Durban University of Technology

Bachelor of Health Sciences in Nursing

Health Sciences and Social Services - Curative Health

Purpose and Rationale

Purpose:

The four-year Nursing Science qualification is aimed at preparing clinically focused and service orientated independent professionals who will be able to render holistic and emancipatory nursing care in all spheres of health care (general, community health, mental health, and midwifery).

Specifically, the purpose is to produce nurses who are competent to function within a district health system, with specific reference to Primary Health Care settings. The focus will be on relevant, authentic, and transformative learning experiences that recognize the significance of socio-linguistic meaning perspectives about health and disease as well as critical understanding of social, political, and economic determinants of health.

Rationale:

1. Nursing Personnel Shortage: South Africa has been and continues to experience a serious problem of nursing personnel shortage. The National Human Resources Plan for Health proposed an annual production of 3000 professional nurses by 2011 (Department of Health, 2006).

2. Addressing Changing Disease Profile: The changing disease profile, exacerbated by the HIV/AIDS pandemic and its escalating toll on the lives of South Africans, requires nurses who are able to think independently and solve problems in the workplace.

3. Global Demand for Nursing Personnel: Nursing is one of the most sought out health professions globally. An undergraduate Degree in nursing ensures that Durban University of Technology (DUT) contributes to the national and global strategy for increased production of nursing personnel, a category of health personnel that is fast becoming a scarce human resource globally.

4. Demand for Nursing Education in KZN: There is a demand for undergraduate nursing education in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). An undergraduate Degree in Nursing contributes to the national and global strategy for increased production of nursing personnel, a category of health personnel that is fast becoming a scarce human resource globally.

5. Qualification Benefits: The qualification will enable the learner to function as a clinically focused, service oriented, independent, registered professional nurse, who is able to render comprehensive care across all spheres of health, as determined by the appropriate legislative framework. In addition, qualifying learners will apply evidence based research to enhance nursing practice.

6. Professional Registration: On successful completion of the qualification, learners are eligible for registration with the South African Nursing Council as nurses (general, psychiatric and community health) and midwives.

7. Progression Opportunities: Furthermore, the qualification provides for progression to Postgraduate nursing studies and thus has the potential to contribute to the nation's efforts to increase both service and academic nurse practitioners.

Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate an in-depth and analytical understanding of the biomedical, biotechnological, and psychosocial principles, processes, theories and approaches in the practice of nursing.
  2. Provide holistic nursing and midwifery care to individuals, families and communities across the lifespan within a district health system underpinned by a Primary Health Care and multidisciplinary approach. > Range Statement: Includes nursing care of individuals (from conception to death), families, groups and communities with health problems/needs related to actual and/or potential altered states of biophysical and psychosocial functioning, including but not limited to understanding of national policies and programmes specific to particular communicable diseases such as comprehensive management of HIV/AIDS and antiretroviral treatment, DOTS and immunization programmes).
  3. Evidence critical and comprehensive understanding of nursing and health care management theories in the management of a health care unit in all health care settings (PHC, midwifery, and hospital care).
  4. Conduct and utilize research aimed at understanding and/or solving health related problems in all levels of health care in collaboration with peers.
  5. Demonstrates a comprehensive and critical understanding of the ethical and professional principles and regulations in dealing with complex and problematic issues involving nursing personnel, clients and other members of the health care team.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

  • Integration of knowledge pertaining to the structure and functioning of the human body: Demonstrated in the provision of preventative, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative health care.
  • Understanding of types, structure, virulence, and clinical management of various microbes: Evidenced in the provision of health care, including pharmacological management.
  • Interpretations of causal-relationships between health and disease: Shows critical and analytic understanding of environmental determinants on health access, attainment, and maintenance.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

  • Population-based promotive and preventive nursing interventions: Show evaluative and analytical understanding of the district health system with a PHC delivery system.
  • Theoretical and scientific approach to planning nursing care: Demonstrates coherent and critical understanding for individuals, families, and communities at all levels of health care.
  • Emergency and critical situations management: Underpinned by comprehensive and systematic understanding of nursing principles.
  • Restoration and rehabilitation principles: Effectively applied to maximize individual capabilities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

  • Health service planning: Shows critical understanding of planning theories, models, and approaches.
  • Health informatics use: Informs decision-making through analysis and interpretation of health contexts.
  • Human resource planning and development: Underpinned by critical understanding of HR management theories.
  • Budgeting, finance, and resource allocation: Demonstrates in-depth understanding of public financial models.
  • Workplace situations analysis: Underpinned by comprehensive understanding of nursing and health care management theories.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

  • Nursing research theory and methodology: Demonstrates an informed and critical understanding applied in investigating health-related problems.
  • Information retrieval and processing: Undertaken for engaging with nursing research and scholarship.
  • Scientific reports: Compiled, documented, and presented according to nursing scientific community standards.
  • Utilization of research findings: For advancing nursing knowledge and practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

  • Debates and position statements on ethical and professional issues: Show critical and analytical thought, especially concerning bioethics, nursing ethics, advocacy, human rights, and professional practice.

Integrated Assessment:

  • Assessment Strategies: Include assignments, projects, case studies, portfolios, clinical assessments, OSCE, simulated patients, and a capstone assessment integrating basic and clinical subjects.
  • Authenticity: Ensured through varied assessment approaches for valid and reliable results.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

  • RPL Policy: Allows achievement of the qualification through evidence presented in accordance with DUT policies and procedures.
  • Purpose: Ensure qualification outcomes are met through RPL.

Standard Assessment Statements:

  • Diagnostic Assessment: Uses SATAP test in the first year to identify strengths and weaknesses for individualized teaching.
  • Formative Assessment: Integral part of teaching/learning process to provide feedback for improvement.
  • Summative Assessment: Judgments on progression and competence at the end of academic periods.
  • Teaching and Learning Enhancement: Feedback provided to enhance teaching and learning.

Qualification Details

Type
National First Degree(Min 480)
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
516
SAQA Source
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Durban University of Technology
Description
Durban University of Technology (DUT) is a public university located in Durban, South Africa. It was established in 2002 through the merger of Technikon Natal and ML Sultan Technikon. DUT offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines including engineering, business, health sciences, arts and design, and applied sciences. The university is known for its focus on practical and career-oriented education, providing students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen fields. DUT also has strong industry partnerships and collaborations, ensuring that its graduates are well-prepared for the job market.

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.