CIRCULAR 14/2023

TO:                       NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

                              PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENTS OF HEALTH

                              NURSING EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS (NEIs)

                              ALL STAKEHOLDERS

SOUTH AFRICAN NURSING COUNCIL – YEAR-END CLOSURE

The offices of the South African Nursing Council will be closed for the year-end from Friday, 22 December 2023 at 12:00 pm midday, and re-open on Wednesday, 03 January 2024 at 08:00 am. Kindly note that on 22 December 2023, for operational reasons the gates will be closed at 11: 00 am already.

Annual fees must be paid into the Council’s bank account on or before 31 December 2023 to avoid restoration fees – note that banks take up to three (3) days to clear payments and thus all bank electronic transfers need to be made by 22 December 2023 to ensure it reaches the SANC by 31 December 2023.

The SANC banking details are:

Name of bank                         : First National Bank

Account number                    : 514 211 86 193

Branch code                           : 253145

Reference                               : Person’s own SANC Reference Number followed by ANLFEES

Whilst waiting for the Annual Practising Certificate to be distributed by the SANC, the employer can verify the registration status of the practitioner through the SANC website by logging into the SANC eRegister at https://www.sanc.co.za/eRegister.htm. To do this, they will require the practitioner’s SANC reference number or Identity Number (ID No).

We wish you all the best over the holiday season. Please stay safe and we look forward to working with you in 2024.

Kind regards

_______________________                                                 

PROF. NG MTSHALI

REGISTRAR AND CEO

SOUTH AFRICAN NURSING COUNCIL

DATE: _________________

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CIRCULAR 13/2023

TO:                       NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

                              PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENTS OF HEALTH

                              NURSING EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS (NEIs)

                              ALL STAKEHOLDERS

SUBJECT: UPDATE ON PROFESSIONAL ENTRANCE EXAMINATION TO BE CONDUCTED IN 2024

1. PURPOSE

The purpose of this Circular is to update the National Department of Health, Provincial Departments of Health, Nursing Education Institutions (NEIs) and relevant stakeholders about the examination venues where the Professional Entry Examination (PEE) will be conducted in 2024.

2. BACKGROUND
   • The South African Nursing Council (SANC) issued Circular 14/2022 on 8 November 2022 and indicated that the Council in its meeting held on 22-23 September 2022, resolved that accredited NEIs should serve as Examination Centres in all the provinces for the 2023 Examination Cycle whilst the process of sourcing neutral venues by the SANC is underway. This implies that the Professional Entrance Examination will be conducted at the NEI where the student was enrolled for the programme for the examination cycle of 2023.
   • Due to the challenges experienced by the SANC when sourcing for neutral venues, the examination venues used for the current examination cycle 2023 will also be used in 2024.

The SANC will be holding a consultative workshop in early 2024 to discuss the matter of examination venues.

• The PEE will be conducted in line with the examination schedule published as per Circular 12/2023.

3. IMPLICATIONS

• This Circular should be brought to the attention of the students.

4. IMPLEMENTATION

This Circular becomes implementable and valid from the date of issue. For further information in respect of this Circular you are advised to contact Ms MA Mnguni, Senior Manager: Learner Affairs at 012 420 1065 or amnguni@sanc.co.za

_______________________                                                 

PROF NG MTSHALI

REGISTRAR AND CEO

SOUTH AFRICAN NURSING COUNCIL

DATE: ___________________

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CIRCULAR 12/2023

TO:                       NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

                              PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENTS OF HEALTH

                              NURSING EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS (NEIs)

                              ALL STAKEHOLDERS

SOUTH AFRICAN NURSING COUNCIL (SANC) EXAMINATION SCHEDULE – 2024

Attached is the Examination Schedule for 2024

Kindly take note of the following requirements applicable to the SANC examinations:

1. The closing date for the examination applications should be strictly adhered to as neither exceptions nor allowances will be made to extend the provided dates (See Annexure A).

2. Only registered learners will be eligible for an examination: The Head of the Nursing Education Institution (NEI) must ensure that all learners are registered with the SANC within the prescribed period. Foreign applicants apply as individuals but will have to adhere to the prescribed period.

3. Candidates will not be registered for an examination with only an identity number. It must be noted that the SANC reference numbers are needed in all cases.

