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
115432  Bachelor of Nursing 
ORIGINATOR
University of Limpopo 
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  2019-12-17  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

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:
The Bachelor of Nursing aims to produce competent professional nurses and midwife practitioners within a wide range of health service settings. These learners will have a range of skills, knowledge and attitudes that enables them to make a meaningful and sustained contribution to health services. The qualification equips learners with a developed sense of equity, justice and service ethics that ensures that they work in a responsible and accountable manner, irrespective of their chosen workplace. It offers a wide range of transferable skills for application in other disciplines and general life, including:
  • A methodological solution-based approach to problem-solving.
  • An-empowerment-based approach to the development of self and others.
  • Competence in written and oral communication, unique to Nursing and Midwifery.
  • Capacity to assess and implement health and other policies.
  • Ability to plan, implement and manage projects of a varied nature and research capacity.

    Rationale:
    The qualification enables the learner to function as a clinically-focused, service-orientated, independent registered professional nurse and midwife who can render comprehensive care across all spheres of health.

    Reports on the status of nursing in South Africa indicate a growing gap between the demand and supply of professional nurses and midwives. The decline of learners is a matter of great concern to the professional body (South African Nursing Council) and the Ministry of Health.

    The learner is prepared comprehensively and appropriately according to the health needs of the country. A person with this qualification works with all patients, stabilised or not, and take responsibility for managing nursing care in the health care facilities.

    The society benefits from the qualification as it is created according to the needs of the society, country, and National Department of Health. Thus, addresses the shortage of staff through the employment of appropriately trained professionals. Also, their training is based on the burden of the increase in different types of diseases nationally and internationally, thus reducing the morbidity and mortality rates. Reduction of morbidity and mortality rates ensures the increase of life expectancy, decrease hospital admissions and saving of medical costs.

    On completion of the qualification, the learner becomes a Professional nurse and a Midwifery, developed and grown professionally as a competent skilful practitioner. Learners choose the stream of General Nursing or Midwifery as a professional practitioner progression includes training further and pursuing Primary Health Care Nursing, Intensive Care Nursing, Theatre Nursing, Paediatric/Neonatal Nursing and Adult Psychiatric/Child Psychiatric Nurse. Furthermore, a Midwifery practitioner can study further and become an Advanced Midwife. These qualifications enhance quality training of the learners to become clinicians or nurse specialist. The qualification enables the learner to become a lifelong learner who can pursue additional training and qualifications to progress vocationally. Learners can also pursue a scholarly route and contribute towards advances in the nursing profession through Masters (NQF Level 9) and Doctoral qualifications (NQF level 10).

    There is a need for a competent professional nurse and midwife who provides health care and meet the needs of the both the rural and urban communities.

    On successful completion of this qualification, the learner is eligible for registration with the South African Nursing Council as a Professional Nurse and Midwifery. Successful registration licenses nurses to practice as a Professional Nurse and Midwife. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    A large number of potential learners possess considerable amounts of learning, which counts for credit. The institution is committed to broadening access for all learners and to meet the needs of all learners. The institution firmly believes that learners need access to qualifications based on their skills, knowledge and professional values, gained through life experiences, work and academic achievements. It is through learning experiences other than in a formal Higher or Further Education and Training qualification.

    For this qualification, grant credit for prior learning in two main categories:
  • Learning acquired in a formal "credit-bearing context", other than a HET or FET institution. For example, a course offered by a professional body, enterprise, private educational institution or by any other provider recognised by the institution; and
  • Learning acquired in an informal "non-credit bearing" context, such as "work experience or through life experience".

    The Recognition of Learning Policy document regulates the recognition and assessment of prior learning at this institution and thereby promotes a fair, consistent and standardised application of its procedures.

    Advanced standing is applicable for a learner who accesses the qualification based on prior learning achievements, or through credit accumulation and transfer.

