Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Management

Purpose

The qualification aims to produce Nurse managers who have a deep sense of recognition and value for the ethics and ethos of the Nursing profession, who display highly developed critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills and who can conduct research and use evidence-based practice to evaluate Nursing management and health system practices in the interest of improving the quality of health systems. A focus on the academic aspects of Nursing and health service management will equip the Nurse manager to apply new knowledge and new approaches to management and leadership and enable them to monitor and evaluate the quality of health systems. The qualification will provide a basis for understanding moral theory and leadership theories in nursing and health service management in the health context. The skills of these Nurse managers will be in line with the outcomes of the postgraduate diploma qualification in Nursing management and the Nurse manager competencies as endorsed by the South African Nursing Council (SANC).

At the end of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to

• Apply the basic principles and/or process of research, evidence-based practice, professional development, management, and leadership within the area of Nursing management.
• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the principles and theories of management and leadership for Nursing management.
• Discuss the implications of the legal and ethical environment for management and leadership.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive and systematic knowledge and understanding of the components of leadership and the management process in the management of a health service.
• Organize the management of a defined health care unit by managing complex issues, using evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments, and demonstrating the application of the components of the management process in the management of a health service.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the role of information systems and technology in the performance and delivery of health services.
• Control the quality of management and performance of health care in the defined service by means of scientific-based solutions and evaluation (QM).
• Conduct fair and cost-effective human resource management by engaging with current research and scholarly literature pertaining to sound human resource management.
• Implement financial principles by engaging with current research and scholarly literature pertaining to sound financial management.
• Identify and debate the management of current issues in society and health which impacts management and leadership in health services.

Rationale

The South African Nursing Council (SANC) has realigned the Nursing qualifications to the changes in the new NQF Act, 2008 (Act No. 67 of 2008). New Nursing Management standards and curriculum guidelines have been published and the scope of practice of the envisaged new Nursing cadres is being completed. Further review of the current Nursing qualifications by the SANC is based on the need for Nursing managers with a specific set of competencies and exit level outcomes. This is supported by the Nursing Act No.33 of 2005 and current Regulation 1501 as amended by R2554 to be amended prior to 2020. This qualification, therefore, provides a career path for Professional Nurse who have an interest in Nursing and health service management. Professionals learning towards this qualification become specialized Nursing managers, a much-needed human resource in a currently changing South African health service environment.

The qualification intends to equip the Nursing professionals with the necessary knowledge on the management of healthcare facilities within the ethical-legal parameters of the Nursing profession using decision making and moral reasoning models and the application of research methodology in the appraisal of articles in the field of health system management. The focus, therefore, is to prepare these professionals to demonstrate advanced management skills and professionalism, abilities to think and plan strategically to improve organisational performance, to apply principles of budgetary governance, and to develop and evaluate the process and standard guidelines for use in health system management. The professional Nurse managers will be able to implement strategies to develop themselves, their peers, and others through mentoring and precepting and to apply principles of evidence-based practice to improve the quality of health service management.

Improving the quality of health care delivery is an important global priority. Around the world, the purpose of health care quality improvement initiatives is to ensure patient safety, improve clinical effectiveness, and promote public accountability. In South Africa, the government has established an independent quality of care regulator, the Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC), as part of an overall suite of health sector reforms that aim to achieve universal health coverage. The OHSC aims to protect and promote the health and safety of health service users, through the effective management of patient complaints and the enforcement of compliance with prescribed norms and standards.

There is well-documented global evidence that the number, competencies, and effectiveness of Nurses are critical in determining the quality of care in hospitals and the nature of patient outcomes. Nurse unit managers play a key role in coordinating patient care activities and in ensuring safety and quality care in hospital wards. The unit managers are professional Nurses registered with the SANC, with at least four years of nurses training, and extensive clinical experience. The nurse unit manager sometimes referred to as Charge Nurse or Operational manager is responsible for the management of nursing care to patients; all nursing staff within the unit; and the resources associated with health care delivery in the unit. The unit managers in both the private and public health sectors are held accountable for the quality of patient care in their units or wards, and they enter into performance management agreements that outline their operational management responsibilities.

