Course Overview
A stepping stone
The uniqueness of Nido’s practical training is the experience in Private Practical Facilities. Nido Nursing (Pty) Ltd is the perfect stepping stone to enable you to further your career in nursing studies, or to get employment in the Private Health Care Industry.
About the course
The Health Care Assistant Course entails the following:
- The complete course is of 12 months’ duration.
You need to complete 1150 hours in total (Theory and Practical)
Months 1 – 3 (142 hours) Theoretical training – lectures, revision, tests, assignments, case study and first formal exam.
Months 4 – 6 Practical training in old age homes or nursing and caring homes.
Month 7 Study break and Benchmark exam, submission of cultural assignment and patient case study. Submission of documents required for placements in private hospitals.
Month 8 – 10 Practical’s in private hospitals.
Month 11 Study break and final exam.
Month 12 opportunity for rewrites and final exam.
Month 13 Certificate ceremony.
Subjects
- Ethics, rights and conduct
- Communication
- Basic Human Anatomy
- Body Care
- Personal/ Environmental
- Hygiene
- Cross Infection
- Intake and Output
- Safety of patients
- Recreational needs
- Oxygen Therapy
- Total patient care
- Death and Dying
- Stress Management
- Care of the Elderly
- Common Illnesses
- Baby and Child care
- CPR & First Aid / Emergency Care
- Nutrition
- Medical terminology
- Completing 1008 Hours practical experience in a hospital, old age home, private homes or retirement villages. Students need to do at least 168hrs of practical training per month to reach 1008 hours
- 2 weeks of 90 hours to study for first formal exam
* In total you will need to complete 1150 hours to complete the course. 142 hours theory and 1008 hours practical = 1150 hours
* NB: Certificates are only issued in the 13th month of training
The Requirements
1 No grade 12 needed. Grade 10 is the lowest grade we accept. International students need to have a certified copy of their highest qualification equivalent to the lowest grade 10 or grade 12.
2 No specific subjects needed.
3 Main requirement: To write Nido’s assessment test. Need to pass with 50%.
4 Need to be able to read and write in English.
5 A passion for nursing.
Registration & Course Details
Fee for Assessment: must be paid when booking for writing the test into the Nido Nursing (Pty) Ltd Bank account.
2021 – R1100.00
2022 – R1150.00
2023 – R1200.00
The Reason for the Assessment test:
- To identify if students can read and write in English.
- To identify the passion for Nursing.
* Please note that the assessment fee is not refundable and if a student did not pass the test, he/she will be able to rewrite once only, and if the student did not pass the second time, he/she will not be accepted into the Nido Health Care Assistant Training Programme.
Please note the following is required:
- Hepatitis B vaccinations (proof of 3 vaccinations must be submitted in the 7th month of training.)
- Police Clearance police clearance certificate submitted in 7th month
- Health Status – Medical Certificate – (TB Clearance submitted in the 3rd month of training)
Please Note: The above will be discussed on the 1st day of orientation and all necessary Nido letters will be given to students to submit to enable them to get the above done.
NB: No students will be allowed to start their practical training in the Private Hospitals unless the above documentation has been submitted.
Students are responsible for their own uniforms:
- White nursing shirt (short sleeved, with blue trimming)
- Navy trousers / skirt
- Black /Navy shoes
- Lycra stockings
- Jackets and headscarves must be navy blue
- White nurses dresses
We advise students to budget for transport during training, as Nido will not be held responsible for transport costs. You must be able to attend each day of your practical placement. Students can be suspended if they do not attend practical training.
Students have to arrange for their own accommodation.
Should you, our Nido student, get injured during theory or practical training, you will be responsible for your own medical expenses and Nido will not be held responsible.
- Various tests as well as a first formal examination will be written before the Practical training commences. You need to pass this exam with 50% before you could continue with your practical training at the nursing homes and old ages homes.
- After the first three month practical placement, a benchmark exam is written. You will need to pass this with at least 50% to continue with the second placement in the private hospitals.
