UCT Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Course

UCT Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Course

UCT Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Course – see details below:

Advanced Midwifery & Neonatal Science pathway

• Full time or Part time study for registered midwives
• Recognition of prior learning
• Flexible learning with modular study
• Registration with the SANC
• Variety of exciting clinical placements

• Preparation for transformational leadership within a primary health care system
• Career enhancement
• Opportunities for advancement to Masters study

This programme will challenge you the learner to dig deeply into yourselves to find what it means to be a midwife – “with woman” – practitioner. On the basis of carefully planned and selected experiential learning opportunities, evidence found in trustworthy research, and mentored clinical learning, this programme aims to equip you as a midwife practitioner to be a skilful clinician, leader, innovator, facilitator and responsive to the real health needs of pregnant women and mothers and their families.

Requirements :
Proof of registration as a general nurse & midwife; Matric exemption or equivalent ; Four year diploma or degree level education (R425) or equivalent; Preferably two years experience in Midwifery; Be practising as a registered midwife in a clinical facility recognised by SANC for this programme, or make relevant arrangements; Proof of professional indemnity cover

Duration :
Coursework is a minimum of 1 year (fulltime). It is possible to select modules for part time students and take longer to complete the programme.

Time required :
Class time – 4 blocks of 3-4 weeks each, spread through the year. Clinical requirements 960 hours take place in various places throughout the year. Plan for approximately 1 day per week for self study and assignments.

Venue :
UCT Health Sciences campus, Observatory

Quality assurance :
Progressive approaches to learning. Research based curriculum. UCT has a well established policy of external examining for all courses

For information contact :
The Admissions Officer, UCT Faculty of Health Sciences (021) 406 6347
UCT School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences (021) 406 6205
A/Prof Sheila Clow (convenor) (021) 406 6449

COURSE DESCRIPTORS

COMMON TO ALL PATHWAYS

Professional Development Studies
This course is based on the primary health approach, focusing on the intersections between health, equity and social development, using organisers of chronic and lifestyle related conditions. It comprises four units: Communication and Interpersonal skills; Contemporary issues affecting health care, including health and Human rights; Research Literacy and community assessment; Leadership and Professional Development. The course will use a case based approach

ADVANCED MIDWIFERY AND NEONATAL SCIENCE PATHWAY SPECIFIC COURSES

Clinical Sciences for Advanced Midwifery
This course aims to build on prior knowledge of clinical sciences and develop this further in relation to pregnancy and the various lifestages from pre-conception, embryo, fetus through to the neonate, in order to have a firm foundation on which to base clinical practice. This will include:
• Biosciences and their application to pregnancy and the developing fetus
• Health and illness assessment
• Developmental assessment
• Family assessment

This course will also include the use of appropriate technology and the evidence for its use

Advanced Midwifery Practice (a)
This course subscribes to a Midwifery model of care where midwives work in partnership with women and their families to promote healthy pregnancy and normal physiological birth, to support the mother-infant dyad, and to facilitate the family to develop the new relationships brought about by the birth of a new member. A variety of approaches to offering care in various contexts and at different levels of the health system are included to assist the student to develop clinical leadership and advocacy using current evidence. This course will also prepare the student to manage complications of pregnancy and emergencies, to initiate appropriate care, and to work with a multi-professional team.
This course examines the philosophical foundations of Midwifery, considers various local and international approaches to organising maternity care, as well as the legislative and regulatory framework for Midwifery.

Using available local, national and international data, key issues affecting maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality are identified and appropriate Midwifery responses are developed. UCT Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing Course

Advanced Midwifery Practice (b)
The aim of this course is to apply the knowledge of the clinical sciences and Midwifery theory base to enhance clinical judgment and to optimise the experience of pregnancy and childbirth for pregnant women, their babies and their families. In addition to the assessment skills developed in the clinical sciences course, guided practice and simulation will enable students to manage various birth positions and presentations, master the facilitation of alternative birthing positions, and obtain skills to manage obstetric and neonatal emergencies. A range of clinical learning activities outside traditional institutional settings include childbirth education, postnatal home visits, lactation support and others.

Teaching ward rounds and student responsibility for patient presentations enhances the capacity to develop a whole person response to the care of the individual / dyad concerned.