SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Nursing 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
109777  Bachelor of Nursing 
ORIGINATOR
North West University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree(Min 480)  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  480  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-07-25  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2034-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
This qualification will provide a well-rounded, broad education that equips qualifying learners with the knowledge base, theory and methodology of nursing and its underlying sciences and to enable them to demonstrate initiative and responsibility in an academic and professional nursing context. Qualifying learners will be scientifically educated and equipped with the necessary knowledge, specific and specialised skills and other relevant competences required to work as professional nurses.

Furthermore, the qualification aims to promote the utilisation of research to improve healthcare outcomes and to equip professional nurses and midwives with transferable skills applicable to other disciplines and to improve individual development. Responding to a need for a professional qualification to comply with national and international best practice standards, the qualification distinctively offers qualifying learners the opportunity to integrate the principles of engaged scholarship, social responsiveness and an ethos of care into practice. The qualification is value-driven and based on the constitutional values of human dignity, equality and freedom. Qualifying learners will be able to integrate and implement the theory of biological and natural sciences, psycho-social sciences and pharmacology in the provision of comprehensive nursing and midwifery care in a range of health service settings.

Rationale:
The South African Nursing Council states that reports on the status of nursing in South Africa indicate an increasing gap between the demand and supply of professional nurses and midwives, there is a decline in learners entering the profession and the aging population of professional nurses and midwives. The Human Resources Plan for Health emphasises the recruitment of more learners into Professional Nursing and Midwifery. The registration of this qualification is imperative to promote the uptake of graduate and Postgraduate qualifications. This qualification will enable the qualifying learners to function as clinically focused, service-orientated, independent registered professional nurse and midwife who is able to render comprehensive care across all spheres of health, as determined by the appropriate legislative framework and aims to address the shortages and knowledge gap for qualified professional nurses and midwives.

This qualification aims specifically to develop and empower nurses and midwives as professionals with a developed sense of objectivity, justice and service ethics who work in a responsible and accountable manner to make a meaningful and sustainable contribution to health services in South Africa. The qualified learners will be well-rounded with the knowledge base, theory and methodology of the nursing and midwifery profession and enable them to demonstrate initiative and responsibility in an academic and professional context. This qualification integrates the theory of biological and natural sciences, psycho-social sciences and pharmacology in the provision of comprehensive nursing and midwifery care in a range of health service settings.

Qualifying learners will be able to work with patients and take responsibility for healthcare in any context. Furthermore, they will be equipped to take responsibility for managing nursing care in a health facility. In addition, they will be able to act as professional team leaders as both providers and managers of healthcare. On successful completion of this qualification, graduates are eligible for registration with the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as a Professional Nurse and Midwife after the completion of a remunerated (all citizens of South Africa) community service for a period of one year at a public health facility. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment can either be conducted against a whole qualification or part thereof. In the nursing profession, the latter mentioned option is a more realistic. This will also be influenced by the inherent rules and policies of educational institutions. The assessment of achievement of learning outcomes should be conducted by registered assessors and moderation by certified/registered moderators.

The assessment should be done against approved outcomes, i.e. registered unit standards/programme or level outcome. The assessment should balance theory and practical requirements of the desired outcomes.

Credits awarded must be related to learning period through an experience and not for the experience itself or the duration thereof, since not all experience yields meaningful learning. Assessment should be individualised, as no experience will yield the same learning for different people. A learner that has acquired a qualification from the institution or any other recognised higher education institution who applies for registration in a qualification programme at the institution, may apply in writing to the institution for recognition or exemption of modules required for the qualification programme for which the student wishes to register.

A learner who, on the basis of RPL, is granted exemption from doing some modules or courses in a qualification programme will complete the qualification with a total number of credits that is less than the normally required number of credits for the qualification in question. RPL creates such an exception, and the learner concerned should not be compelled to do more modules or courses to make up for the difference in the total number of credits.

