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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Bachelor of Nursing 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110337  Bachelor of Nursing 
ORIGINATOR
University of KwaZulu-Natal 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Promotive Health and Developmental Services 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 1141/23  2021-07-01  2024-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2025-06-30   2030-06-30  

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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
72839  Bachelor of Nursing  Level 7  NQF Level 08  512  Complete 

This qualification is replaced by: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
118285  Bachelor of Nursing  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  480  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The qualification produces a leaner nurse with a wide social science preparation, and equips the leaner with life-long learning, problem-solving and research skills that enable the nurse to function in comprehensive health care settings as a registered nurse, registered midwife, registered community health nurse, and as a registered psychiatric nurse.
The qualification:
  • Provides a well-rounded, broad education that equips graduates with the knowledge base, theory, principles and the skills of a general professional registered nurse.
  • Provides principles and theory that equip leaners with the basis for entry into Postgraduate studies and research, or professional practice in General Nursing.
  • Provides training for nursing practitioners who fulfil the requirement for a license to practice as a professional registered nurse and who can operate in a range of contexts such as primary, district, regional and tertiary hospitals and clinics, schools, community care centres, industries, private practice and academia.
  • Enables leaners to demonstrate initiative and responsibility in a professional, local, provincial, national and international context.
  • Produces professional registered nurses who are critical and independent thinkers, engaging in life-long learning and practicing within ethical and professional boundaries.
  • Develops research capacity in the methodology and research techniques in nursing in preparation for Master level research.
  • Produces competent professional nurse practitioners within a wide range of health service settings.
  • Provides learners with a wide range of skills, knowledge and attitudes that will enable them to make a meaningful and sustained contribution to health services.
  • Equips leaners with a developed sense of equity, justice and service ethics that will ensure that they work in a responsible and accountable manner, irrespective of their chosen workplace.
  • Offers a wide range of transferable skills for application in other professions, disciplines and general life, including: a methodical solution-based approach to problem solving.
  • Provides an empowerment-based approach to the development of self and others.
  • Develops competence in written and oral communication.
  • Develops capacity to assess and implement health and other policy.
  • Enables learners to plan, implement and manage projects of a varied nature.

    Rationale:
    This qualification aims to expose leaners to both traditional hospital-based training and to community based education. It also aims to identify the special needs of the communities and planning strategies to meet these needs. Innovative teaching methodologies are also used in order to provide teaching and learning interaction between the leaner and the lecturer in order to promote critical thinking, problem solving and lifelong learning. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution accepts the principle underlying outcomes-based, source-based and life-long learning, in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a significant role, and subscribes to the view that Recognition of Prior Learning, whether acquired by formal education curricula at this or another institution or informally (by experience) is an indispensable element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning qualification of the institution.

