. Demonstrate appropriate methods 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 an understanding of macro body structure and functioning by the nursing care provided, in accordance with the relevant scope of practice.
• Demonstrate an understanding of 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.
• Appropriate emergency care and First Aid principles in respect of:

> Treatment of injuries and accidents.

> Basic life support is applied.

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.
• 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

Formative assessment includes tests, portfolio of evidence, supervised procedures and objective structured clinical evaluation (OSCE).

Summative assessment include clinical and written assessment respectfully.

During a placement at clinical facilities, learners will undergo supervised clinical assessment by clinical preceptors during which time they will perform procedures on life patients and given feedback about the procedure and corrective counselling. Remedial follow up will be done where a learner is found not to be yet competent.

Clinical portfolio of evidence with procedures will be given to learners for completion during their clinical exposure. The institution conducts an OSCE comprising 10-minute stations to assess theory and practical integration objectively.

A final examination mark of 50% is required to pass the final theory and OSCE examinations respectfully. The year mark contributes 50%, and the examination mark contributes 50% towards the final mark.

The mathematical calculation of the final mark is Relative number/whole number X 100.

The institution grants supplementary theoretical and OSCE to a learner who gets 45%-49% in the final examination (theory and WIL).