Credit accumulation and transfer (CAT): Any and all credits for an incomplete qualification may be recognised by the same or a different institution as meeting part of the requirements for a different qualification; or may be recognised by a different institution as meeting part of the requirements for the same qualification.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • A National Senior Certificate with Physical Science or Mathematics or Life sciences.
    Or
  • A National Certificate (Vocational), Level 4 with relevant compulsory subjects. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 5, 6, 7 and 8 totalling 508 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Academic Literacy Development, 12 Credits.
  • Nursing Science: Fundamental I, 12 Credits.
  • Human Anatomy I, 12 Credits.
  • Nursing Science: Community Health I, 12 Credits.
  • Nursing Science Practice: Fundamental I, 12 Credits.
  • Nursing Science: Fundamental II, 12 Credits.
  • Human Anatomy II, 12 Credits.
  • Applied Microbiology, 12 Credits.
  • Social and Community Psychology, 12 Credits.
  • Nursing Science Practice: Fundamental II, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 128 Credits:
  • Nursing Science: Medical and Surgical I, 12 Credits.
  • Nursing Science: Community Health II, 12 Credits.
  • Human Physiology I, 12 Credits.
  • Applied Pharmacology I, 8 Credits.
  • Nursing Science Practice: Medical and Surgical I, 16 Credits.
  • Nursing Science: Medical and Surgical II, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Clinical Biochemistry, 8 Credits.
  • Human Physiology II, 12 Credits.
  • Applied Pharmacology II, 8 Credits.
  • Know and Understand the World of Health, 12 Credits.
  • Nursing Science Practice: Medical and Surgical II, 16 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 120 Credits:
  • Nursing Science: Medical and Surgical III, 12 Credits.
  • Midwifery: Antenatal Care, 16 Credits.
  • Nursing Science Practice: Medical and Surgical III, 16 Credits.
  • Midwifery Practice: Antenatal and Intrapartum Care (runs throughout the year), 32 Credits.
  • Nursing Science: Medical and Surgical IV, 12 Credits.
  • Midwifery: Intrapartum Care, 16 Credits.
  • Nursing Science Practice: Medical and Surgical IV, 16 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 140 Credits:
  • Healthcare Management: Professional Practice, 8 Credits.
  • Research Methodology, 8 Credits.
  • Man and Society: Critical Perspectives on Continuity and Change, 12 Credits.
  • Nursing Science: Mental Healthcare I, 8 Credits.
  • Midwifery: Neonatal and Postpartum Care, 16 Credits.
  • Mini-research Project (runs throughout the year), 8 Credits.
  • Midwifery Practice: Neonatal and Postpartum Care, 16 Credits.
  • Healthcare Management: Unit Management, 8 Credits.
  • Nursing Science: Mental Healthcare II, 8 Credits.
  • Nursing Science Practice: Mental Healthcare, 32 Credits.
  • Pharmacology: Dispensing of Medicine, 8 Credits.
  • Unit Management Practice, 8 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Identify and address ethical and legal issues based on critical reflection on the suitability of different ethical value (and legal) systems to the nursing and midwifery practice within the legal framework.
    2. Apply knowledge of biological and natural sciences, 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. Effectively manage the health care unit and health facility with the understanding of the roles and relationships within the multidisciplinary team.
    4. Access, produce and manage information effectively to a range of audiences, including health information systems.
    5. Conduct research in investigating nursing, midwifery and health-related problems in order to improve quality of care.
    6. Apply learning strategies effectively to address own and other's professional and personal ongoing learning needs in a self-critical manner.
    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 frameworks at all levels of health care.
    8. Provide safe and quality midwifery and neonatal care in a scientific, integrated and evidence based approach in all health care settings. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Initiate advocacy activities to promote individual, group and community rights with respect to law and health care provision.
  • Apply practice consistently in a manner that reflects a clear understanding and interpretation of the requirements of SA Nursing and Health Care legislation, including a Primary Health Care approach.
  • 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.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply knowledge of psychology and sociology in nursing and midwifery practice in ways which benefit the level and quality of health care delivery to patients.
  • Knowledge of bio-natural sciences meets requirements for professional health care, and promotes effective nursing and midwifery care delivery.
  • Provide assistance to the client identifies indicators of relapse or complications and ways of preventing such.
  • Use technology in the practice of nursing and midwifery in ways that facilitate the effective diagnosis and treatment of illnesses and conditions.
  • Initiate treatment to manage common conditions (including prescribing and dispensing medication) in accordance with relevant legislation and protocols.
  • Show evident understanding of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, as well as standard treatment protocols/guidelines in prescribing and administering drugs to women peri-natally.
