Postgraduate Diploma in Critical Care Nursing (Adult)

Purpose

The purpose of Postgraduate Diploma in Critical Care Nursing (Adult) is to strengthen and deepen students’ knowledge and expertise in adult critical care as a specialty of the nursing profession. It is designed to develop the student’s skills based on current thinking, practice, and research methods in the field of adult critical care nursing. Empower students with high level of theoretical engagement snd intellectual independence to acquire the ability to relate knowledge to a range of contexts to undertake professional and highly skilled work in adult care. This includes prevention of diseases, injury, complications, screening, appropriate management, and prompt referral of patients with specific and complex health problems in the adult critical care health settings. On completion of this programme, graduates will be able to register with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as critical care nursing specialists, entitling them to work independently within the multidisciplinary team to undertake professional and highly skilled work in adult critical care. This includes prevention of diseases, injuries, complications, screening, appropriate management, and prompt referral of patients with specific and complex health problems in the adult critical care settings.

Career Opportunities

Succesful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Critical Care Nursing (Adult) allows for: Registration as a Critical Care Nurse Specialist with the South African Nursing Council (SANC). Vertically, graduates may articulate into any relevant degree at NQF level 9 in health, for an example a Master’s in Public Health. Horizontally, articulation is possible to the proposed newly regulated postgraduate diplomas within nursing and other fields in Health Sciences at NQF level 8.

Admission Requirements

A Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (R.174), alternatively a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (R.425). A Diploma in Nursing: General Nurse (R.171) with Advanced Diploma in Midwifery (R.1497). 4 Year Diploma in Nursing and Midwifery offered under Regulation 425 of 22 February 1985 as amended. 2 Year Diploma (Bridging course) leading to registration as General or Psychiatric Nurse offered under Regulation 683 of 14 April 1989 as amended, followed by 1 year Diploma in Midwifery offered under Regulations 254 of 14 February 1975 as amended. A Minimum of two (2) years’ experience, (inclusive of community service) after registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a Professional Nurse or General Nurse and Midwife. A minimum of two (2) years of post-basic clinical experience in adult critical care. Proof of current registration with the SANC as a Professional Nurse or General Nurse and Midwife. Proof of employment, detailing adult critical care experience in years. Approval from your Nursing Service Manager (NSM) to register for the programme and rotate through the intensive care units (ICUs’). The prospective student should remain employed at the institution where the permission has been granted by the NSM for the duration of training.

Selection Process

Signed agreement from NSM and/or preceptor to assist with the practical component. Signed NSM agreement to move candidate to a clinical training facility approved and accredited by SANC for University of Johannesburg. Minimum of two (2) years of critical care nursing (adult) experience. Professional indemnity. Letter of permission from the clinical preceptor pledging the clinical academic support.

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