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 and to provide principles and theories that equip qualified learners with the basis for entry into postgraduate studies and research, or professional practice as a General Nurse.

The qualification provides for the requirements for a license to practice as a professional registered nurse who can operate in a range of contexts such as primary (clinics, schools, community care centres, industries, and private practice), district, regional and tertiary hospitals and academia. Qualifying learners will be able to demonstrate initiative, responsibility and accountability in a professional, local, provincial, national and international context.

The qualification will further produce professionally registered nurses who are critical and independent thinkers, engaging in life-long learning and practicing within ethical and professional boundaries. Research capacity in the methodology and research techniques in nursing will be developed in preparation for monitoring and evaluation research to promote quality nursing care, contributing to evidence based practice.

Qualifying learners will have

• A wide range of skills, knowledge and attitudes that will enable them to make a meaningful and sustained contribution to health services.
• An ethically based framework to allow for equity, justice in service delivery that will ensure that they work in a responsible and accountable manner, irrespective of their chosen workplace.
• A wide range of transferable skills (physical, psychosocial, and spiritual) for application in other professions, disciplines and general life, including:
• A methodical solution-based approach to problem solving.
• An empowerment-based approach to the development of self and others.
• Competence in written, oral and technologically based communication.
• Capacity to assess, implement, monitor and evaluate health and other policy.
• The ability to collaborate with all stakeholders including the service user, family and community at local and national.

Rationale

The Bachelor of Nursing is a 4-year degree which will enable the learner to register with the South African Nursing Council, as a General Nurse and Midwife. There is a shortage of comprehensively qualified Professional Nurses in South Africa and this qualification is addressing an important need. Successful registration will license nurses to practise as a Professional Nurse as defined in the Nursing Act No. 33 of 2005.

This qualification will enable the qualified learner to function as a clinically focused, service orientated, independent General Nurse and Midwife who is able to render comprehensive care across all spheres of health, as determined by the appropriate legislative framework (Nursing Act 33 of 2005). Comprehensive nursing in this context is defined in legislation as: "Nursing interventions that integrate and apply the scientific process of the full range of nursing i.e. general, community, obstetric, mental health that promote and maintain the health status of health care users in all contexts of health care delivery."

A person with this qualification will work with all health care users and take responsibility for their nursing care in a variety of health care contexts. The qualification will provide him/her with a comprehensive view of the field of Nursing and the necessary skills to assess, plan, implement and evaluate their nursing care as required.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The Council of Higher Education Policy on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT) and Assessment in Higher Education (2016) will be considered when admitting learners through RPL. Admissions will be guided by the institution's RPL Policy which states that prospective learners who have attained a level of competence will be admitted into university studies. Learners may apply for credits through RPL. Therefore, in line with this policy, the level of competence of prospective learners will be assessed through before admission. Each learner will be required to submit a portfolio of evidence for consideration.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's Degree studies

Or

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's Degree studies

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at NQF Levels 5, 6, 7 and 8 totalling 544 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 96 Credits

• Anatomy, 32 Credits.
• Introductory Physiology, 16 Credits.
• Special Science, 16 Credits.
• Fundamental Nursing Science 1(Theory), 16 Credits.
• Fundamental Nursing Science1 (Clinical), 16 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 5, 32 Credits (Choose two modules, of which one must be a language module)

• Introduction to Psychology A, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to Sociology, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to Anthropology, 16 Credits.
• Basic IsiZulu Language Studies A, 16 Credits.
• Academic Learning in English, 16 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 6, 112 Credits

• Physiology Themes for Nursing, 16 Credits.
• Pharmacology for Nurses, 16 Credits.
• Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (Theory), 16 Credits.
• Community Based Nursing (Theory and Clinical), 16 Credits.
• Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (Clinical), 16 Credits.
• Medical and Surgical Nursing 1 (Theory), 16 Credits.
• Medical and Surgical Nursing 1 (Clinical), 16 Credits.

Elective Modules at Level 6, 16 Credits (Choose one module)

• Psychology, 16 Credits.
• Sociology, 16 Credits.
• Anthropology module, 16 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 7, 144 Credits

• Medical and Surgical Nursing 2 (Theory), 16 Credits.
• Medical and Surgical Nursing 2 (Clinical), 16 Credits.
• Medical and Surgical Nursing 3 (Theory), 16 Credits.
• Medical and Surgical Nursing 3 (Clinical), 16 Credits.
• Research in Nursing, 24 Credits.
• Unit Management and Leadership, 16 Credits.
• Sexual and Reproductive Health, Obstetrics and Midwifery Foundations (Theory), 16 Credits.
• Sexual and Reproductive Health, Obstetric and Midwifery Foundations (Clinical), 24 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 8, 144 Credits

• Midwifery 1 (Theory), 16 Credits.
• Midwifery 1 (Clinical), 24 Credits.
• Midwifery 2 (Theory), 16 Credits.
• Midwifery 2 (Clinical), 24 Credits.
• Mental Health Nursing (Theory), 16 Credits.
• Mental Health Nursing (Clinical), 16 Credits
• Community Based Mental Health Nursing (Theory and Clinical), 16 Credits.
• Primary Care (Theory and Clinical), 16 Credits.