    All RPL uses the outcomes of expected learning achievements with assessment tools designed specifically for the intended RPL process by academics trained in RPL practices.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6, 7 and 8 totalling 512 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 128 Credits:
  • Fundamentals of Nursing Science, 12 Credits.
  • Fundamentals of Nursing Practice, 20 Credits.
  • Physics, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Psychology, 12 Credits.
  • Human Anatomy, 12 Credits.
  • Fundamentals of Nursing Science, 12 Credits.
  • Fundamentals of Nursing Practice, 12 Credits.
  • Cognitive and Health Psychology, 12 Cognitive.
  • Human Anatomy, 12 Credits.
  • Chemistry, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 128 Credits:
  • General Nursing Science, 12 Credits.
  • General Nursing Science Practice, 16 Credits.
  • Preventive and Rehabilitative Health Care 1, 12 Credits.
  • Physiology for the Health Sciences I, 16 Credits.
  • Sociology, 8 Credits.
  • General Nursing Science, 12 Credits.
  • General Nursing Science Practice, 8 Credits.
  • Preventive and Rehabilitative Health Care 2, 12 Credits.
  • Medical Microbiology, 12 Credits.
  • Physiology for Health Sciences II, 16 Credits.
  • Sociology, 4 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 128 Credits:
  • Preventive and Rehabilitative Health Care, 8 Credits.
  • Midwifery: Normal Pregnancy, Labour and Birth, 12 Credits.
  • Midwifery Practice: Normal, 16 Credits.
  • Pharmacology for Nurses, 4 Credits.
  • General Nursing Science, 12 Credits.
  • General Nursing Science Practice, 12 Credits.
  • General Nursing Science, 8 Credits.
  • General Nursing Science practice, 16 Credits.
  • Midwifery: Normal Puerperium and Newborn infant, 12 Credits.
  • Midwifery Practice: Peurperium, 16 Credits.
  • Preventive and Rehabilitative Health Care, 8 Credits.
  • Pharmacology for Nurses, 4 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 128 Credits:
  • Research Project in Nursing, 8 Credits.
  • General Nursing Science Practice, 32 Credits.
  • Midwifery Practice, 36 Credits.
  • General Nursing Science, 12 Credits.
  • Midwifery: High-Risk Pregnancy, Abnormal Labour, 16 Credits.
  • Leadership, Unit Management, Communication and Legal Aspects in Nursing, 12 Credits.
  • Midwifery, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. 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 the needs of the population.
    2. Identify and address ethical and legal principles in nursing and midwifery care of patients/clients, support and protect the rights of patients/clients in a health care context.
    3. Manage a health care unit and health facility based on the different roles and relationships within the multidisciplinary team.
    4. Access, produce and manage patient/client information effectively, including health information system.
    5. Conduct and utilise research skills in investigating and managing nursing and midwifery related issues to improve health care outcomes.
    6. Apply learning strategies to develop self and other's professional and personal through ongoing learning based on the needs critically.
    7. Apply knowledge of nursing and other discipline theories, methods and techniques in the management of patients with various health, midwifery and obstetric care needs.
    8. Proffer safe, optimal midwifery, obstetric 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:
  • 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.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of anatomy, microorganisms and physiology meets requirements for professional health care and promotes effective nursing and midwifery care delivery.
  • Assist the client and identified 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) per relevant legislation and protocols.
  • Understand pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, as well as standard treatment protocols/guidelines, in prescribing and administering drugs to women perinatally.
  • Apply pharmacological principles in the care and control of drugs used for neonates.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Interpret and apply consistently ethical codes, professional accountability and responsibility and standards for the practice of nursing are interpreted and applied in line with their spirit and intent.
  • Advocate activities promote individual, group and community rights concerning law and health care provision.
  • Apply practice consistently in a manner that reflects a clear understanding and interpretation of the requirements of SANC and Health Care legislation, including a Primary Health Care approach.
  • Interpret and apply consistently ethical codes, professional accountability and responsibility, and standards for the practice of nursing and midwifery are in line with their spirit and intent.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Plan and provide health care based on sound assessment and informed decision making. Planning is 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.