4. The NEI is required to verify if learners are registered for the appropriate course prior registering those learners for an examination. This verification must be  done through the SANCs Registration Section (See Annexure B).

5. The SANC will only process applications for entry into the South African Nursing Council examination that meet the following requirements:

1. The Examination Application Form is completed in full, accurately and signed by the relevant person/s. The surname and given names must be those appearing in the identity document/ passport number.

1. All the required documentation to be included.

1. c) There is proof of payment of prescribed examination fees into the SANC bank account, such payment must be done by the NEI (group payment) and not by learners, except for foreign candidates. Foreign candidates/South Africans with foreign qualifications write the same examination similar to the South African Nurses except for Admission examination for Foreign Applicants leading to Enrolment as a Nurse.

Banking details are as follows:

Name of Bank:                   First National Bank

Account number:             51425166282 (Current Account)

Branch:                                 Corporate Core Banking – Pretoria

Branch code:                      210-554

Reference:                         NEI S-number followed by the type of fee code ‘EXAMFEE’

The correct reference must appear on all deposits to expedite the processing of your payment. The code ‘EXAMFEE’ must only be used for payment in respect of examination fee. This code must not be used for any other types of payment.

Below is an example of an NEI reference that pertains to an examination fee payment as discussed above.

• S-number S12345: S12345EXAMFEE

6. Only those candidates that have been issued an examination timetable/number will be eligible to write the SANC examination.

7. The SANC requests invigilators not to enclose any other documents with the examination package.

8. The SANC reserves the right to cancel an examination reflected on the schedule if there are insufficient candidates for such an examination.

9. The SANC requests the NEIs to inform all their candidates of the outcome of the examination results once published. No examination results will be given out telephonically by the office of the SANC. However, candidates will receive results via text messages (SMS).

                NB:

The Head of the NEI must ensure that payment of fees by their Provincial Department of Health or Head Office is made separately for each NEI and for each specific examination.

Provincial bulk payments without specifications create administrative challenges and cause a delay in processing of the applications.

Examination fees are non-refundable according to Regulations regarding fees and fines payable to the South African Nursing Council (Government Notice No.R.170 of 8 March 2013)

__________________________________

PROF N. G MTSHALI

REGISTRAR AND CEO

THE SOUTH AFRICAN NURSING COUNCIL

DATE:_____________________________

ANNEXURE: A

• The following examinations will be held during the year 2024, should there be sufficient Candidates registered; and
• There are approved examinations centres in each of the nine (9) provinces of South Africa.

Professional Entrance Examination for Admission to the Nurses’ Register as a Professional Nurse and Midwife

Regulation: R.174 of 08 March 2013

Table: 1

Professional Entrance Examination for Admission to the Nurses’ Register as a Professional Nurse and Midwife

Paper 1 – Comprehensive Nursing care

Paper 2 – Midwifery component

Professional Entrance Examination for Admission to the Nurses’ Register as a Midwife

Regulation: R.1497 of 22 November 2019

Table: 2

Professional Entrance Examination for Admission to the Nurses’ Register as a Midwife

Professional entrance examination for Admission to the Nurses` Register as a General

Nurse Regulations: R.171 of 08 March 2013                          

(It is also written by Foreign Nurses as Admission Examination for registration as a General Nurse)

Table: 3

Professional entrance examination for Admission to the Nurses` Register as a General

Admission Examination for Foreign Applicants for Enrolment as a Nurse

Table: 4

Admission Examination for Foreign Applicants for Enrolment as a Nurse

Professional Entrance Examination for Admission to the Nurses` Register as an Auxiliary Nurse

Regulations: R.169 of 08 March 2013

(Also written by Foreign Nurses as Admission Examination for Enrolment as an Auxiliary Nurse)

Table: 5

Professional Entrance Examination for Admission to the Nurses` Register as an Auxiliary Nurse

ANNEXURE B

For further information, please contact the Assessment Section, South African Nursing Council.