1. Identify and address ethical and legal issues based on critical reflection within the South African legal and professional framework.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Access, produce and manage information effectively to a range of audiences, using Health Care System Information Technology to enhance evidence-based practice.
5. Conduct research to investigate nursing, midwifery and health-related problems and utilize evidence to improve the quality of care.
6. Continuously reflect critically and evaluate own personal practice accept responsibility and accountability.
7. 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.
8. Provide safe and quality obstetric, midwifery and neonatal care in a scientific, integrated and evidence-based approach in all health care settings.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Interpret and apply ethical codes, professional accountability and responsibility, and standards for the practice of nursing and midwifery consistently in line with their spirit and intent.
• Promote advocacy activities for individual, group and community rights with respect to law and health care provision.
• Apply ethical and legal frameworks in practice in a manner that reflects a clear understanding and interpretation of the requirements of SA Nursing and Health Care legislation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Show that knowledge of bio-natural sciences meets requirements for professional health care and promote effective nursing and midwifery care delivery.
• Apply knowledge of microbiology and parasitology in nursing and midwifery practice in ways which benefit the level and quality of health care delivery to patients.
• Apply knowledge of psychology, anthropology and sociology in nursing and midwifery practice in ways which benefit the level and quality of health care delivery to patients.
• Show evidence of understanding of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, as well as standard treatment protocols/guidelines in prescribing and administering drugs to women pre-natal.
• Apply pharmacological principles are applied in the care and control of drugs used for neonates.
• Initiate treatment to manage common conditions (including prescribing and dispensing medication) in accordance with relevant legislation and protocols.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Plan and provide for health care based on sound assessment, and informed decision making inclusive of the patient and other key stakeholders.
• Develop unit philosophy, vision, mission, goals, policy and procedures for nursing and midwifery care provision and personnel management within a health care unit comply with current legislation, SANC requirements and international best practice for the profession.
• Establish systems to promote cost effective and efficient service delivery within a health care unit.
• Direct management and leadership activities towards the establishment of a team approach to health care, and deliver effective services within a physically safe and emotionally supportive environment.
• Manage pharmacological preparations and treatment in ways that ensure the correct storage of drugs and the correct preparation and administration of pharmacological treatment.
• Apply management processes strategically and systematically to manage resources effectively within a health care unit.
• Implement and monitor quality management systems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Use interpersonal skills to establish supportive and therapeutic relationships.
• Communicate effectively using a variety of media and technology, including computers.
• Organise, present and communicate professional information accurately and consistent with professional expectations.
• Promote community involvement in health care through information sharing and contact, which supports ongoing collaboration with the community or group.
• Document assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation accurately and timeously and promote effective service delivery as well as security and confidentiality of information.
• Monitor standards set for unit health care delivery regularly, and gather information that identifies areas for improvement on an ongoing basis.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Conduct research of limited scope based on identified needs and take into consideration the steps of the research process, as per standard research text.
• Conduct research based on ethically sound research principles and methods.
• Develop strategies and/or programmes that are appropriate to the findings of comprehensive health assessments and based on sound epidemiological principles.
• Provide care that is based on scientific evidence.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Engage in professional development activities that contribute significantly to the professional growth of nurses in sphere of influence, and to the standing of the nursing profession.
• Direct learning activities towards positive health outcomes and use relevant teaching strategies.
• Direct mentoring activities towards the development of others, according to their needs and their scope of practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Provide appropriate nursing care to the particular context based on comprehensive health assessment.
• Implement nursing care in an integrated manner, according to plans. Health care status of individuals, groups and/or communities identifies changes in general status in time to implement preventive or corrective measures in the interests of general wellbeing.
• Diagnose and manage conditions according to generally accepted treatment guidelines.
• Provide support to patients recovering from illness to prepare them for discharge in ways that enable the patient, family and significant others to cope with the management of the patient at home.
• Deliver nursing care that provides the necessary physical and psychological care and support for long term and/or terminally ill patients, in line with the accepted scope of practice for nursing.
• Contribute to identification and management of interventions with patients' conditions, maintenance of homeostasis, the comfort of patient and significant others, and the prevention and/or management of complications.
• Demonstrate competent clinical skills at all times.
• Make clinical decisions/judgements in accordance with principles of clinical governance Strategies used in problem-solving are scientific, systematic and appropriate to addressing identified problems.
• Base nursing interventions on individualised plans that reflect comprehensive and integrated assessment of mentally ill persons, and understanding of common emotional and behavioural disorders, as well as major psychiatric disorders (perceptual and severe mood disorders.
• Interfere with mentally ill persons with generally accepted psycho-social techniques, and contribute to the therapeutic management of these patients.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Prepare a woman and family for pregnancy, childbirth and family changes, and take into consideration the woman's context/ background and facilitate antenatal classes and appropriate health education.
• Conduct obstetric history-taking and physical examination of the mother in a comprehensive manner, using a variety of available technology.
• Interpret and appropriately observe significant changes and laboratory results and refer where potential risk to mother and/or foetus exists.
• Ensure wellbeing of the foetus by monitoring foetal movement, heart rates and growth.
• Monitor and manage the mother during labour and delivery and demonstrate understanding of the physiology of labour, technology used to monitor the mother and wellbeing of the foetus.
• Demonstrate understanding of changes taking place in a new-born baby through the management of the new-born.
• Identify, accurately manage and refer potential and actual emergencies of the mother and/or foetus.
• Deliver intra-labour care to the mother and baby that complies with generally accepted treatment guidelines, manage potential and actual emergencies, and promote the safety of both.
• Deliver integrated post-natal care and provide for the long-term wellbeing of mother and child, in line with the accepted scope of practice for midwives.