As a graduate of this qualification, learners may pursue future career options in hospitals and long-term care facilities, such as:

• Unit leaders.
• Charge Nurses.
• Administration roles.
• Nursing Superintendent.
• Management roles.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

RPL for access

• Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
• To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

RPL for exemption of modules

• Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

RPL for credit

• Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
• Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Nursing Science, NQF level 7.

Or

• Bachelor of Nursing Science in Education and Administration, NQF level 7.

Or

• Bachelor of Nursing Science in Education, Management and Community, NQF level 7.

Or

• Advanced Diploma in Midwifery NQF level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8,120 Credits

• Evidence-Based Practice and Dynamics, 20 Credits.
• Theoretical paradigms of Leadership, 20 Credits.
• Leadership and Management, 20 Credits.
• Human and Financial Resources, 20 Credits.
• Contemporary Management Issues, 20 Credits.
• Information, Technology and Quality Improvement, 20 Credits.

1. Demonstrate the ability to apply the basic principles and process of research, evidence-based practice, professional development, management, and leadership within the area of Nursing management.
2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the principles and theories of management and leadership for Nursing management.
3. Demonstrate the ability to identify and address ethical issues based on critical reflection on the suitability of different ethical value systems to specific contexts.
4. Demonstrate a comprehensive and systematic knowledge and understanding of the components of leadership and the management process in the management of a health service.
5. Organize the management of a defined health care unit by managing complex issues, using evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments, and demonstrating the application of the components of the management process in the management of a health service.
6. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the role of information systems and technology in the performance and delivery of health services.
7. Control the quality of management and performance of health care in the defined service through scientific-based solutions and evaluation.
8. Conduct fair and cost-effective human resource management by engaging with current research and scholarly literature pertaining to sound human resource management.
9. Implement financial principles by engaging with current research and scholarly literature pertaining to sound financial management.
10. demonstrate the ability to operate effectively within a system, or manage a system based on an understanding of the roles and relationships between elements within the system.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Analyse and apply a range of research methods and approaches regarding the appropriateness for investigating research problems pertaining to Nursing management.
• Apply advanced research methods in investigating complex and/or ill-defined problems in Nursing management and practice.
• Function effectively as a clinical Nursing specialist with other members of the health team within the healthcare system.
• Apply mentoring models and preceptorship techniques to develop self and novices in practice.
• Establish academic and professional relationships to sustain lifelong learning to demonstrate professional excellence and competence in a variety of settings and the field of Nursing management.
• Use performance appraisal to monitor the development of self and others to enhance continuous professional development.
• Manage and evaluate specialised Nursing services at district, provincial and national level within the constraints of national health policy and international guidelines and in different settings.
• Analyse and apply the principles and theories of management and leadership within a healthcare service context.
• Evaluate the various components of operations in management in healthcare service.
• Differentiate between the external and internal factors that influence healthcare service delivery in the South African context.
• Design a strategic plan for Nursing services in a healthcare facility according to the strategic management process.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Differentiate between leadership and management within a healthcare service context.
• Analyse the various contemporary leadership theories and evaluate the executive leadership role of the Nursing manager.
• Debate the role of authority, power, and influence on effective leadership.
• Apply the key attributes of effective leadership within a healthcare services context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Apply ethical decision-making models to resolve ethical dilemmas within healthcare services.
• Debate the impact of the latest relevant legislation, policies, regulations, and guidelines pertaining to the management of healthcare services.
• Differentiate between professional misconduct and unprofessional behaviour.
• Discuss the implications of the legal and ethical environment for management and leadership.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Debate the influence of the latest legislation, policies, regulations, and guidelines pertaining to healthcare on the management and service delivery of different healthcare facilities.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the management process as applied in a healthcare context.
• Apply managerial concepts in the planning and organisation of a healthcare facility to ensure optimum care delivery.
• Compile a situational analysis by means of a standardised strategy for a healthcare service.
• Evaluate the role of the Nursing manager as a leader in the change management process within a healthcare service.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Distinguish between organisational culture and organisational climate.
• Develop strategies to promote a positive organisational climate in any healthcare institution.
• Compare the various organisational theories and the value thereof for healthcare services.
• Use the latest evidence and make recommendations on improving the organisational structure of healthcare services.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Construct guidelines for the use of technology to effectively communicate in healthcare services.
• Debate the use of electronic health records to ensure quality patient care.
• Demonstrate competency in the use of information management systems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Perform a root cause analysis following an adverse event pertaining to nursing care.
• Formulate mitigating strategies to prevent risks that could compromise quality nursing care.
• Debate the underlying dynamics that could impact a risk management programme in any healthcare service.
• Apply the process of continuous quality improvement in any healthcare service to ensure quality patient care.
• Appraise existing norms and standards for health service management.
• Examine the legal framework that influences risk management and quality of care within the healthcare context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Develop a plan to recruit and retain nursing staff for a range of healthcare services.
• Evaluate nursing staff absenteeism and make recommendations based on these findings.
• Compare models of care delivery and make recommendations as a Nursing manager to enhance the quality of Nursing care.
• Examine performance management practices pertaining to Nursing staff in a variety of healthcare settings.
• Formulate strategies that a Nursing manager can implement to improve the quality of work-life of Nursing staff.
• Argue the importance of a disciplinary code and disciplinary processes for healthy labour relations in healthcare services.
• Apply a grievance procedure in healthcare services.
• Criticize the value and purpose of trade unions in healthcare services.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• Debate the stages of the budgetary cycle with specific reference to the responsibilities of the Nursing manager.
• Develop strategies to manage resources cost-effectively whilst ensuring quality service delivery in a variety of healthcare services.
• Compile a cost-containment policy for nursing services in any healthcare setting.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10