Contact Professional Advisors:

Ms G Ndlovu                      :               Telephone 012 420 1078/ gndlovu@sanc.co.za

Ms M Tshabalala               :               Telephone 012 426 9534/ mtshabalala@sanc.co.za

Manager: Assessment Section

Ms E Magagula                  :               Telephone 012 426 9596/ emagagula@sanc.co.za

Fax:                                        :               012 343-5400

Address:                              :               Private Bag X132, Pretoria, 0001

E-mail:                                  :               exams@sanc.co.za

Admission Examinations for Foreign Application to be held in the Republic of South Africa

For further information, please contact the SANC Foreign Registrations as follows

Contact: Mr S Shezi         :               Professional Advisor

Telephone: National       :               012 420 1040

International                      :               +2712 420 1040

Fax National                       :               012 426 9516

International                      :               +2712 426 9516

Address                                :               Private Bag X132, Pretoria, 0001

Republic of South Africa

E-mail                          :           foreign-applications@sanc.co.za

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CIRCULAR 11/2023

TO:                       NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

                              PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENTS OF HEALTH

                              NURSING EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS (NEIs)

                              ALL STAKEHOLDERS

SUBJECT:      INTAKE OF STUDENTS BY NURSING EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS FROM ONE PROGRAMME TO ANOTHER, PRIOR TO WRITING THE PROFESSIONAL ENTRANCE EXAMINATION

1. PURPOSE

The purpose of this Circular is to share with the National Department of Health, Provincial Departments of Health, Nursing Education Institutions (NEIs) and relevant stakeholders about the decision of the Council regarding the practice of intake of students by the NEIs from one programme to another, prior to writing the Professional Entry Examination (PEE).

2. BACKGROUND

2.1 In terms of Section 4(1)(c) of the Nursing Act,2005 (Act No. 33 of 2005), the South African Nursing Council (SANC) must conduct the examinations, appoint Examiners and Moderators and grant certificates in respect of such examinations. 

2.2 The examinations that were conducted by the SANC for the legacy Nursing Qualifications are coming to an end on 30^th November 2023. In this regard, the SANC issued Circular 14/2020 on 20 December 2020 and indicated that students who are enrolled for the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework-(HEQSF)-aligned Nursing Qualifications will be required to write and pass the PEE on completion of education and training before their names are entered in the SANC Nurse Register.

2.3 The SANC introduced the PEE in May 2021 and the first group that wrote the PEE was the student nurses who enrolled for the Higher Certificate in Nursing.

2.4 Section 4(1)(3) of the Government Notice No 195 of 2008  as amended, stipulates that the Registrar must register an applicant whose application complies with the requirements of sub regulation (1) and (2) with effect from the last day of the month in which the accredited programme was successfully completed, hence the applicants who met the requirements for the HEQSF-aligned nursing qualifications will be registered at the end of the month in which the PEE was successfully completed.

2.5 The NEIs raised concerns that the SANC does not allow students to access one programme to another prior to writing the PEE. Their concerns are reasonable; however, this will be in contradiction with Section 2.4 above. The qualification must either be terminated or be completed before access to another programme. The SANC is hopeful that these challenges will be addressed when the months in which the examination is written are further increased so that the students are not affected. In future all the examination processes will be fast tracked when online examination system is implemented.

3. COUNCIL RESOLUTION

3.1 The Council at its ordinary meeting held on 13-14 July 2023, resolved not to approve the practice of intake of learners by the NEIs from one programme to another prior to writing the Professional Entrance Examination.

4. IMPLICATIONS

4.1 The Council resolution will not be applicable to the students who apply for termination before accessing other nursing programmes OR other fields of study, e.g., medicine. The students are allowed direct entry to other nursing programmes if they meet the admission requirements without writing the PEE.

4.2 Once the student has opted to terminate and pursue other programmes besides the one which she was enrolled for, the student cannot return to write the PEE and expect that the registration date will be the last day of the month in which the accredited previous programme was successfully completed. This will create a clash of dates for registration. It will also be viewed as if the student commenced the new programme without passing the previous programme.

4.3 The SANC will not enter any student nurse to the SANC Nurse Register before the PEE has been written and passed.

4.4 The SANC will not issue a verification of qualification and a letter of good standing for the student nurse who did not write and pass the PEE, but who is interested in migrating to other countries.

