Higher Certificate in Nursing

Purpose

The qualification serves to provide learners with the basic knowledge, affective, cognitive and conceptual tools and practical techniques for additional higher education studies in nursing. The knowledge emphasizes 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.

Upon completion of this qualification the learners will be able to

• Apply basic knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biophysics, pharmacology and microbiology in the provision of basic nursing care.
• Apply effective communication in a variety of ways in a nursing context.
• Access, 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 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 3 frail care centres, where staffing is a major problem.

This qualification will enable learners who have not passed Senior Certificate with endorsement or National Senior Certificate allowing entry to Bachelor's Degree 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.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The applicant will be assisted to compile the necessary evidence in preparation for assessment for RPL. The onus to present the necessary evidence is on the applicant.

Direct data - may be a portfolio of evidence containing projects, case studies, records of performance, results of assignments and examinations.

Indirect data - which will serve as a confirmation of prior knowledge includes, amongst others, letters of reference, performance reviews and certificates of competence.

The Assessment phase may only be conducted by a registered assessor. The core activities of the assessor will include

• Planning and preparing the assessment, which will include the necessary resources, forms, venue.
• Preparing the applicant for the assessment by explicitly explaining the assessment details, such as the purpose, process and appeal process.
• Performing the assessment through a combination of integrated methods such as evaluation of the portfolio for evidence, practical examination, theory examination, projects and demonstrations. An oral examination which corresponds with a written examination may be conducted.
• Evaluating the RPL assessment achievements against prescribed standards.
• Determining whether standard learning outcomes were achieved.
• Crediting the applicant for the knowledge and skills gained from previous experience.
• Recording all findings and making recommendations to the moderator.

Moderation phase

The person who conducts this phase will be a registered constituent moderator with SANC. The moderator will validate the assessment process to ensure that the outcome is based on the assessment principles and is objective.

Feedback phase

The applicant will be provided with feedback regarding the outcome of the RPL assessment process. During this phase the

• Outcome of the RPL assessment will be discussed with the applicant and the applicant will be told what recognition they will get.

Entry Requirements

Admission requirement for the qualification is as follows

• Senior Certificate (SC).

Or

• National Senior Certificate with endorsement for study towards the Higher Certificate.

Or

• Equivalent qualification at NQF Level 4.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Level 5, totalling 120 Credits.

• Bio Medical Sciences and Pharmacology, 16 Credits.
• Effective Communication, 4 Credits.
• Basic Nursing Care, 66 Credits.
• Trans Cultural 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 basic nursing care.
2. Apply effective communication in a variety of ways in a nursing context.
3. Access, plan, implement and evaluate basic nursing care for individuals and groups throughout the life span.
4. Demonstrate professionalism when rendering basic nursing care.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• The macro body structure and functioning thereof are explained.
• The structure and functioning of anatomy, physiology, biophysics, pharmacology and microbiology are discussed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Both verbal and non-verbal communication is applied in an appropriate way.
• Effective communication is applied in writing and orally to ensure that effective nursing care is maintained.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Appropriate emergency care and first aid principles in respect of treatment of injuries and accidents and basic life support are applied.
• Information is obtained from the continuous monitoring of responses to nursing interventions and appropriate steps are applied.
• Individual or group health care plans across the health illness continuum are implemented and evaluated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Data is recorded in compliance with the legal criteria.
• Patient records are maintained accurately, concisely and systematically.
• Confidentiality and integrity of patient information are maintained.
• Displaying adherence to a professional code of conduct in provision of nursing care is maintained.

Integrated Assessment

The qualification will comprise formative, practical and summative assessments.

Formative Assessment

• Tests will be written in each of the 4 theoretical blocks on each module.
• Learners will have workbooks to complete whilst doing practical assignments.
• 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 the procedure and corrective counselling.
• Remedial follow up will be done where a learner is found to be not competent.
• Workbooks with practical procedures will be given to learners for completion during the practical assignments.
• A practical evaluation will be done in the practical facility where the learners will interact with the patient to evaluate their competency.
• An Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) comprising 5 minute stations will be done to objectively assess theory and practical integration.

Summative assessment

• The South African Nursing Council examination will be written at the end of the qualification.