Bachelor of Nursing

Purpose

The instructional programme leads to a qualification that enables a learner to register as a nurse (general, psychiatry, community) or a midwife with the South African Nursing Council, which is the professional organisation controlling and regulating nursing in South Africa.

Rationale

This qualification is a planned combination of learning outcomes that culminates in the development of an independent nurse practitioner and midwife who will be competent to apply scientific nursing and midwifery skills and technologies in the administration and management of a comprehensive health service based on research findings.

The learner intake is to take local and regional health needs into consideration using the step up approach to increase the numbers as healthcare facilities are for both public and private stakeholders.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The Institution's RPL is to be taken into considerations in most students of nursing are most likely to be of eighteen and above and may have done other health related qualifications.

Application of the South African Nursing Council policy, increasing access, mobility and career path with in nursing education circular 18/19 dated 13 December 1999,1(b), takes into consideration that the Bachelors Degree should allow auxiliaries access to the four year qualification applying the principles of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Entry Requirements

Admission requirements for this qualification are

• Senior Certificate (SC) with endorsement.

Or

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) passed with Bachelor's Degree admission.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Level 8, totalling 480 Credits.

Fundamental modules at NQF Level 8, totally 66 Credits

• Biological Sciences, 36 Credits.
• Social Sciences, 30 Credits.

Core modules at NQF Level 8, totally 414 Credits

• Ethos and Professional practice, 22 Credits.
• General nursing science, 74 Credits.
• Psychiatric nursing science, 48 Credits.
• Community nursing science, 45 Credits.
• Midwifery, 55 Credits.
• Pharmacology, 16 Credits.
• Health services management, 30 Credits.
• Research, 14 Credits.
• Clinical learning, 110 Credits.

1. Apply the theory of biological natural sciences in the provision of comprehensive nursing and midwifery care.
2. Identify and address ethical and legal issues based on the suitability of different value and legal systems to nursing and midwifery practice.
3. Promote health, prevent ill health, provide nursing care and promote rehabilitation of individuals and groups.
4. Maintain optimal health of a woman, baby, pre-partum, intra-partum and post-partum.
5. Render congruent mental health care for individuals, family and community in the changing society.
6. Apply knowledge of theory of psycho social sciences to comprehensive nursing and midwifery care.
7. Demonstrate professional and clinical leadership in managing health care facilities.
8. Understand pharmacology and apply in the medical, surgical, midwifery and psychiatric nursing.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Interpersonal relations are promoted through utilisation of effective communication.
• Understanding of the aspects of the sick role is demonstrated.
• Individuals, families, groups and communities are identified and educated on environmental factors affecting health.
• Ability to assess, diagnose and manage aspects of the sick is demonstrated.
• Patients are treated with respect, dignity and integrity.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Batho Pele Principles are facilitated and maintained during the nursing/midwifery regimen.
• The history of nursing is reflected upon and insight into trends of the past that influences the present and future changes in nursing are demonstrated.
• Awareness of personal values belief system and personal philosophy is demonstrated.
• Ethical, legal and professional account if identified and applied when rendering patient care.
• Knowledge of patient's rights and protecting them through the advocacy role is demonstrated.
• Knowledge of Labour Relation issues, occupational health and the protection of worker's rights is demonstrated.
• Human and financial resources are analysed and monitored, the budgeting process is implemented and cost containment measures to improve the quality of health care and services rendered are applied.
• A balance between professional responsibilities and own human and employment rights are illustrated.
• The implications of the ethical, philosophical and legislative framework influencing nursing practice are interpreted.
• Professional excellence is maintained through developing plans for professional growth and development.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Understanding of concepts related to community nursing science is demonstrated.
• knowledge and understanding of the following factors affecting health is demonstrated:

> Dynamics of health and diseases.

> Economic influence.

> Environmental influences.

> Politics.

> Political system.

> Population to be served.

> Authorities responsible for healthcare.

> Health care personnel.

> Management system.

> The strategic planning of health services.

> Legislation.

> International developments in healthcare with references to international organizations.

> Literature on health matters.

> Health support system (state + NGSs).

> Ethical and religious influences.

