Bachelor of Nursing Science

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to prepare nurses in the art and science of nursing. The goal is not only to equip them with the essential scientific knowledge, practical skills, and professional values but to mould their attitudes and transform their behaviours to become competent, independent, service orientated clinical practitioners with a caring and compassionate approach to meet the health care needs of the South African society and the African region at large. The learner will be prepared to function at an advanced intellectual level in complex areas of nursing practice and to render comprehensive preventative, curative and rehabilitative health care. The learner would function in all spheres of health, across all the life stages and within the prescribed ethical and legislative framework. The qualification also prepares learners to become, competent in the use of technology patient and peer educators, clinical leaders and to make a difference in communities by doing research and projects using a collaborative trans-disciplinary approach. The qualification enables qualified practitioners to evaluate current practices and newly developed international trends and techniques, as well as implement, monitor and assess the impact of the interventions.

The qualification further aims to equip graduates with a developed sense of equity, justice and service ethics ensuring that they work in an accountable manner, irrespective of their chosen workplace. It offers a wide range of transferable skills for application in other professions, disciplines and general life which include: an empowerment, strength-based, holistic approach to personal development; competence in written and oral communication and a capacity to assess and implement health and related policies.

On successful completion of this qualification, the learner is eligible for registration with the relevant statutory body (currently the South African Nursing Council) as a Professional Nurse. Successful registration will license nurses to practice as a professional nurse.

Rationale

Workforce planning and development is challenging and complex. The health workforce takes up about 65% - 70% of the expenditure on health service delivery, depending on the setting, in most countries. This does not include the substantial investment to train and educate health professionals. It is therefore important that this investment in training and employment of the health workforce is well planned, appropriately targeted and properly managed. Health indicators pose the challenge for the development of a human resource strategy, and have defined the new policy intervention of the Minister of Health to improve the health outcomes in South Africa.

The introduction of the National Health Insurance has prioritised the need for significant growth in the production of health care professionals to operate in community wards and rural communities where inequalities still exist. A need therefore exists for professional nurses to be equipped in population based health care which is cost effective and of a high quality. The extensive and changing burden of disease in South Africa has necessitated that health professionals are trained for a wide spectrum of diseases and conditions and a priority is placed on the improvement of maternal mortality and child health. In 2006 the World Health Organisation estimated that there is a shortage of 400 000 nurses in the world. In South Africa, nursing personnel declined by 10,000, levelling off just above the 1997 level in 2006 with a significant decline in nursing specialists.

The education and training of nurses resulting in the Bachelor of Nursing Science Degree seeks to address some of these shortages and also to address the health needs and priorities of the population of South Africa and the African region, in producing competent and skilled comprehensively trained professional nurses with highly developed academic and clinical skills. The learners will be expected to demonstrate critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills and be able to implement evidence-based practice in the interests of continued quality and continuous improvements in nursing practice to ensure improved health outcomes for the public. The focus on more academic aspects of nursing will position professional nurses to grow the scientific body of knowledge, answer new and unexpected questions due to emerging disease patterns and trends and to base decisions on sound research, which demands that professional nurses be able to carry out research and report results, and in so doing, develop new operational policies and standards.

The aim of the qualification is to provide a qualification which is internationally recognised for professional nursing practice. This qualification will also prepare nurses for lifelong learning i.e. for further specialisation as they move from general nursing practice to specialisation in particular areas of need. The focus will then also transfer from institutional and regional concerns to national and international issues, trends and challenges.

• Successful completion of a NQF Level 4 Certificate or an equivalent qualification.
• Communication Skills at NQF Level 4.
• Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4.
• Computer Literacy at NQF Level 3.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL will be individually assessed according to the institution's RPL policy.

The Guide for the implementation of Recognition of Prior Leaning by Nursing Education Institutions, from the South African Nursing Council is used as a guideline.

According to the Government Gazette No 34852 of 14 December (2011:13) a learner may be assessed on prior learning for no more than 50% of the prescribed credits towards the professional nurse education and training qualification by:

• Applying to a nursing education institution accredited to offer the professional nurse qualification.
• Providing evidence of prior learning by means of portfolios, other forms of appropriate evidence or challenge examinations.
• Complying with the nursing education institution's recognition of prior learning policies and procedures.

Access to the Qualification

The following are admission requirements for the Bachelor of Nursing Science

• National Senior Certificate.

Or

• Senior Certificate.

The qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 5, 6, 7 and 8. Learners will choose two modules at NQF Level 6 and 7. The total Credits are 507.

Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 5 (38 Credits)

• Computer Literacy, 6 Credits.
• Chemistry for Nursing Science, 6 Credits.
• Physics for Nursing Science, 6 Credits.
• Anatomy and Physiology I, 10 Credits.
• Anatomy and Physiology II, 10 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 6 (105 Credits)

• Biochemistry for Nursing Science, 12 Credits.
• Introductory Psychology, 8 Credits.
• Professional Socialisation I, 8 Credits.
• Introduction to Health Science Research, 10 Credits.
• Comprehensive Nursing Science I, 10 Credits.
• Comprehensive Nursing Science Il, 10 Credits.
• Population Based Health Care, 8 Credits.
• Comprehensive Nursing Practice I, 15 Credits.
• IsiXhosa for Beginners, 6 Credits.
• Practical English, 6 Credits.
• Sociology: An Introduction, 12 Credits.

Optional Modules at NQF Level 6 (20 Credits)

• History of Ideas: Philosophy and Science, 10 Credits.
• Anthropology: Understanding Cultural Diversity, 6 Credits.
• Introduction to Nutrition, 10 Credits.
• Music in History and Society: Music in East Cape Culture, 6 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 7 (159 Credits)

• Professional Socialisation II, 10 Credits.
• Health Care Systems, Policies and Regulations, 10 Credits.
• Pharmacology Special I, 10 Credits.
• Research Methodology for Health Sciences, 10 Credits.
• Comprehensive Nursing Science III, 12 Credits.
• Comprehensive Nursing Science IV, 12 Credits.
• Comprehensive Nursing Practice II, 20 Credits.
• Reproductive Healthcare, Obstetrics and Midwifery Care I, 10 Credits.
• Management in Health Care, 15 Credits.
• Obstetrics and Midwifery Care II, 10 Credits.
• Obstetrics and Midwifery Care III, 10 Credits.
• Comprehensive Nursing Practice II, 20 Credits.
• Pharmacology Special II, 10 Credits.

Optional Modules at NQF Level 7 (20 Credits)

• Behavioural Management Strategies, 10 Credits.
• History of Ideas: Philosophy and Modernity, 10 Credits.
• Anthropology: Managing Cultural Diversity, 10 Credits.
• Art Appreciation, 10 Credits.
• Child and Family Care, 10 Credits.
• Global Health, 10 Credits.
• Sports/Fitness:

>Lifesaving, 5 Credits.

> Netball, 5 Credits.

• Interventions in Abuse, Neglect and Violence, 10 Credits.
• Introduction to Macro Economics, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Creative Writing and Prose, 6 Credits.
• Introduction to Micro Economics, 12 Credits.
• Spirometry and Audiometric Screening, 10 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 8 (165 Credits)

• Project Management for Health Care Professionals, 15 Credits.
• Comprehensive Nursing Science V, 10 Credits.
• Comprehensive Nursing Science VI, 10 Credits.
• Evidence Informed Practice, 10 Credits.
• Leadership in Health Care, 10 Credits.
• Obstetric and Midwifery Care IV, 15 Credits.
• Comprehensive Nursing Science VII, 15 Credits.
• Comprehensive Nursing Science VIII, 15 Credits.
• Comprehensive Nursing Integration, 15 Credits.
• Health Science Research Project, 20 Credits.
• Comprehensive Nursing Practice IV, 15 Credits.
• Comprehensive Nursing Practice V, 15 Credits.

1. Apply knowledge of biomedical and biotechnological and psychosocial sciences to the practice of nursing.
2. Develop, implement and evaluate population based health care.
3. Assess, plan, implement and evaluate nursing care for individuals and groups based on thorough assessment.
4. Deliver nursing care to sick or disabled individuals and groups.
5. Promote health and rehabilitation of individuals and groups.
6. Diagnose and treat minor and common ailments.
7. Maintain professionalism in nursing practice.
8. Manage a health care unit and facility.
9. Deliver safe obstetric care.
10. Manage the care of persons with severe and minor mental health problems.
11. Utilise principles of science and methodology in investigating nursing and health related problems.
12. Support and/or protect the rights of others in a health care context.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

