Abstract
D.Cur.
Intensive nursing science in the Republic of South Africa
has become so comprehensive and has gained momentum to such
an extent the curriculum for the diploma in intensive
nursing science no longer suffices.
This study has attempted to identify the scope of intensive
care for the professional nurse within the context of the
community need for intensive care and to develop the curriculum
in accordance.
To achieve this purpose a theoretical framework was compiled
out of the literature according to which the curriculum was
evaluated.
The task of the professional nurse in intensive care was
identified by means of a literature study, observations and
interviews. In addition, a statistical survey was done of the
diseases with which the patients are admitted into intensive
care units.
It is obvious that the prescribed curriculum has, to a large
extent achieved its aim but an explicit need was indicated for
more training schools and trained professional nurses in
intensive care.
The evaluation practices for the diploma in intensive nursing
science must be placed upon a scientific basis.