Postgraduate Diploma in HIV and Aids

Purpose

The qualification is designed to develop professionals that

• Can act as consultants and leaders within the field of HIV/AIDS.
• Are innovative and mirrors critical and scientific reasoning.
• Are highly skilled and accountable in the field of HIV and AIDS Health Care, to function within the nursing profession on a national and international level.

Rationale

South Africa is estimated to be the country having the largest number of people living with HIV and AIDS. The majority of professional nurses in South Africa need to gain in-depth knowledge on HIV and AIDS and the treatment and care of patients with the disease.

It is assumed that learners are competent in

• The academic and practical knowledge and skills required to perform the functions of a registered nurse.
• Communication at NQF Level 6.

Recognition of Prior Learning

• A Recognition of Prior Learning Policy ensures the inclusion of learners who could benefit from the qualification and who might receive credit for learning already done.
• According to the regulations prior learning is recognised by portfolio presentations, tests and/or examinations, clinical skills tests and/or Objective Structured Clinical Evaluations (OSCE). Assessment of Recognition of Prior Learning is performed according to the assessment policies of both the Institution and the School of Nursing.

Entry Requirements

To register for this qualification a generic Degree or Diploma in nursing is required. Learners must also be registered as general nurses with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) or any other recognised council.

The qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 7 totalling 132 Credits

Compulsory Modules, at NQF Level 8, 132 Credits

• Health Care and the Law, 12 Credits.
• Pharmacology, 12 Credits.
• Health Care Management, 12 Credits.
• Professional Practice, 12 Credits.
• HIV and AIDS Health Care, 32 Credits.
• HIV and AIDS Health Care Practical, 20 Credits.

1. Integrate basic knowledge of HIV and AIDS into professional practice.
2. Apply basic counselling principles and skills within, as well as across-cultural boundaries, during pre-and post-test counselling and during counselling of children.
3. Understand the progression of the HIV disease and apply the basic principles of HIV treatment.
4. Act ethically and within legal parameters when rendering care to a HIV positive client.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Demonstrate an understanding of HIV/AIDS by incorporating relevant theoretical knowledge in practical situations.
• Solve problems related to HIV and AIDS care by thinking critically, questioning assumptions and actively seeking solutions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Demonstrate effective counselling skills.
• Basic counselling principles and skills are implemented with sensitivity to adults and children of diverse cultural backgrounds during Clinical assessment and clinical placement.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Demonstrate an understanding of the progression and treatment of an HIV positive client.
• Perform a clinical assessment of a patient.
• Identify and solve problems related to clinic and home-based care for HIV affected persons.
• Utilise community services to assist patients.
• Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate date to report on patient drug readiness.
• Work effectively with others to develop a care plan for HIV affected persons.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Act as an advocate for patients and protect their human rights.
• Collect, analyse and critically evaluate information when reflecting on clinical visits.
• Record data and nursing actions in compliance with prescribed legal criteria.
• Understand the ethical/legal issues regarding an HIV positive client.
• Take responsibility and be accountable for their own actions in an ethical manner.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessment

Formative Assessment will be done through

• Tests.
• Assignments.
• Workbooks.
• Role plays.
• Group discussions.
• Clinical assessments.
• Case studies.
• Reflection reports.
• Debates.

Summative Assessment

Summative Assessment will be done through

• Objective Structured Clinical Evaluation (OSCE).
• Written examinations