This qualification allows all the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes to be addressed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Knowledge of anatomy, micro-organisms and physiology that meets requirements for professional health care, and promotes effective health care delivery is applied.
• Pharmacological preparations and treatment are managed in ways that ensure the correct storage of drugs, and the correct preparation and administration of pharmacological treatment.
• Technology is used in ways that facilitate the effective diagnosis and treatment of hearing and breathing related conditions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Community involvement in health care is promoted through information sharing, and contact, which promotes ongoing collaboration with the community or group.
• Community health assessments are used to assist in prioritising community needs and reporting findings for effective health care delivery.
• Health care status of individuals, groups and/or communities are identified in time changes to implement preventative or corrective measures in the interests of general well being.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Provision for health care is based on sound assessment, and informed decision making is planned.
• Nursing care is implemented in an integrated manner, according to plans.
• Interventions with acutely ill patients contribute to identification and management of physical and mental illnesses.
• Maintenance of physiological homeostasis, the physical and psychological comfort of patient are administered and the prevention and/or management of complications.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• The delivery of necessary nursing care of physical, psychological care and support for long term and/or terminally ill patients are provided in line with the accepted scope of practice for nursing.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Knowledge of applied psychology and sociology is applied in ways which benefit the level and quality of health care delivery to patients.
• Support to patients recovering from acute illness is provided 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.
• Realistic goals are set in terms of functional ability and possible barriers to rehabilitation.
• Assistance is provided to the client identified with indicators of relapse or complications and ways of preventing these are applied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Childhood illnesses, minor and common ailments are accurately diagnosed and managed according to generally accepted treatment guidelines.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Practice is applied consistently in a manner that reflects a clear understanding and interpretation of the requirements of South African Nursing and Health Care legislation.
• Ethical codes, professional accountability and responsibility, and standards for the practice of nursing are interpreted and applied consistently in line with their spirit and intent.
• Engagement in professional development activities contributes significantly to the professional growth of nurses in sphere of influence, and to the standing of the nursing profession.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Personal development and management maintains emotional balance, and promotes effective and professional service delivery of self and the health care unit as a whole.
• Inclusive planning that considers patient and other key stakeholders is conducted.
• Unit philosophy, vision, mission, goals, policy and procedures are developed for nursing care provision and personnel management within a health care unit and comply with current legislation, SANC requirements, and international best practice for the profession.
• Systems are established promote cost effective and efficient service delivery within a health care unit.
• Management and leadership activities are directed towards the establishment of a team approach to health care, and the effective delivery of services within a physically safe and emotionally supportive environment.
• Assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation are documented accurately and timeously, and promote effective service delivery as well as security and confidentiality of information.
• Standards set for unit health care delivery are monitored regularly, and information gathered identified areas for improvement on an on-going basis.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• Care delivered is integrated and provided for the long-term wellbeing of mother and child, in line with the accepted scope of practice for nursing.
• Intra-labour care is delivered to the mother and baby in line with generally accepted treatment guidelines, manages potential and actual emergencies, and promotes the safety of both.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10

• Counselling, where required, is supportive of a range of different needs, including needs of those affected by abuse, neglect, or violence.
• Interventions with mentally ill persons are consistent with generally accepted psychosocial techniques, and contribute to the therapeutic management of these patients.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11

• Health care provided is appropriate to the particular context, and based on proper health assessment.
• Strategies and/or programmes are developed appropriate to the findings of comprehensive health assessments, and based on sound epidemiological principles.
• Research activities develop own professional knowledge and expertise, and contribute to the development of nursing practice and the profession as a whole.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 12

• Advocacy activities promoting individual, group and community rights with respect to law and health care provision are participated in.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated Assessment is a form of assessment which permits the learner to demonstrate applied competence and which uses a range of formative and summative assessment methods.

Integrated assessment at the level of this qualification provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate that they are able to integrate concepts, ideas and actions across disciplines in nursing i.e. general nursing science, midwifery, community health nursing and mental health care and achieve competence that is grounded and coherent in relation to the purpose of the qualification. The assessors will judge the quality of the observable attitude and performance, but also the quality of the thinking that lies behind it during integrated assessment tasks.

The South African Nursing Council (SANC) guidelines for assessment and the competency framework will be used as a reference for assessing clinical competence.

The criteria for assessing learners is based on the Exit Level Outcomes, the learning outcomes listed and the strategies that will be used to ensure they will be achieved comprise of the following:

Formative Assessment

The South African Nursing Council stipulates that a variety of assessment strategies and approaches must be used. This could include tests, assignments, projects, demonstrations or clinical assessments and/or any applicable method. There must be evidence of involvement in a research project. Formative assessments can include a mix of simulated and actual (real) clinical practice or care settings.

Formative assessment in this qualification will be by means of

• Assignments, written tests, presentations, case studies, portfolios of evidence, workbooks, competency; audits, reports, patient presentations, research and projects, literature reviews and group-work.
• Assessment of clinical nursing skills and performance.