The Doctor of Nursing Science (D.N.S. or D.N.Sc.) is an academic research degree awarded in a number of countries throughout the world as a terminal research degree in nursing. The title of this degree varies with the collegiate institution which grants it. Another form of this degree is a Doctor of Science in Nursing (D.S.N.) degree. This academic research degree is recognized by both the United States Department of Education and the National Science Foundation to be equivalent to the more commonly awarded Doctor of Philosophy Ph.D.
The University of Johannesburg in South Africa changed the nursing doctoral degree from a Doctor Curationis to a Doctor of Nursing Science <https://www.uj.ac.za/faculties/health/Nursing-Sciences />. According to the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA), the following is said about the University of Johannesburg's DNSc program <https://allqs.saqa.org.za/showQualification.php?id=111510 />:
PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION This qualification includes the various specialisations in Nursing. Please refer to "Notes" for details on the specialisations.
Purpose:The Doctor of Nursing is a practice-focused professional qualification, designed around the development of high-level performance and innovation in a professional context and to prepare experts in specialised advanced midwifery practice. Learners are required to undertake a combination of coursework and advanced research, be it an original thesis or another form of research that is commensurate with the nature of the discipline. It will focus heavily on practice that is innovative and evidence-based, reflecting the application of credible research findings for sustained changes in health care.
This qualification will be an improvement of Maternal and Child Health (MCH) services through advanced Midwifery practice. The relationship with other health related disciplines by virtue of the practice-focused nature of the qualification will be enhanced. Inter and intra-professional recognition of midwifery by peers at an advanced level is one of the desired outcomes of the qualification. The modules will not only give the learners advance knowledge of Midwifery, but will add leadership, managerial and research skill, to enable the learner to function in a leadership role in practice.
Rationale:This qualification will provide learners with an opportunity to conduct independent original research through scientific discourse and independent investigation, thereby contributing to the development of these fields. The defining characteristic of a professional doctorate is that in addition to the demonstration of high-level research capability it requires the ability to integrate theory with practice through the application of theoretical knowledge to highly complex problems in a wide range of professional contexts. The outcome of this qualification is a comprehensive and systematic grasp of an in-depth body of knowledge in the areas of health policies, leadership and health care delivery with the emphasis on advanced Midwifery. As such advancing the development of specialist expert knowledge in this area thereby supporting evidence based professional practice, which is at the forefront in this area.
The qualification will be designed for qualified Midwives seeking leadership positions in health care. Graduates will have clinical practice-oriented leadership and specialised research skills that focus on evidence-based practice and on research utilisation for the improvement of clinical care delivery, patient outcomes and system management.
The learner intake will draw on Master learners who wish to enhance their knowledge and clinical practice in midwifery. There is a growing need for midwives both in the private and public sector as more prospective mothers are choosing the option of a midwife-assisted natural birth, this also being in line with the proposed National Health Insurance policy. There is a definite need to implement effective, sustainable and affordable improvement in the quality of Midwifery care in South Africa. New knowledge and leadership are necessary to eliminate avoidable maternal and new-born mortality and morbidity and to inform decision making in Midwifery. Consultation with key stakeholders will take place to explore and encourage the support by both public and private sectors for such a program and to discuss how to utilise the Doctoral Graduates in various practices. It will also be necessary to ensure commitment to give job opportunities for Doctoral Graduates with higher salaries and other incentives.
LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):The Faculty of Health Sciences accepts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an integral part of education and academic practice. It is acknowledged that all learning has value. Through Recognition of reference
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