Higher Certificate in Nursing

Purpose

The qualification provides 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 basic nursing care. This qualification signifies that the learner has attained a basic level of higher education knowledge and competence in nursing and can apply such knowledge and competence in the workplace.

Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying 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 aims to provide best practices to implement the National Health system. Clinics are increasing in size to accommodate the National Health system, and each town has a minimum of 3 frail care centres, where staffing is a major problem.

This qualification will enable learners who have not obtained a matric exemption for diploma studies to study further by beginning their studies with this qualification. The learner 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 healthcare settings within the relevant legal and ethical parameters.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL for access

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

- Direct data

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

• Indirect data

This will serve as a confirmation of prior knowledge including, 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, and 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.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.

Or

• National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.

Or

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, without endorsement.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Level 5, consisting of 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 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

• Explain macro body structure and functioning.
• Discuss the structure and functioning of anatomy, physiology, biophysics, pharmacology and microbiology.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

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

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Apply appropriate emergency care and first aid principles with respect to the treatment of injuries and accidents and basic life support.
• Apply information obtained from the continuous monitoring of responses to nursing interventions and appropriate steps.
• Implement and evaluate individual or group healthcare plans across the health-illness continuum.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Record data in compliance with the legal criteria.
• Accurately maintain Patient records are maintained accurately, concisely and systematically.
• Maintain confidentiality and integrity of patient information.
• Display adherence to a professional code of conduct in the provision of nursing care.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

The qualification will comprise formative, practical and summative assessments.

Formative Assessment

• Tests will be written in each of the 4 theoretical blocks in 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 when 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.