Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University

Bachelor of Nursing

Health Sciences and Social Services - Curative Health

Purpose and Rationale

Bachelor of Nursing Program

Purpose

The Bachelor of Nursing program aims to produce competent professional nurses and midwife practitioners who can work in a variety of health service settings. The program equips learners with the necessary skills, knowledge, and attitudes required to make a meaningful and sustained contribution to health services. Key objectives of the program include:

  1. Developing a sense of equity, justice, and service ethics.
  2. Providing transferable skills applicable in various disciplines and everyday life.
  3. Fostering a methodological, solution-based approach to problem-solving.
  4. Promoting an empowerment-based approach to self and others' development.
  5. Enhancing competence in written and oral communication unique to Nursing and Midwifery.
  6. Building capacity to assess and implement health and other policies.
  7. Developing the ability to plan, implement, and manage projects of various natures and conduct research.

Rationale

The Bachelor of Nursing program is designed to address the growing gap between the demand and supply of professional nurses and midwives in South Africa. The decline in learners pursuing nursing is a concern for professional bodies and the Ministry of Health. The qualification aims to prepare learners to meet the healthcare needs of the country and work as independent registered professional nurses and midwives providing comprehensive care across all health spheres.

By producing qualified professionals, the program aims to:

  • Address the shortage of nursing staff.
  • Reduce morbidity and mortality rates.
  • Increase life expectancy and decrease hospital admissions.
  • Save on medical costs for the society.

Additionally, the program enables learners to specialize in areas such as Primary Health Care Nursing, Intensive Care Nursing, Theatre Nursing, Paediatric/Neonatal Nursing, Adult Psychiatric/Child Psychiatric Nursing, and Advanced Midwifery. Graduates are encouraged to pursue further education and training to progress in their careers and contribute to advancements in the nursing profession.

Upon successful completion of the program, learners are eligible for registration as Professional Nurses and Midwives with the South African Nursing Council, allowing them to practice in the field. The program aims to produce competent, skilled professionals who can meet the healthcare needs of both rural and urban communities. It also encourages lifelong learning and provides opportunities for advanced degrees in nursing.

Outcomes

  1. Apply knowledge of biological and natural sciences, psycho-social sciences and pharmacology in the provision of safe nursing care, throughout the life span, in a variety of health care settings and communities in response to the needs of the population.
  2. Identify and address ethical and legal principles in nursing and midwifery care of patients/clients, support and protect the rights of patients/clients in a health care context.
  3. Manage a health care unit and health facility based on the different roles and relationships within the multidisciplinary team.
  4. Access, produce and manage patient/client information effectively, including health information system.
  5. Conduct and utilise research skills in investigating and managing nursing and midwifery related issues to improve health care outcomes.
  6. Apply learning strategies to develop self and other's professional and personal through ongoing learning based on the needs critically.
  7. Apply knowledge of nursing and other discipline theories, methods and techniques in the management of patients with various health, midwifery and obstetric care needs.
  8. Proffer safe, optimal midwifery, obstetric and neonatal care in a scientific, integrated and evidence-based approach in all health care settings.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

  • Demonstrate knowledge of anatomy, microorganisms, and physiology to benefit health care delivery.
  • Assist clients in identifying indicators of relapse or complications and ways to prevent them.
  • Use technology for effective diagnosis and treatment.
  • Initiate treatment for common conditions, including prescribing medication.
  • Understand pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and standard treatment protocols.
  • Apply pharmacological principles in neonatal care.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

  • Interpret and apply ethical codes and standards for nursing practice.
  • Advocate for individual, group, and community rights in healthcare.
  • Apply a Primary Health Care approach.
  • Interpret and apply ethical codes and standards in line with their intent.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

  • Plan and provide health care based on assessment and informed decision making.
  • Develop unit philosophy, vision, goals, policies, and procedures.
  • Establish systems for cost-effective service delivery.
  • Manage pharmacological preparations and treatment effectively.
  • Monitor and improve standards of health care delivery.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

  • Organize and communicate professional information accurately.
  • Promote community involvement in health care.
  • Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate care accurately and securely.
  • Monitor and identify areas for improvement in health care delivery.
  • Communicate effectively using various media and technology.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

  • Conduct research based on identified needs and ethical principles.
  • Develop strategies based on epidemiological principles.
  • Provide care based on scientific evidence.
  • Use research to contribute to the development of nursing practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

  • Maintain emotional balance for effective service delivery.
  • Engage in professional development activities.
  • Use research for professional growth and knowledge.
  • Direct learning activities towards positive health outcomes.
  • Mentor others according to their needs.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

  • Provide physical and psychological care for long-term and terminally ill patients.
  • Identify and manage conditions and maintain homeostasis.
  • Demonstrate competent clinical skills and make sound clinical decisions.
  • Use problem-solving strategies effectively.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

  • Prepare women and families for pregnancy, childbirth, and family changes.
  • Conduct obstetric history-taking and physical examinations comprehensively.
  • Monitor the wellbeing of the foetus and manage the mother during labour.
  • Identify and manage emergencies of the mother and foetus.
  • Deliver intra-labour and post-natal care in line with accepted practice.

Integrated Assessment

  • Continuous formative assessment ensures feedback on progress.
  • Assignments meet integrated assessment requirements.
  • Evaluation demonstrates applied competence in nursing.
  • Work-integrated learning is incorporated into the qualification.
  • Theory/Clinical instruction mode enables integrated assessment.

Qualification Details

Type
National First Degree(Min 480)
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
480
SAQA Source
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Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
Description
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is a public university located in Pretoria, South Africa. It was established in 2014 and is named after Sefako Makgatho, a former president of the African National Congress. SMU specializes in health sciences education and research, offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in fields such as medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, and allied health sciences. The university is committed to producing competent healthcare professionals who can contribute to the improvement of healthcare in South Africa and beyond. SMU places a strong emphasis on community engagement and strives to address the healthcare needs of underserved populations. The university collaborates with various healthcare institutions and organizations to provide practical training opportunities for its students and to conduct research that addresses local health challenges. With its state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated faculty, SMU aims to be a leading institution in health sciences education and research in Africa. It is committed to promoting excellence, innovation, and social accountability in healthcare education and practice.

This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.