4.5 Nurses who are enrolled for Postgraduate studies are not affected by this Circular.

4.6 This Circular should be brought to the attention of all students.

5. IMPLEMENTATION

This Circular becomes implementable and valid from the date of issue. For further information in respect of this Circular you are advised to contact Ms SJ Nxumalo: Deputy Registrar at (012) 420 1059 or on e-mail jnxumalo@sanc.co.za OR Ms MA Mnguni, Senior Manager: Learner Affairs at 012 420 1065 or amnguni@sanc.co.za.

_______________________

PROF NG MTSHALI

REGISTRAR AND CEO

SOUTH AFRICAN NURSING COUNCIL

DATE: ___________________

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CIRCULAR 10/2023

TO:                       NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

                              PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENTS OF HEALTH

                              NURSING EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

                              ALL STAKEHOLDERS

SUBJECT:         ADDITIONAL THIRD EXAMINATION MONTH FOR THE PROFESSIONAL ENTRANCE EXAMINATION

1. PURPOSE
   • The purpose of this Circular is to share the information with the National Department of Health, Provincial Departments of Health, Nursing Education Institutions (NEIs) and all Stakeholders about the alterations in the examination months pertaining to the Professional Entrance Examination conducted by the South African Nursing Council (SANC) for the following programmes:

•  Bachelor of Nursing leading to registration in the category Professional Nurse and Midwife;
• Advance Diploma in Midwifery leading to registration in the category Midwife;
• Diploma in Nursing leading to registration in the category General Nurse; and
• Higher Certificate leading to registration in the category Auxiliary Nurse.
•  The purpose of the Professional Entrance Examination is for the students to be admitted to the SANC Nurse Register on successful completion of the examination.

2. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

• Conducted examination for the legacy qualifications was twice per year with the last examination coming to an end in November 2023.
• The SANC introduced the Professional Entrance Examination during this transition from the legacy to Higher Qualifications Sub-framework-aligned Nursing qualifications. The Professional Entrance Examination is written by students who have passed the Summative Examination conducted by the NEIs and it is currently conducted in the months of May and November.
• Education and Training Stakeholders have raised concerns over the two examination months that are afforded students to write the Professional Entrance Examination because the students must wait for almost five months before they undertake the examination.
• Whilst the intension of the SANC is to ensure that students write the examination immediately after writing their summative evaluation, it is currently not feasible.  

3. COUNCIL RESOLUTION

3.1 The Council at its ordinary meeting held on 13-14 July 2023 resolved that Professional Entrance Examinations must be written in the months of March, July, and November to reduce the current prolonged waiting period.

4. IMPLICATIONS

• The content of this circular must be brought to the attention of all students due to write the examination.
• This circular amends section 6.1.4 of Circular 14/2020.
• Application forms for the examination must be submitted as reflected in the examination schedule i.e., not later than the seventh day of the month, three months prior to the month in which the examination is to be conducted, namely, 7 December 2023 for the March examination in 2024.

5. IMPLEMENTATION

• The Circular becomes implementable and valid from the date of issue. For further information in respect of this Circular you are advised to contact Ms MA Mnguni, Senior Manager: Learner Affairs at 012 420 1065 or amnguni@sanc.co.za.

Yours sincerely

_____________________________                                     

PROF. NG MTSHALI

REGISTRAR & CEO

SOUTH AFRICAN NURSING COUNCIL

DATE: _______________________

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Circular 9/2023

TO:                    NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

                           PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENTS OF HEALTH

                           NURSING EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

                           ALL RELEVANT STAKEHOLDERS

SUBJECT:      INTRODUCTION OF COURIER SERVICES FOR DELIVERY OF DISTINGUISHING DEVICES

1. PURPOSE
   • To inform the Nurse Practitioners, the National Department of Health, Provincial Departments of Health, Nursing Education Institutions (NEIs) and other relevant stakeholders regarding the following:

• The SANC will deliver Nurse Practitioners’ distinguishing devices orders, paid via the bank, by courier services starting from 01 September 2023.
• The SANC is also embarking on a campaign for Nurse Practitioners to update their personal details to ensure we have recent and correct delivery addresses in its records which will assist with obtaining a higher rate of successful deliveries.

2. BACKGROUND
   • The SANC sells distinguishing devices to Nurse Practitioners and these devices are currently sent using registered mail via the South African Post Office.
   • The SANC has been inundated with complaints from Nurse Practitioners for not receiving their orders for distinguishing devices on time. Upon closer inspection, it became clear that the method used for delivery of orders is not effective and it was necessary to look at other delivery alternatives.

