Bachelor of Nursing
Health Sciences and Social Services - Curative Health
Purpose and Rationale
Bachelor of Nursing
Purpose: The purpose of the Bachelor of Nursing is to provide a well-rounded, broad education that equips qualified learners with the knowledge base, theory, principles, and the skills of a general professional registered nurse. The program also aims to provide principles and theories that prepare learners for postgraduate studies, research, or professional practice as a General Nurse.
The qualification equips learners for a license to practice as a professional registered nurse in various contexts such as primary care, district, regional, and tertiary hospitals, academia, among others. Graduates will demonstrate initiative, responsibility, and accountability in professional, local, provincial, national, and international settings. The qualification aims to produce critical and independent thinking nurses who engage in lifelong learning and adhere to ethical and professional standards. Research skills will be developed to promote evidence-based practice and quality nursing care through monitoring and evaluation research.
Qualifying learners will have:
- A wide range of skills, knowledge, and attitudes to contribute meaningfully to health services.
- An ethically based framework for equitable and just service delivery.
- Transferable skills for application in other professions and general life.
- Problem-solving skills and empowerment-based approaches.
- Competence in communication and policy implementation.
- Capacity to collaborate with various stakeholders for holistic care.
Rationale: The Bachelor of Nursing is a 4-year degree enabling learners to register with the South African Nursing Council as a General Nurse and Midwife. The qualification addresses the shortage of comprehensively qualified Professional Nurses in South Africa. Successful registration allows nurses to practice as defined in the Nursing Act No. 33 of 2005.
The qualification prepares learners to function as independent General Nurses and Midwives, providing comprehensive care across all spheres of health care. Comprehensive nursing interventions are defined as promoting and maintaining the health status of health care users in various healthcare contexts. Graduates will work with diverse healthcare users, taking responsibility for their nursing care. The program provides learners with a comprehensive view of Nursing, equipping them to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate nursing care effectively.
Outcomes
- Identify and address ethical and legal issues based on critical reflection within the South African legal and professional framework.
- Apply knowledge of biological and natural sciences, microbiology and parasitology, 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 population needs.
- Manage the health care unit and health facility as a first line manager with the understanding of the roles and relationships within the multidisciplinary team.
- Access, produce and manage information effectively to a range of audiences, using Health Care System Information Technology to enhance evidence-based practice.
- Conduct research to investigate nursing, midwifery and health-related problems and utilize evidence to improve the quality of care.
- Continuously reflect critically and evaluate own personal practice accept responsibility and accountability.
- Apply knowledge of theories, methods and techniques in the practice of safe clinical nursing and midwifery that is responsive to the needs of the individual, the family and the community, in accordance with national legislative and policy frame works.
- Provide safe and quality obstetric, midwifery 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:
- Interpret and apply ethical codes, professional accountability, and responsibility consistently
- Promote advocacy activities for individual, group, and community rights
- Apply ethical and legal frameworks in practice according to SA Nursing and Health Care legislation
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Demonstrate knowledge of bio-natural sciences for professional health care
- Apply microbiology and parasitology knowledge in nursing and midwifery practice
- Utilize psychology, anthropology, and sociology knowledge in health care delivery
- Understand pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and treatment protocols in drug administration
- Apply pharmacological principles for neonates and common conditions treatment
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Plan and provide health care based on assessment and informed decision making
- Develop unit philosophy, vision, mission, and policies complying with legislation and best practices
- Establish systems for cost-effective service delivery and efficient resource management
- Implement quality management systems and monitor standards regularly
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Use interpersonal skills to build therapeutic relationships
- Communicate effectively using various media and technology
- Document accurately and promote confidentiality
- Monitor and improve service delivery standards
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Conduct research based on identified needs and ethical principles
- Develop strategies based on health assessments and epidemiological principles
- Provide evidence-based care
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Engage in professional development activities
- Direct learning and mentoring activities for positive health outcomes
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Provide appropriate nursing care based on comprehensive assessments
- Implement integrated care plans and interventions
- Monitor health status and manage conditions effectively
- Support patient recovery and home management
- Demonstrate competent clinical skills and problem-solving strategies
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
- Prepare women and families for pregnancy, childbirth, and family changes
- Conduct comprehensive obstetric assessments and monitor mother and foetus wellbeing
- Manage labour and delivery, newborn care, and post-natal care
- Identify and manage emergencies effectively in line with midwifery scope of practice
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree(Min 480)
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 480
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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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.