• Use a predefined search strategy to obtain information about current issues in society and healthcare that influence the delivery of healthcare in various contexts.
• Identify and debate the management of current issues in society and health that impacts management and leadership in health services.
• Evaluate current Nursing management practices used in a variety of healthcare services.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

The qualification aligns with the assessment policy of the institution in this way

Each module guide designed by lecturers will inform learners about the type and weight of the assessment and the dates on which assessments are due. Learners will be assessed continuously, and the assessment will include:

• Tests.
• Individual and group assignments.
• Presentations.
• Classroom-based group work.
• Projects.
• Case studies.
• Portfolios.
• Clinical / practical learning.

The assessments could be paper-based, online, or oral and the number of assessments per module will depend on the module credits. Learners will be required to complete certain tasks in class as individuals or in groups. Oral presentations will be done in class, individually and with groups. This will allow learners to work co-operatively, share experiences and learn from each other, and gain confidence as they participate in class. All these forms of formative assessments aim at strengthening learners' communication skills, their sense of independence and their ability to work as a team. They prepare them for the world of work as nursing educators where they must work as members of an academic team. An assessment plan will be given to learners at the start of the semester as per the module descriptor. These activities will aim at assessing the learners' level of competence in both theory and practice and the extent to which they can apply, analyse, critique, and evaluate knowledge and practice as prospective nursing educators.

Formative and summative assessment

The continuous and final assessments are used where the formative assessments make up the continuous assessments and the summative assessment in the form of a final assessment. In this qualification, learner assessments will be mostly continuous and contain a final assessment. Each assessment will carry a specific weight/percentage towards the final mark for the module. Lecturers will give regular feedback on continuous assessment tasks which include:

• Tests.
• Assignments (individual and group).
• Presentations.
• Online quizzes and discussions.
• e-portfolios.
• Practical competency tests.

These assessments will be reviewed by individual lecturers and clinical supervisors. Feedback will be provided to learners either individually or as a group to enable learners to reflect on their performance and identify areas for improvement where necessary. The lecturers will also be able to identify struggling or at-risk learners who require additional support.

The final assessment will occur at the end of each module, at the end of a semester. It usually occurs in May/June and in October/November of each year. This assessment usually contributes the highest weighting/ percentage towards the final mark.