3. UPDATE OF PERSONAL DETAILS FOR COURIER SERVICE PURPOSES

3.1         Obtaining Nurse Practitioners’ recent physical addresses and contact details is essential for the successful delivery of distinguishing devices, and the SANC therefore request Nurse Practitioners to update their personal details by following the process below:

Step 1: Go to the SANC website: www.sanc.co.za

Step 2: On the Home Page, go to QUICK LINKS (top, right of the page)

Step 3: Click on:  DOWNLOADABLE FORMS

Step 4: Select the form:  UPDATE OF CONTACT DETAILS FORM

Step 5: Complete the online form

Step 6: Click on: SEND.

3.2         It is important to note that the Nurse Practitioners should update their personal details before ordering distinguishing devices to ensure that their devices are delivered to the correct address.

4. DELIVERY PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS

4.1 DISTINGUISHING DEVICES

4.1.1        Distinguishing devices orders are currently delivered to Nurse Practitioners using registered mail via the South African Post Office (SAPO).

4.1.2     Starting from 01 September 2023 all orders paid through the bank will be delivered by courier.

4.1.3      Nurse Practitioners who pay their distinguishing devices orders at the bank and opt for delivery of their order to their physical addresses, will have to ensure that they provide the physical address on the order form.

4.1.4      The courier costs for distinguishing devices orders is R90.00 per parcel (only domestic delivery).

4.1.4      The procedure for ordering will not change, the only change will be that the amount usually charged for postage will be used for courier costs.

4.2 UNDELIVERED/RETURNED PARCELS

4.2.1      When a parcel is unsuccessfully delivered due to the unavailability of the Nurse Practitioner or provision of incorrect details by the Nurse Practitioner, the Nurse Practitioner will be liable for the return cost as charged by the courier company.

4.2.2      Nurse Practitioners will also pay courier cost for re-delivery of the parcel.

For further information in respect of this Circular, you are advised to contact Mr. B Manganyi, Acting Manager: Revenue Collections and Sales at bmanganyi@sanc.co.za or Tel: 012 420 1081.

                                             ______________                                                                        

PROF NG MTSHALI                                                                                                   

REGISTRAR AND CEO

SOUTH AFRICAN NURSING COUNCIL

___________________________________

DATE

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Circular 8/2023

TO:                    NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

                           PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENTS OF HEALTH

                           NURSING EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

                           ALL RELEVANT STAKEHOLDERS

SUBJECT:      INTRODUCTION OF COURIER SERVICES FOR DELIVERY OF ANNUAL PRACTISING CERTIFICATES

1. PURPOSE
   • To inform the National Department of Health, Provincial Departments of Health, Nursing Education Institutions (NEIs) and other relevant stakeholders regarding the following:
     • The SANC will provide an option to Nurse Practitioners who individually pay annual fees via the bank to deliver their 2024 Annual Practising Certificates by courier services at their own cost, starting from 01 September 2023.
     • The SANC is also embarking on a campaign for Nurse Practitioners to update their personal details to ensure we have recent and correct delivery addresses in our database which will assist with obtaining a higher rate of successful deliveries.

2. BACKGROUND

2.1         Section 36 (2) of the Nursing Act, 2005 (Act No. 33 of 2005) stipulates that a certificate of registration is proof of registration for a period of one year after its date and thereafter an Annual Practising  Certificate, issued upon payment of the prescribed annual fee and the submission of such information as may be required by the Council to keep accurate statistics on human resources in Nursing, is proof of registration in absence of any credible evidence to the contrary.

2.2.        Annual Practising Certificates are currently sent to Nurses Practitioners who individually pay their annual fees by using ordinary mail via the Post Office.

2.3.        The SANC has been inundated with complaints from Nurses Practitioners for not receiving their Annual Practising Certificates on time. In some instances, these are never received by the Nurse Practitioners.

3. UPDATE OF PERSONAL DETAILS

3.1   Obtaining Nurse Practitioners’ recent physical addresses and contact details is essential for the successful delivery of Annual Practising Certificates and the SANC therefore request Nurse Practitioners to update their personal details by following the process below:

Step 1: Go to the SANC website: (www.sanc.co.za)

Step 2: On the home page, Go to QUICK LINKS (top, right of the page)

Step 3: Click on: DOWNLOADABLE FORMS

Step 4: Select the form: UPDATE OF CONTACT DETAILS FORM

Step 5: Complete the online form

Step 6: Click on: SEND.