  • Demonstrate direct management and leadership activities 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.
  • 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 functions strategically and systematically to manage resources effectively within a health care unit.
  • Monitor standards set for unit health care delivery regularly and gather the information that identifies areas for improvement on an ongoing basis.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Organise, present and communicate professional information accurately and consistently with the professional expectations.
  • Promote community involvement in health care through information sharing and contact, which promotes ongoing collaboration with the community or group.
  • Assess, plan, implement and evaluate and document 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 information gathered identifies areas for improvement on an ongoing basis.
  • Communicate effectively using a variety of media and technology, including computers.
  • Use interpersonal skills effectively to establish a supportive and therapeutic relationship.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Research limited scope based on identified needs and takes into consideration the steps of the research process, as per standards research text.
  • Conduct research based on ethically sound research principles and methods.
  • Develop strategies and programmes for the findings of comprehensive health assessments and based on sound epidemiological principles.
  • Provide care is on scientific evidence.
  • Research activities to develop professional knowledge and expertise and contribute to the development of nursing practice and profession as a whole.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Own personal development and management maintain emotional balance and promotes effective and professional service delivery of self and the health care unit as a whole.
  • Engage in professional development activities contributes significantly to the professional growth of nurses in the sphere of influence and the standing of the nursing profession.
  • Use research activities to develop their 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 use relevant teaching strategies.
  • Mentor activities towards the development of others, according to their needs and their scope of practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Nursing care delivered provides the necessary physical and psychological care and support for a long term and or terminally ill patients, in line with the accepted scope of practice for nursing.
  • Interventions with acutely ill patients contribute to the identification and management of physical and psychiatric illness, maintenance of psychological homeostasis, the physical and psychological comfort of the patient and significant others and the prevention and management of complications.
  • Conditions are accurately diagnosed and managed according to generally accepted treatment guidelines.
  • Nursing interventions on individualised plans that reflect the 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 acute 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 the long term and terminally ill patients, in line with the accepted scope of practice for nursing.
  • Interventions with patients contribute to the identification and management of conditions, maintenance of homeostasis, the comfort of the patient and significant others, and the prevention and management of complications.
  • Demonstrate competent clinical skills at all times.
  • Clinical decisions/judgements made are per the principles of clinical governance.
  • Strategies used in problem-solving are scientific, systematic and appropriate to address identified problems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Prepare a woman and family for pregnancy, childbirth and family changes appropriately, take into consideration the woman's context/background and facilitate through antenatal classes and appropriate health education.
  • Conduct obstetric history-taking and physical examination of the mother comprehensively, using a variety of available technology.
  • Interpret observations of significant changes and laboratory results accurately and appropriately refer to where a potential risk to mother and foetus exists.
  • Monitor of the wellbeing of the foetus by monitoring foetal movement, heart rates and growth.
  • Monitor and manage the mother during labour and delivery is comprehensive, evidence understanding of the physiology of labour, use technology to monitor the mother and wellbeing of the foetus.
  • Understand changes taking place in a newborn baby.
  • Identify potential and actual emergencies of the mother and foetus timeously and manage and refer accurately.
  • Deliver intra-labour care to the mother and baby to ensure it complies with generally accepted treatment guidelines, manages potential and actual emergencies and promotes the safety of both.
  • Deliver care post-natally and provide for the long-term wellbeing of mother and child, in line with the accepted scope of practice.

