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.

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.

Attributes the nurse who completes this qualification 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. This person works under the supervision of a nurse with a National Diploma or Degree in Nursing within the applicable scope of practice. The rationale is to provide independently in a variety of health care settings within the relevant legal and ethical parameters.

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 Institution for individual assessment.

Entry Requirements

Access to this qualification is a National Senior Certificate or an equivalent qualification at Level 4

• Communication Level 4.
• Mathematical literacy Level 4.
• Life Sciences Level 4.
• Computer Literacy Level 3.

This qualification comprises of 4 compulsory modules at Level 5 totalling 128 Credits of which 72 Credits must be acquired in appropriate and accredited clinical facilities (being 720 hours of work-based, clinical skills laboratory or other clinical experiences of which 70% must be supervised and mentored) - the compulsory modules are:

• Bio Medical Sciences and Pharmacology, 16 Credits.
• Basic Nursing Care, 72 Credits.
• Professionalism and Ethics, 16 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 a 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

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

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Oral and written communication is maintained to promote effective fundamental nursing care.
• Written communication is clear, relevant and unambiguous.
• Non-verbal communication is congruent with oral communication.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Individual and/or group health care plans across the health illness continuum are implemented and evaluated in collaboration with other members of the health care team.
• Information obtained from continuous monitoring of responses to nursing interventions is correctly applied 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

• Basic nursing interventions are implemented with sensitivity to people of diverse backgrounds.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Recording of data is done in compliance with legal criteria.
• Patient records are maintained accurately, concisely and systematically, to reflect the basic nursing care rendered.
• Confidentiality and integrity of patient information are maintained in interaction with patients and others.
• Displaying adherence to professional code of conduct in provision of nursing care.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Health promotion programmes are implemented.

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 not be limited to

• Case studies; projects and/or presentations.
• Assignments.
• Written tests.
• Oral presentations.
• Demonstrations.
• Clinical/practical assessments.

Summative Assessment

All modules are summatively assessed which may include, but not be limited to

• Oral examinations.
• Written examinations.
• Practical examinations.