3.2   It is important to note that the Nurse Practitioners should update their personal details before making their annual fees payment to ensure that their Annual Practising Certificate is delivered to the correct address.

4. DELIVERY PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS

4.1 ANNUAL PRACTISING CERTIFICATES

4.1.1     Annual Practising Certificates are usually sent using the South African Post Office (SAPO), thus via ordinary mail. However, noting the challenges with SAPO, the SANC will now offer an option to deliver Annual Practising Certificates via courier services at an extra cost to Nurse Practitioners who pay annual fees on their own.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This excludes those who are paid for by their employers/via PERSAL.

4.1.2     Annual Practising Certificates paid by employers will continue to be sent as per the arrangements we have with the various employers. Employers are therefore encouraged to distribute Annual Practising Certificates to their Nurse Practitioners as soon as they receive them from the SANC.

4.1.3     Nurse Practitioners who opt for the delivery of their Annual Practising Certificate by courier will have to pay courier costs together with their annual fees. This will be an indication that the Nurse Practitioner has opted for courier service delivery.

4.1.4     The courier costs will be R70.00 per parcel, which is subject to annual increase (only domestic delivery).

4.1.5     The table below depicts the amount payable by Nurse Practitioners who opt for courier services as their preferred delivery mode:

4.1.6     Nurse Practitioners will use the same reference for payment of annual fees, for example: 12345678ANLFEES

(This is only an example, the SANC number 12345678 quoted here is fictitious and must  not be used, Nurse Practitioners must use their own SANC number).

4.1.7      Nurse Practitioners who have already paid their 2024 annual fees via the bank from                        01 July 2023 to date should note that their Annual Practising Certificates have been kept aside (not posted) to afford them an opportunity to opt for their Annual Practising Certificate to be delivered by courier. What is required is for them to pay only the courier costs of R70.00

4.1.8     Nurse Practitioners who are mentioned in 4.1.7 above who opt for the delivery of their Annual Practising Certificate will have until 30 September 2023 to pay the courier cost, if payment is not received by this date their Annual Practising Certificate will be sent by post.

4.1.9     The payment code for courier cost is COURAPC (SANCNUMBER FOLLOWED BY COURAPC FOR EXAMPLE 12345678COURAPC)

4.1.10   The process mentioned in 4.1.3 above will apply to Nurse Practitioners who apply for restoration and opt for their Annual Practising Certificate to be delivered by courier i.e. they will have to add R70.00 courier cost to the restoration fees.

4.1.11   Nurse Practitioners who opt NOT to use this service will continue to receive their Annual Practising Certificates via the South African Post Office (SAPO) and will only pay annual fees without courier cost.

4.2   UNDELIVERED/RETURNED PARCELS

4.2.1   When a parcel is unsuccessfully delivered due to the unavailability of the Nurse Practitioner or provision of incorrect details by the Nurse Practitioner, the Nurse Practitioner will be liable for the return cost as charged by the courier company.

4.2.2   Nurse Practitioners will also pay courier cost for re-delivery of the parcel.

For further information in respect of this Circular, you are advised to contact Mr. B Manganyi, Acting Manager: Revenue Collections and Sales at bmanganyi@sanc.co.za or Tel: 012 420 1081.

                                             ______________                                           

PROF NG MTSHALI                                                                                                   

REGISTRAR AND CEO

SOUTH AFRICAN NURSING COUNCIL

DATE:  ___________________________

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TO:        NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

               PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENTS OF HEALTH

               NURSING EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS (NEIs)

               ALL STAKEHOLDERS

SUBJECT – NON-ADHERENCE TO SCOPE OF PRACTICE REGULATIONS BY NURSE PRACTITIONERS

1. PURPOSE

   • The purpose of this correspondence is to sensitize Practitioners on the importance of adherence to the Scope of Practice Regulations R.2127 promulgated on 3 June 2022.