  • Apply pharmacological principles in the care and control of drugs used for neonates.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Planning and provision for health care are based on sound assessment, and informed decision making. Planning is inclusive of the patient and other key stakeholders.
  • Comply with the unit philosophy, vision, mission, goals, policy and procedures developed for nursing and midwifery care provision and personnel management within a health care unit with current legislation, South African Nursing Council (SANC) requirements and international best practice for the profession.
  • Establish systems 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 the effective delivery of 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.
  • Applies management processes strategically and systematically to manage resources effectively within a health care unit.
  • Effectively implement and monitor quality management systems.
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Accurate and consistent organisation, presentation and communication of professional information and consistent with professional expectations.
  • Promote community involvement in health care through information sharing and contact, which promotes ongoing collaboration with the community or group.
  • Accurately document assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation accurately and timeously, and promotes effective service delivery as well as security and confidentiality of information.
  • Monitor standards set for unit health care delivery regularly, and information gathered identifies areas for improvement on an ongoing basis.
  • Communicate effectively using a variety of media and technology, including computers.
  • Effectively use interpersonal skills to establish supportive and therapeutic relationships.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Research of limited scope conducted is based on identified needs and takes into consideration the steps of the research process, as per standard research text.
  • Research conducted is based on ethically sound research principles and methods.
  • Strategies and/or programmes developed are appropriate to the findings of comprehensive health assessments, and based on sound epidemiological principles.
  • Provision of care is based on scientific evidence.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Own personal development and management maintains emotional balance, and promotes effective and professional service delivery of self and the health care unit as a whole.
  • 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.
  • Research activities develop own professional knowledge and expertise, and contribute to the development of nursing practice and the profession as a whole.
  • Direct learning activities towards positive health outcomes and uses 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:
  • Health care provided is appropriate to the particular context and 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.
  • Nursing interventions are based 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.
  • Interventions with mentally ill persons are consistent with generally accepted psycho-social techniques, and contribute to the therapeutic management of these patients.
  • Support provided to patients recovering from illness prepares them for discharge in ways that enable the patient, family and significant others to cope with the management of the patient at home.
  • Nursing care delivered 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.
  • Interventions with patients contribute to identification and management of 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.
  • Clinical decisions/judgements made are in accordance with principles of clinical governance.
  • Strategies used in problem-solving are scientific, systematic and appropriate to addressing identified problems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • The preparation of a woman and family for pregnancy, childbirth and family changes is appropriate, takes into consideration the woman's context/background and is facilitated by means of 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.
  • Accurately interpret and refer observations of significant changes and laboratory results where potential risk to mother and/or foetus exists.
  • Ensure monitoring of the wellbeing of the foetus by monitoring foetal movement, heart rates and growth.
  • Monitoring and management of the mother during labour and delivery is comprehensive, evidences understanding of the physiology of labour, technology used to monitor the mother and wellbeing of the foetus.
  • Demonstrate management of the newborn and understanding of changes taking place in a newborn baby.
  • Timeously identify, manage and refer potential and actual emergencies of the mother and/or foetus.
  • Intra-labour care delivered to the mother and baby complies with generally accepted treatment guidelines, manages potential and actual emergencies and promotes the safety of both.
  • Integrate care delivered post-natally and provides for long-term wellbeing of mother and child, in line with the accepted scope of practice for midwives.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Clinical Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment of work-based or experiential learning:
  • The assessment of work-based or experiential learning takes place through cooperation between the institution, employers, mentors and learners regarding the method, assessment and recognition after the outcomes were achieved. Assessment is practiced within the parameters of fairness, openness, transparency and validity and must be congruent with the institution's quality assurance policies, procedures and processes.