• Knowledge and sensitivity to cultural and religious factors influencing the health of individuals, groups/families and communities throughout the life-span is demonstrated.
• Batho Pele principles, relevant legislation, constitution on human rights and charter of patient's rights in managing health of individuals, groups/families and communities are applied.
• The role and function of the community nurse as a member of the multidisciplinary team at national and international level are identified.
• The health needs of individuals, groups/families and communities are assessed and diagnosed using the available resources with the legal and ethical framework.
• Care to address identified healthcare needs and problems are planned, implemented and evaluated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• The acquired knowledge of anatomy and normal physiology, to recognise normal aspects in the pregnant woman and her foetus is applied.
• The acquired knowledge of basic needs in order to meet the identified needs of the individual, partner family and community also taking into consideration their cultural, psycho-social and spiritual needs are applied.
• Acquired knowledge of the scientific process, terminology and appropriate use of technology and applicable skills pertaining to normal pregnancy are demonstrated in order to intervene appropriately during antenatal care.
• The ability to refer and report problems to the multidisciplinary team is appropriately demonstrated.
• Knowledge of pharmacology relating to normal pregnancy to prescribe is acquired and medicine is administered to the pregnant woman and her foetus.
• The knowledge of professional and legal-ethical aspects of midwifery practice is applied to facilitate nursing care for the individual, families and community.
• Knowledge of rendering applicable health education to the pregnant woman, family and community is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Psychiatric nursing skills used in psychiatric nursing science are identified.
• Psychiatric nursing skills in daily interaction with individual, families groups, and communities are applied.
• Psychiatric nursing skills are applied in crisis situations.
• Various treatment approaches in psychiatric nursing care of individuals, families groups and communities such as supportive interview, group work and mental health education are applied.
• The Patient is referred to other therapists for e.g. psychiatric, family therapy, etc.
• Relevant provisions of the Mental Health Act no.18 of 1973/Mental Health Bill of 2000 (the latter to be promulgated) e.g. mechanical means of restrain sec.66 are applied.
• Other legislation applicable to mental health are applied e.g. forensic psychiatric.
• Ethical dilemmas in psychiatric nursing science are critically analysed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Health care needs and problems of individuals, families, groups and communities are assessed and diagnosed.
• Knowledge on basic components of nutrition according to the nutritional needs of an individual in all the developmental stages within the cultural and socio-economic context is demonstrated.
• Knowledge of nutrition on the prevention and management of nutritional deficiencies and diseases is applied.
• Knowledge on food production, storage, preparation and preservation is demonstrated.
• The necessary interventions for the following basic needs of the individual, family and community are assessed, diagnosed, planned, implemented and evaluated:

> Activity, rest and sleep.

> Elimination needs.

> Hygiene needs.

> Nutritional needs.

> Respiratory needs.

> Safety needs.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Health service to meet the needs and expectations of the patients/clients is planned and organised.
• A variety of leadership styles and functions are demonstrated as an effective team member are utilised.
• Participate in multi-disciplinary quality improvement groups and set standards.
• An enabling environment that is therapeutic and meets the individual/family and community needs, for nursing intervention is created.
• Principles of teaching and learning are applied when executing the teaching functions.
• A plan for continued personal and professional development is developed.
• The actual and potential areas for nursing research are identified and a mini research project is conducted.
• Research projects results are interpreted, communicated, facilitated and implemented.
• Principles of disaster preparedness on the possibility of disaster in the nursing unit and in the community are assessed and analysed.
• The Nursing Act, related Regulations and the Code of Ethics of the South African Council in his/her nursing practice are applied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the GIT on assessment of GIT ailments of the patients is applied.
• Knowledge of the etiology, patho-physiology and clinical manifestations of GIT and oncological disorders is demonstrated.
• Complications related to these disorders are identified.
• Nursing diagnosis is made based on the assessment of the patients and a nursing care plan is formulated, implemented and evaluated.
• Knowledge of relevant pharmacology regarding these conditions is demonstrated and relevant health education is provided.
• Knowledge regarding the management of the patient undergoing surgery for GIT disorders and cancer is demonstrated.
• Knowledge of the relevant biophysics and biochemistry during nursing care is applied.
• Knowledge and understanding of the responsibilities of the nurse Intra-operatively is demonstrated and immediate pre-and postoperative care is implemented.

Integrated Assessment

The qualification provides for both formative and summative assessments. The formative assessment focuses not only on the ethical knowledge, but also on the integration.

For the purposes of this qualification's summative assessment learners will be subjected to the. Learners are required to interviews and or oral test and write a test to their understanding of concepts and basic skills.