- After the second three month placement, the final exam is written. The pass mark is 50%
- You will need to pass 26 practical procedures during the six month practical placement period, and the pass mark is 80%
- After the final exam is written, it takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks for the final results to be released.
- You will receive a letter of recommendation from Nido containing your final results before the certificate can be issued. This enables students to already apply for jobs while waiting for their certificates.
- After successful completion of your course you may register with Nido Nursing (Pty) Ltd to assist you with job placements as well as Carechamps. You will have to sign an agreement with your regional office(s) in South Africa.
Candidates that would like to study and are working must discuss this in person with CEO, Gizelle van der Merwe, because Nido Nursing Management does allow it, but it must be discussed and pre-approved.
Intakes Per Year
There are three group intakes a year.
1 Feb / March
2 May / June
3 Sept / Oct
Please note: The intake dates/ months differ per region and dates are also subject to change, depending on the number of students per group.
Louis (Son): Thank you so much to Nthabiseng and Manana, you were angels sent to help us on this path. My mom deserved the best and that is what she got. Thank you!
Rose (Wife): Thank you Ansie for allocating Bridgette. She has been a Godsend to us. She gave herself permission to care and help in whatever way befitting. She did everything with humility and a warm heart. God bless you all at NIDO.
Beverley Rau (wife): I would like to compliment Sibo for the care and compassion he showed my husband. He was an absolute pleasure to have in our home.
Keshnee (daughter): We are grateful for the collective efforts, compassion, and dedication shown towards Mr. Jackie’s recovery. Working together to provide the best care for Mr. Jackie has been a testament of light at the end of the tunnel, your expertise, and kindness. We are sincerely thankful to have such a wonderful Healthcare Assistant by my side during this challenging time.
Discovery HomeCare has been working closely with Nido Health as a preferred provider, since June 2016. We have been hugely impressed by the great work that Nido does and the lengths that they go to, to service and care for their clients. Their passion for providing care and support is evident in every case referred to them as is the quality and experience of their care team. We have only ever received positive feedback from our members when cared for by Nido and have no reservations referring patients to them, knowing that their team have the training, experience and support required. The Nido team are a pleasure to work with and we wish them all the very best on their journey ahead and for all their new ventures and adventures!
For years I applied at institutions and was always unsuccessful. Until one day I came across a Nido advert in the newspaper and applied for the course. During my practical training at Nido I was sent to N1 Netcare Paediatric – one week in the unit manager offered me a position as a care worker and this is when doors started opening for me. After six months I started my studies though Netcare education.Today I am a very proud Paediatric staff nurse who is furthering my studies to become a Registered nurse. My message to everybody is : Never stop dreaming, reach for your goals and remember, the sky is the limit!
Kyle Milham (daughter): I just wanted to say a big thank you to Sharon for her care and professionalism while looking after my mom. She’s truly a wonderful carer, and we’re really grateful for all she’s done during a time when we needed the help at home. Also, a huge thanks to NIDO for finding such a great carer on short notice. Your communication and updates have been amazing.
Ricardo (son): Hi Phiwe and Phumeza I would like to take this opportunity to thank you so much for your great service. I am very impressed with the professionalism and patience that you have shown my mom during this time of her recovery.
Kathy (Wife): Herbie and my hearts are very heavy today as we wave you goodbye, our dear Bridget. You showed us what a true caregiver is all about. Your passion and constant care has not gone unnoticed. As you move on to your next patient know that our love and support will always be there and may you always shine like the super star that you are. Thank you for your compassion and everything you did for us. Be blessed wonderful woman!
Sooghandrie Kuppan (Daughter): I hope my words express our Extreme Gratitude and Love to Kwazi and Thula. We will forever be immensely Grateful for the care and help you provided to my dad. Every thing you did to ensure my dad was taken care off and was comfortable, means the world to us! Kwazi you went above and beyond with the assistance you provided to my dad and Thula not only the care but the laughter and joy you brought, helped in my dads healing. We only wish you the very best in your life and your careers.