A framework for recognition of prior learning within a Postgraduate Diploma of Nursing Management in South Africa

The present study focuses on the development of an initial framework to guide educators in nursing management in designing a portfolio for the recognition of prior learning for accreditation of competencies within a postgraduate diploma in South Africa.

In South Africa, there is a unique educational need, arising from the legacy of apartheid and previous political regimes, to facilitate educational development in groups previously unable to access higher education. Awareness of the need for continuous professional development in nursing management practice and recognition of prior learning in the educational environment has presented the possibility of using one means to accomplish both aims.

Although the content of the present study is pertinent to staff development of nurse managers, it is primarily written for nurse educators in the field of nursing management.

The findings identify focus areas to be addressed in a recognition of prior learning portfolio to comply with the programme specific outcomes of Nursing Service Management. Further work to refine these focus areas to criteria that specify the level of performance required to demonstrate achievement is needed. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSE MANAGERS: Managers need to facilitate continuous professional development through portfolio compilation which acknowledges the learning opportunities within the workplace and can be used as recognition of prior learning.