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SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Diploma in Nursing 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
99133  Diploma in Nursing 
ORIGINATOR
General SGB 09 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
The individual Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary for each Learning Programme recorded against this qualification is shown in the table at the end of this report.  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Preventive Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 091/21  2021-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
This qualification will enable the learner to function as a clinically focused, service orientated, independent Registered Staff Nurse, who is able to render nursing care as determined by the appropriate legislative framework.

The qualification serves to provide learners the basis for decision-making about what is within and beyond the defined scope of practice, as well as understanding of the referral system in place for anything outside of the scope of practice. The learner will apply evidence-based nursing practice which is based on research or established practices that have proven to be effective both nationally and internationally within the profession.

Upon completion of this qualification the learners will be able to:
  • Apply knowledge of natural and biological sciences, psycho-social sciences and pharmacology in the practice of nursing.
  • Demonstrate professionalism when rendering nursing practice.

    Rationale:
    This qualification is intended to prepare the qualifying learner as a generalist nurse who will be able to meet the service delivery needs of the country. The nurse with this qualification has a significant contribution to make in the current situation of human resources in health in South Africa, taking into consideration the country's historical background and the shortage of professional nurses and doctors in the country. The practice of this nursing qualification is focused on quality service delivery within a broad spectrum of health services and in a variety of settings, including rural areas. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning:
    The applicant will be assisted to compile the necessary evidence in preparation for assessment for Recognition of Prior Learning (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 South African Nursing Council (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 (NSC) passed with diploma studies
    Or
  • Equivalent qualification at NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF levels 5, 6 and 7, totalling 360 Credits.

    NQF Level 5, totalling 54 Credits:
  • Professionalism, Ethics and Legislation, 20 Credits.
  • Health Informatics, 8 Credits.
  • Reproductive Health, 20 Credits.
  • Health information systems, 6 Credits.

    NQF Level 6, totalling 235 Credits:
  • B Bio Medical Sciences, 16 Credits.
  • Psycho-Social Sciences, 8 Credits.
  • Pharmacology, 8 Credits.
  • Basic Nursing, 112 Credits.
  • Professionalism, Ethics and Legislation, 6 Credits.
  • Management and Leadership, 55 Credits.
  • Reproductive Health, 30 Credits.

    NQF Level 7, totalling 71 Credits:
  • Basic Nursing, 40 Credits.
  • Ethics and Legislation, 8 Credits.
  • Reproductive Health, 23 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply knowledge of natural and biological sciences, psycho-social sciences and pharmacology in the practice of nursing.
    2. Demonstrate professionalism when rendering nursing practice. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Caring for the health care user is applied.
  • Human behaviour and psychological development throughout the life span is understood and applied.
  • Social and diversity-sensitive care in nursing practice is implemented.
  • Psychological emergency situations are identified and managed.
  • Emotional demands of nursing practice are dealt with effectively.
  • Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics in nursing practice within the applicable scope of practice are applied.
  • Medications are prescribed, controlled, dispensed and administered in various health care settings within legislative requirements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Healthcare information systems are used and maintained.
  • Management process in managing a health care unit is implemented.
  • Optimum health of individuals and families through the provision of reproductive health care is promoted and 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.
  • Learners will be given projects to complete.

    Practical Assessment:
  • 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 is 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 practicals.
  • 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. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Institute of Health and Nursing in Australia, offers a Diploma of Nursing. This qualification will provide the learner with the practical skills and knowledge to assist in the provision of preventative, curative and rehabilitative nursing. Furthermore they will learn about anatomy and physiology, infection control, nursing care of the client, legal and ethical parameters of nursing practice and promote positive health.

    The University College of Dublin in Ireland, offer a Higher Diploma qualification. The qualification is designed to expand the knowledge and skills of learners engaging in the care of people within the critical care environment.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares favourably with the above cited international qualifications in terms of the focus on knowledge and practical experience. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
    This qualification articulates horizontally with an Advanced Diploma in Midwifery, at NQF Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
    This qualification articulates vertically with a Professional Degree in Nursing and Midwifery, at NQF Level 8. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    LP ID Learning Programme Title Originator Pre-2009
    NQF Level    		 NQF Level Min Credits Learning Prog End Date Quality
    Assurance
    Functionary    		 NQF Sub-Framework
    97930  Diploma in Nursing  Emmanuel Verpleegskool (Pty) Ltd  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  360     CHE  HEQSF 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THESE LEARNING PROGRAMMES: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    LP ID Learning Programme Title Accredited Provider
    97930  Diploma in Nursing  Emmanuel Verpleegskool (Pty) Ltd  


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.