    Integrated Assessment:
    There is an integration of learning and assessment in this qualification. Continuous formative assessment is required to ensure that learners get feedback on their progress towards the achievement of specific learning outcomes. Assignments, which are often related to work-integrated learning or case studies, meet the requirements of integrated assessment. These assignments will achieve the Exit Level Outcomes and the purpose of the qualification, either as a whole or in the parts of the qualification of study.

    Evaluation of learner performance will demonstrate applied competence across outcomes expected in the nursing profession. All assessment is Criterion-referenced assessment, is clearly explained to and understood by the learners. The qualification incorporates a large amount of work-integrated learning. The Theory/Clinical instruction mode of the qualification enables integrated assessment across all outcomes. It also provides learners with an opportunity to ensure that the application of theories learned are appropriate and relevant. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    South Africa is a member of the International Council for Nursing (ICN), International Labour Organization (ILO) and Southern African Development Community (SADC). South African Nursing Qualifications are accepted globally. The qualification is compared with the qualifications in the two international countries namely: Australia and Scotland. The University of Adelaide in Australia offers the undergraduate qualifications in Nursing which include a three (3) years Bachelor degree in Nursing and Midwifery. The Bachelor of Nursing Programme prepares the graduates as registered nurses, eligible for registration through Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia graduates to work as nurse practitioners. According to Australian Qualification Framework (AQF), the Bachelor degree in Nursing and Midwifery is at Level 7.

    Whereas, in Scotland, the Edinburgh University offers a four (4) years Bachelor degree of Nursing and Midwifery. The Bachelor degree of Nursing and Midwifery is at Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework (SCQF) level ten (10). After completion of training they register with Nursing and Midwifery Council of Scotland as adult nurse.

    In both countries the qualification normally takes four years to complete for full-time students. The aim of the programme is to produce a graduate nurse who reflects the philosophy, values and competency skills required by different Quality Councils. The proposed new qualification is Bachelor degree in Nursing and Midwifery with honours, which is at National Qualification Framework level eight (8). The duration of training is four (4) years. Post completion of training the graduates register with the South African Nursing Council as nurse and midwifery practitioner.

    Admission requirements:
    The principal requirement for admission to any bachelor degree program in Netherland is having the right secondary-school diploma. International students must have a diploma which is deemed equivalent to the minimum diploma required. Most institutions will have additional admission requirements such as a minimum score on a mandatory English language test. For some programs you need to have earned excellent marks on your high school diploma. While in Scotland is English Language Requirements Grade C. Our programme compares in that English is a requirement for entry, but also requires mathematics, life sciences and physical sciences for a student to be admitted.

    Course programme:
    Course Content Year 1.
    In the three countries (Nertherlands, South Africa & Scotland) the first two years provide an introduction to nursing care and theory, and to the sociological and psychological aspects of healthcare. Life Sciences (anatomy- and physiology- based), Healthy Communities (investigating the impact of society on health), Professionalism and Evidence and Research. The students will acquire clinical experience in their first year through surgical and medical ward placements.

    Year 2:
    Life Sciences, Healthy Communities, Professionalism and Evidence and Research, Mental Health and Wellbeing. Placements build on the Year 1 experience with a further community placement, mental health placement and surgical or outpatient experience. The above mentioned content is similar to the proposed new programme, the difference being that University of Limpopo programme does not include mental health placement.

    Year 3:
    Professionalism and Evidence and Research, as well as undertake Managing Transitions which focuses on care of the older person. Clinical experience includes care of the older person, a clinical experience linked to one of your honours options, and an intensive support experience. Apart from what has been mentioned Midwifery will be introduced in third level in the proposed new program.

    Year 4:
    Study Professionalism 4 and complete research projects. In the proposed new programme the only general nursing science, midwifery and research project will be done.

    Articulation:
    International nurses who have first earned their Bachelor of Nursing can pursue advanced study in a Master of Science degree program within a particular nursing specialty (paediatric nursing, oncology nurse, etc.). This normally takes an additional 2-3 years to complete. Individuals pursuing a Master of Nursing Science degree must also complete a capstone project prior to graduation and present that project to the nursing faculty. The proposed new degree articulates vertically with Master of Nursing at NQF Level 9. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Primary Health Care, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Nursing, NQF 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. University of Limpopo 


    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.