Nursing at (UCT) University of Cape Town
Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing
POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN NEPHROLOGY NURSING PROGRAMME
Introduction
Is an innovative researched-based programme aimed at preparing specialist nurse practitioners to be equipped with the knowledge, skills and professional values for advocating the prevention of renal ill health and promoting renal health and meet the health care needs of the Chronic
Kidney Disease population, across their lifespan from birth to aged. Enriching experiential learning experiences are provided which are challenging and versatile. This includes research opportunities which are designed within the primary, secondary and tertiary health care settings and communities.
Requirements
- Senior certificate with exemption for admission to tertiary studies or equivalent.
- A Four year degree or diploma in Nursing or equivalent.
- Proof of current SANC registration as a nurse and/or midwife.
- Evidence of Professional Indemnity Insurance.
- Preferably one year clinical experience in a renal department.
- Proof of Hepatitis B immunity. Less than six months old.
Additional Consideration for South African holders of other SANC qualifications
Points 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 as above including the below,
Recognition of prior learning for Bridging Nurses with R683 qualifications employed in Nephrology settings will be considered after examination of their portfolio of evidence.
Additional Requirements for International Nurses
Approval of Nursing qualifications by South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) and SANC.
Proof of Hepatitis B immunity. Less than six months old.
Programme Duration
ONE year for full-time students.
TWO years for part-time students.
Registration with SANC delayed, until the required clinical experiences and hours completed. Class time is FOUR teaching blocks of THREE weeks per year and weekly clinical tutorial day. 900 hours of clinical and experiential learning spent at SANC accredited clinical facilities throughout the year, monitored by a clinical facilitator.
Quality assurance
This programme was developed with wide consultation utilising a research-based curriculum design against national and international standards of renal nursing. Principles of adult education apply. UCT has a well-established policy of external examining for all courses.
Postgraduate Diploma in Ophthalmic Nursing
Curriculum Goal
This unique, researched-based programme aims to prepare a specialist ophthalmic nurse practitioner equipped with the knowledge, skills and professional values to meet the health care needs of the population with specific reference to eye health.
The UCT specialist nurse’s practice will reflect an understanding of the implications of the socio-political, cultural, and economic developments within the context of health care needs of our country, whilst conforming to national and international standards of nursing practice.
Philosophy of Learning
The programme is outcomes-based and is designed to meet the needs of adult learners by:
- Creating a supportive and stimulating learning environment;
- Increasing the learner’s self-directedness and independence;
- Assisting learners to assume increasing personal responsibility for lifelong learning.
Curriculum Objectives
On completion of the programme, the ophthalmic nurse practitioner will be able to:
- Function as a transformational leader in ophthalmic nursing practice settings;
- Effectively apply the generic principles of management within ophthalmic nursing practice;
- Use advanced technologies effectively in the area of specialisation;
- Utilise research findings in practice, and participate meaningfully in research projects.
Attributes
The ophthalmic nurse practitioner should be able to demonstrate the following personal, professional and academic characteristics:
Attitudes necessary for the achievement of high standards of practice should include:
- intellectual curiosity, initiative and a willingness to assume responsibility for the acquisition of knowledge, the development of skills for self-education, and the continued development of clinical skills and critical analysis of information for the life-long learning demanded by a career in the health field;
- effective communication across professional boundaries and a willingness to collaborate and share specialist knowledge, skills and values at all times;
- the awareness of one’s own limitations and the need to seek help where necessary;
- willingness to be self-critical and to develop the capacity for self-evaluation and participation in the peer review process;
- traits such as integrity, empathy, caring, compassion, patience, gentleness, culture and gender sensitivity, acceptance of diversity, respect for patients’ rights, personal honesty, open communication with and responsiveness to people of all ages, families and communities;
- commitment to ethical practice;
- willingness to adapt to change and tolerate uncertainty.
The following core knowledge:
- Biosciences foundational to ophthalmic nursing practice: – this module enables learners to explore the links between the biosciences and ophthalmic nursing practice. Main concepts include relevant anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, pathology and optics;
- Ophthalmic nursing in primary, secondary and tertiary care settings:- this module is aimed at the acquisition of knowledge (terms, concepts, principles), skills and attitudes related to ophthalmic nursing practice in primary care settings. The intention is the development of clear understanding of the reasons for every action and the progressive development of professional and skilful practice.
Nursing, in the following streams:
Advanced Midwifery and Neonatal Care
Neuroscience Nursing
Diabetes Mellitus Nursing & Education
Nursing Education
Nursing Management