    A learner who does not meet the minimum entry, but who can demonstrate (through the production of substantial and satisfactory evidence) experiential or work-based learning or a non-formal qualification (or a combination), may be considered for admission and/or for the Recognition of Prior Learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full. A learner who after such assessment, is deemed to have sufficient potential, but is in need of further academic development, must be directed to other suitable learning qualifications prior to admission or to parallel qualifications after admission.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 4. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7 and 8 totalling 512 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 96 Credits:
  • Pharmacology, 16 Credits.
  • Special Science, 16 Credits.
  • Physiology 1, 16 Credits.
  • Anatomy, 32 Credits.
  • Research in Nursing, 16 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 7, 208 Credits:
  • Academic Learning in English, 16 Credits.
  • Introduction to Sociology, 16 Credits.
  • Institutions in Community Development, 16 Credits.
  • Introduction to Psychology A, 16 Credits.
  • Introduction to Anthropology, 16 Credits.
  • Basic IsiZulu Language Studies A, 16 Credits.
  • Philosophy and Ethics from Ancient to Modern, 16 Credits.
  • Introduction to IsiZulu B, 16 Credits.
  • Basic IsiZulu Language Studies B, 16 Credits.
  • Religion and Conflict, 16 Credits.
  • Introduction to South African Society 16 Credits.
  • Social Change, 16 Credits.
  • Neuropsychology and Cognition, 8 Credits.
  • Culture and Society in Africa, 16 Credits.
  • Health Psychology, 8 Credits.
  • Families and Households, 16 Credits.
  • English Language Development B, 16 Credits.
  • Developmental Psychology, 8 Credits.
  • Introduction to Psychology B, 16 Credits.
  • Social Psychology, 8 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8,208 Credits:
  • Medical and Surgical Nursing 1 Theory, 16 Credits.
  • Preventive and Promotive Health 1 - Theory, 16 Credits.
  • Fundamental Nursing 2, 16 Credits.
  • Fundamental Nursing 1, 16 Credits.
  • Preventive and Promotive Health 1 - Clinical, 16 Credits.
  • Preventive and Promotive Health 2 - Theory, 16 Credits.
  • Medical and Surgical Nursing 1 Clinical, 16 Credits.
  • Medical and Surgical Nursing 3 Clinical, 16 Credits.
  • Unit Management and Leadership, 16 Credits.
  • Medical and Surgical Nursing 2 Theory, 16 Credits.
  • Medical and Surgical Nursing 2 Clinical, 16 Credits.
  • Obstetrics, Gynecology and foundations of Midwifery Theory, 16 Credits.
  • Reproductive and Sexual Health - Clinical, 16 Credits.
  • Medical and Surgical Nursing 3 Theory, 16 Credits.
  • Psychiatric Nursing 2, 16 Credits.
  • Psychiatric Nursing Theory 1, 16 Credits.
  • Psychiatric Nursing Clinical 1, 16 Credits.
  • Primary Health Care Theory, 16 Credits.
  • Midwifery Clinical 1, 16 Credits.
  • Primary Health Care clinical, 16 Credits.
  • Midwifery 2 - Theory, 16 Credits.
  • Midwifery Theory -1, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Engage, maintain and terminate problem-solving partnerships with individuals (colleagues and patients), families/groups, communities and political authorities to prevent illness, promote health, and provide curative rehabilitative and supportive health care.
    2. Identify and address ethical and legal issues using critical reflection, on the suitability of different ethical value and legal systems for the nursing and midwifery practice within the legal framework.
    3. 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.
    4. Effectively manage a health care unit and health facility as a first line manager with the understanding of the roles and relationships within the multi-disciplinary team.
    5. Access, produce and manage information effectively and communicate it to a range of audiences.
    6. Utilise research in investigating nursing, midwifery and health-related problems.
    7. Delineate and evaluate personal practice continuously and accept responsibility for continuous professional and personal development through independent learning.
    8. 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.
    9. Maintain optimal health of a woman, her family and baby, prepartum, postpartum and intra partum. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Conducts a comprehensive assessment of a client in a caring, respectful and culturally sensitive manner.
  • Plan, implement and evaluate individualised needs-based nursing care, Legal Practice: Correct record keeping.
  • Observe principles of safety, risk management and infection control in the provision of nursing care to clients.
  • Apply first aid principles in the execution of emergency care.
  • Develop mechanisms to monitor and evaluate programmes for their effectiveness and quality.
  • Gather, identify and retrieves health information to inform community nursing practice.
  • Conduct health screening in the workplace settings.
  • Apply policies and procedures for antenatal care, labour, postnatal care and neonatal care.
  • Provide quality care to women during antenatal, labour and postnatal periods and identify any deviations from normal and refer timeously.
  • Collaborate with other health professionals in managing care during antenatal, labour and postnatal periods.
  • Understand relevant investigations and interpret their findings.
  • Support women and families during antenatal, labour and postnatal periods.
  • Provide quality care to neonates immediately after birth.
  • Identify and refer neonates with conditions and complications during Pregnancy, Labour and the puerperium.
  • Apply knowledge of medical and obstetric conditions/complications during the puerperium.
  • Use the midwifery management process and decision making framework in managing clients with medical and obstetric complications.
  • Refer urgently women with complications requiring higher level of care.
  • Order relevant investigations and interpret their findings.
  • Prescribe and administer pharmacological agents as per scope of practice and country policies.
  • Counsel and support women with complications and emergencies and counsel their families.
  • Educate women on health seeking behaviours.
  • Collaborate with other health professionals in managing abnormal puerperal conditions.
  • Keep accurate postnatal records.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of assessing the mental health status of individuals across the lifespan for prevention, care and management across the lifespan.
  • Identify characteristics of mental health versus ill-health.
  • Describe treatment modalities for the patient with mental disorders.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of indications and uses of a variety of nursing interventions for persons faced with mental health/psychiatric disorders.
  • Describe methods of designing mental health promotion qualifications/activities for individuals throughout the lifespan.
  • Describes the medications prescribed for mental health problems/illnesses/conditions including: anxiety disorders, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, substance abuse, personality disorders, cognitive disorders and somatoform disorders.
  • Explains where to seek out information regarding policies and protocols on an institutional, provincial and federal national level regarding psychiatric medication administration.
  • Explains the rationale for specific therapeutic communication techniques to use with patients/clients.
  • Understands the therapeutic roles of a nurse in a mental health setting (for example, educator, caregiver and advocate) versus roles that may be counter therapeutic.
  • Identify situations in which agreed plans of care require modifications based on the needs of specific patient populations.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of sources of evidence relevant to improve quality of care in mental health and psychiatric nursing.
  • Describes legal and regulatory factors that apply to Mental Health Nursing and Psychiatric Nursing practice.
  • Describes strategies for identifying and managing overlaps in team member roles and accountabilities.
  • Identify system factors that facilitate or interfere with effective team functioning.
  • Identify specific psychological factors causing discomfort in mental health clients.
  • Articulates the rationale for adapting comfort measures and nursing care for mental health patients/clients based on selected theories, concepts, and research-based evidence.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Class presentations or cases studies/assignments or seminars and tests provide the opportunity for formative integrative assessment of knowledge, skills (cognitive and interpersonal) and attitudes. Summative assessment in each module includes assessment of leaner's ability to critique current knowledge from international; national and local sources. In addition, summative assessments assess the learner's ability to use reflective practice and problem solving and critical thinking skills to plan, implement and evaluate health interventions/nursing care aimed at improving health care outcomes. Cases studies/assignments or seminars and tests provide the opportunity for formative integrative assessment of knowledge, skills (cognitive and interpersonal) and attitudes. Formative theoretical assessments of accurate application of knowledge and skill with Critical Care clients on assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation while critically engaging with the different therapeutic approaches or schools of thought.

    Summative Assessment is through a three-hour examination, assessing the application of therapeutic principles and strategies (from international, national and local sources) to use the self as therapeutic tool, including critique of the chosen approaches. In addition, summative assessments assess the leaner's ability to use reflective practice and problem solving skills to plan; implement and evaluate community health interventions aimed at improving health care outcomes. The research project is a practical real life integrated assessment of the leaner application and integration of knowledge from this qualification. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is comparable with similar qualifications offered in various higher education institutions internationally. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Nursing Honours in Education, 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: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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.
     
    NONE 


    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.