24 May 2022

To:          National Department of Health

                 Provincial Departments of Health

                 Nursing Education Institutions (NEIs) 

                 All stakeholders

SUBJECT: INTERIM MEASURES ON DISTINGUISHING DEVICES TO BE WORN BY AUXILIARY NURSES WHO HAVE COMPLETED THE HIGHER CERTIFICATE PROGRAMME IN NURSING

1. PURPOSE
   • The purpose of this circular is to update the National Department of Health, Provincial Departments of Health, Nursing Education Institutions (NEIs) and other relevant stakeholders about the interim measures on distinguishing devices to be worn by Auxiliary Nurses who have completed the Higher Certificate programme in Nursing.

2. BACKGROUND
   • In terms of the Regulations Regarding the Distinguishing Devices and Uniforms for Enrolled Nursing Assistants and Enrolled Pupil Nursing Assistants (Government Notice Regulations No. 1747 of 29 September 1972 as amended), Enrolled Nursing Auxiliaries wear a Metal Brooch with the wording “South African Nursing Council” in blue coloured lettering around the edge.
   • The nursing profession was engaged on the matter of distinguishing devices through a survey. Recommendations were provided on the range of distinguishing devices, which included the dark turquoise epaulettes being recommended for Auxiliary Nurses who will complete the Higher Certificate programme in Nursing.
   • The findings of the survey informed the review of distinguishing devices for Nurses and Midwives.
   • The reviewed Regulations on distinguishing devices for Nurses and Midwives were developed, approved by Council and submitted to the National Department of Health for consideration and publication for public comments.

3. INTERIM MEASURE
   • In the meantime, the first cohort of Student Nurses have completed the Higher Certificate programme in Nursing, passed the Professional Entrance Examination in May 2021 and were subsequently registered with the South African Nursing Council in the category “Registered Auxiliary Nurses”.
   • It is a statutory requirement that practitioners should be correctly identified through the prescribed distinguishing devices.
   • The Council at the virtual special meeting held on 30-31 March approved that, whilst still awaiting the promulgation of the new Regulations on Distinguishing Devices for Nurses and Midwives, the Registered Auxiliary Nurses who underwent the Higher Certificate programme in Nursing be permitted to wear the brooch, same as the distinguishing devices worn by Nursing Auxiliaries who completed the course leading to enrolment as a Nursing Auxiliary (Government Notice Regulations No.2176 of 19 November 1993 as amended)

For further information in respect of this Circular, you are advised to contact Ms SJ Nxumalo, Acting Deputy Registrar: Professional Affairs at (012) 420 1022 or on e-mail at: [email protected]

Yours sincerely,

(signed)

MS SA MCHUNU                                                                                               

REGISTRAR AND CEO

SOUTH AFRICAN NURSING COUNCIL