    Formative Assessments:
  • Assessments form an integral part of learning, and is a continuous formative process. Assessments utilise a variety of methods/strategies to accommodate the uniqueness of real-life practice and ensure that the envisioned exit level outcomes are achieved.

    Informal Formative Assessment methods:
  • Class activities and discussions.
  • Questions and answers.
  • Hypothetical case studies.
  • Workplace assessments.
  • Role play, games, presentations and peer group assessments.

    Formal formative assessment methods:
  • Problem-based strategies.
  • Oral and written assignments.
  • Tests.
  • Clinical competence assessments in simulation (human patient simulators and standardised patients will be used as models with various scenarios and authentic conditions, according to the Objective Structured Clinical Evaluation (OSCE).

    Summative Assessments:
    Summative Assessments of module outcomes achieved will be done per real-life situations per year level. Assessments are done when 95% of the module outcomes are completed.
  • Clinical competence is achieved with completion of the overall programme outcomes.
  • Summative integrated assessment methods:
  • Projects.
  • Portfolios.
  • Clinical examinations (real-life situations).
  • Simulations.
  • Work-place assessments and practical work.
  • Written examinations.
  • Oral examinations is achieved.

    Other:
  • Written assignments and creative work.
  • Case studies and case presentations.
  • Clinical and academic ward rounds and ward inspections.
  • Clinical workbooks.
  • Projects and seminars.
  • Journal assessments and self-evaluation.
  • Peer group and preceptor evaluations.
  • Competency evaluations of clinical skills.
  • Comprehensive evaluations of nursing care.

    Final integrated Summative Assessments:
    The final practical Summative Assessment at the end of year Level 4 ((National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8) will incorporate the assessment of the mastered knowledge and professional skills of all the fundamental and core learning outcomes in comprehensive assessment opportunities conducted by making use of the competence instrument of the South African Nursing Council (SANC).

    Integrated Assessments:
  • At least one practical teaching opportunity for an Integrated Assessment will be used to demonstrate applied competence during which the main objectives and key purposes of the programme are assessed.
  • An integrated system of assessments and evaluations will be used to ascertain the competency and proficiency of learners in the art and science of nursing. The associated social (humanities) and biomedical sciences will be assessed both separately and in conjunction with the above-mentioned system.
  • A combination of formative and summative evaluation strategies will be employed.
  • Assessments and evaluations will be based on knowledge, skills, values and attitudes.
  • Rendered nursing care will also be assessed to ensure the absence of preventable interventions or effects that may cause undue harm to healthcare users.
  • Assessments and evaluations will focus on the contextual roles of nurses, as identified in the programme outcomes.
  • Learners will be assessed and evaluated on acceptable norms, values and standards of nursing practice, including their use of the scientific approach to nursing, the health profession and science in general.
  • Learners should provide proof of their competence and proficiency in assessments, their diagnoses and comprehensive nursing management of human health needs and responses to actual or potential health problems by making use of the scientific approach to nursing (nursing process).

    The following specific learning areas in nursing science will be assessed separately and integrated:
  • Population-based/Community nursing science (including fundamental nursing science).
  • Medical and surgical nursing science with applied pharmacology.
  • Midwifery and new born care with applied pharmacology.
  • Mental health care with applied pharmacology. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The quality of South African nursing qualifications is confirmed by the fact that most countries readily accept South African nursing qualifications and allow our qualifying learners to practice in their countries. South African nursing standards exceed those in comparable economies, such as Brazil, Indonesia and India. South Africa is an active member of the International Council for Nursing (ICN), the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the African Union (AU), Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Commonwealth. The proposed qualification will meet recognition requirements in most of the member countries of these organisations and throughout Sub-Saharan Africa.

    Country: United Kingdom.
    Institution: University of Liverpool.
    Qualification: Bachelor of Nursing.
    The University of Liverpool offers the undergraduate 3-year Bachelor of Nursing. The qualification aims to equip the learner with all the knowledge, skills and attributes needed to meet the challenges of being a nurse where theoretical knowledge is integrated alongside practical experience. Throughout the three years, learners will gain extensive clinical experience in a variety of different settings, including hospital wards, clinics, community settings, critical care and palliative care. The taught modules will include physiology, pathophysiology, behavioural sciences, research, critical care, public health, communication and clinical skills, incorporating skills associated with curative, rehabilitative and palliative care. Admission requirements vary for different qualification frameworks within the UK countries, but all require a qualification equivalent to the South African National Senior Certificate. Graduate of the School of Health Sciences leads to eligibility to apply for registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) or the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), as for the SA South African Nursing Council (SANC) equivalent.

    Country: Australia.
    Institution: University of Sydney.
    Qualification: Bachelor of Nursing.
    The University of Sydney in Australia offers the Bachelor of Nursing (advanced studies) over 3 years of equivalent full time study. The units of study are structured into four broad areas Underpinnings to Nursing Practice; Health, Development and Assessment; Contexts of Practice; and Nursing Practice. The Nursing Practice area of study includes units of study that are directly related to clinical nursing knowledge and practice. Clinical experience is an important component of the course. All learners are required to undertake approximately 900 hours of clinical placements in health care facilities monitored or operated by the New South Wales (NSW) Department of Health throughout the Degree. Learners with this qualification may proceed to the 1-year Bachelor of Nursing (Honours). 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers the following articulation possibilities.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Midwifery and Neonatal Nursing Science, Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) and Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Nursing, Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. North West University 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.