    

   2. BACKGROUND

    

   • The South African Nursing Council is a statutory body that is empowered by the Nursing Act 2005, (Act No. 33 of 2005) to protect the public in matters involving health services in general and Nursing services in particular.
   • The Preliminary Investigation Committee (PIC) is a Committee established in terms of Section 15 of the Nursing Act 2005, (Act No. 33 of 2005) and mandated to investigate all reported cases of alleged unprofessional conduct against Practitioners who are registered in terms of the Act. This is to ensure that the provision of Nursing services complies with set standards, values and national health policies.
   • On analysis of reported cases, PIC has noted with concern perpetual non-compliance by Practitioners to legislation and regulatory frameworks, specifically the Scope of Practice Regulations, resulting in bad outcomes for end-users.
   • The Scope of Practice Regulations R.2127 were promulgated by the Minister of Health,

   Dr J Phaahla on 3 June 2022.

    

   3. DIRECTIVE

    

   • Nurse Practitioners are urged to familiarise themselves and comply with provisions of the Scope of Practice Regulations. Failure to do so, will result in them being held personally liable for their acts and omissions.
   • Regulations are easily accessible on the SANC website, sanc.co.za

    

   The contents of this Circular must be brought to the attention of all Practitioners and Nurse Managers in health establishments.

    

   Enquiries in this regard can be directed to Dr J Muswede, Senior Manager: Professional Practice on at jmuswede@sanc.co.za or Tel: 012 420 1008.

    

    

    

   _______________________                   

   DR NJ MUSWEDE

   ACTING REGISTRAR AND CEO

   S A NURSING COUNCIL

   DATE: ____________________

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TO:        NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

               PROVINCIAL DEPARTMENTS OF HEALTH

               NURSING EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS (NEIs)

               ALL STAKEHOLDERS

SUBJECT – DIRECTIVE ON THE MANAGEMENT OF A VAGINAL BIRTH AFTER PREVIOUS CAESAREAN SECTION (VBAC)

1. PURPOSE

• To sensitize Midwives and Midwife Specialists on the importance of managing women with a history of previous caesarean section in line with approved guidelines, policies and protocols, during labour.

2. BACKGROUND

• The South African Nursing Council is the statutory body that is empowered by the Nursing Act 2005, (Act No.33 of 2005). Its object is to serve and protect the public in matters involving health services generally and Nursing services in particular.
• Council has noted with concern the increasing non-compliance to approved policies, protocols and Guidelines for Maternity Care by Midwives and Midwife Specialists in managing VBAC.
• Based on the cases reported to Council it is evident that:
• Women with previous caesarean section deliveries are frequently treated as low-risk clients.
• Maternal and foetal monitoring inconsistently done.
• Inconsistent use of the Partogram.

3. VBAC MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES

• In line with Guidelines for Maternity Care in South Africa (2016:89), women with a history of previous caesarean section presenting with labour pains MUST be managed as follows:
• Conduct labour in a hospital that can perform caesarean section on a 24-hour basis.
• Run an intravenous drip with Ringer’s lactate solution at 80-120 mL/hour and pass a urinary catheter to monitor excretion.
• Monitor with continuous Cardiotocography (CTG).
• Always use the Partogram and intervene timeously.
• Do not augment labour with oxytocin.
• Observe carefully for imminent uterine rupture signs and prepare for an emergency caesarean section immediately if rupture is suspected based on any of the following signs:
• Foetal tachycardia or foetal heart rate decelerations.
• Significant vaginal bleeding.
• Macroscopic haematuria.
• Strong abdominal pain between contractions.
• Sudden cessation of contractions.
• Indications for emergency caesarean section at attempted VBAC:
• The latent phase of labour exceeds 8 hours.
• Progress in the active phase of labour crosses to the right of the alert line

(progress <1 cm/hour).

• There are signs of imminent uterine rupture.

4. DIRECTIVE

• Midwives and Midwives Specialists are hereby instructed to adhere to approved guidelines, policies and protocols on VBAC management.

The contents of this Circular must be brought to the attention of all Practitioners and Nurse Managers in health establishments.

Enquiries in this regard can be directed to Dr J Muswede, Senior Manager: Professional Practice at jmuswede@sanc.co.za or Tel: 012 420 1008.

_______________________                   

DR NJ MUSWEDE

ACTING REGISTRAR AND CEO

S A NURSING COUNCIL

DATE: ____________________

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