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
118179  Bachelor of Nursing 
ORIGINATOR
University of Venda 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree(Min 480)  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Preventive 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  2021-04-22  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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
96516  Bachelor of Nursing  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  480  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Bachelor of Nursing is to produce competent professional nurse practitioners within a wide range of health service settings. The qualification aims to provide qualifying learners with a wide range of skills, knowledge and attitudes that will enable them to make a meaningful and sustained contribution to health services. Further, the qualification will equip qualifying learners with a developed sense of equity, justice and service ethics that will ensure that the learners work in a responsible and accountable manner, irrespective of their chosen workplace.

This qualification 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.
  • An empowerment-based approach to the development of self and others.
  • Competence in written and oral communication.
  • Capacity to assess and implement health and other policies.
  • Ability to plan, implement and manage projects of a varied nature.
  • Research capacity.

    Rationale:
    The Bachelor of Nursing is an existing qualification on the Programme Qualifications Mix (PQM) but due to requirements from the South African Nursing Council (SANC), the qualification was submitted as new.

    The development of this qualification is responding to the national needs and skills shortages of nurses in the region. The qualification is responsive to improving the health status of people in South Africa, particularly in the rural areas of the various provinces, which is achieved through the provision of a quality community-based, primary healthcare-focused, problem-based and project-driven curriculum. The South African Strategic Plan based its premise on the primary health care approach, to deliver primary health care services to the rural health settings.

    Competent nurse practitioners will be able to assess, diagnose, plan and implement nursing care to individuals, families and communities within the region. The nation faces a compound burden of communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria; other communicable and non-communicable diseases, violence and injuries with consequent high levels of morbidity and mortality. South Africa's predominantly nurse-based healthcare system requires nurses to have the competence and expertise to manage the country's burden of diseases and to meet the healthcare needs of the country's people. South Africa has a health workforce crisis, characterised by critical shortages, imbalanced skills mix, migration and uneven geographical distribution of health professionals.

    The critical shortage of Human Resources for Health (HRH) undermines the regional health system's effectiveness and efficiency in the delivery of healthcare services to those in need. Nursing education and training at the institution are responding to changing needs, developments, priorities and expectations related to health and healthcare.

    Nursing learners who acquire the knowledge, skills and behaviours that meet our standards will be equipped to meet these present and future challenges, improve health and wellbeing, improve standards as well as quality and work in a range of roles including practitioner, educator, leader and researcher. As autonomous practitioners, nurses will provide essential care of a very high standard and provide complex care using the best available evidence and technology where appropriate as the district is also the first to pilot the National Health Insurance (NHI) strategy in the region. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The qualification may be achieved in part through recognition of relevant prior learning (RPL) and prior experience as a practitioner in the field of nursing. RPL will be following the policies and procedures of the institution and in agreement with the procedures of the relevant statutory body, The South African Nursing Council (SANC).

    The necessary evidence as required by the Exit Level Outcomes and presented by the learner will meet the following principles:
  • Currency of evidence.
  • Sufficiency of evidence.
  • Validity of evidence and authenticity of evidence.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's studies with Life Sciences.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement and a pass of Biology.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's studies with Primary Health qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 5, 6. 7 and 8 totalling 514 Credits.

    Compulsory modules at NQF Level 5, 130 Credits:
  • Ethos of Nursing and Professional Practice, 16 Credits.
  • Community Assessment and Family Health, 6 Credits, [2 Credits (WIL)].
  • Biological Sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Bio-Chemistry, Biophysics), 48 Credits.
  • Fundamental of Nursing Science (Basic Nursing Science), 24 Credits.
  • English Communication Skills, 8 Credits.
  • Introduction to Social Sciences, 8 Credits.
  • Integrated Clinical Skills, Level 5, 20 Credits (WIL).

    Compulsory modules at NQF Level 6, 130 Credits:
  • Integrated Nursing Skills 1, 54 Credits (WIL).
  • Biological Sciences (Microbiology), 16 Credits.
  • Pharmacology, 16 Credits.
  • Integrated Nursing Science 1, 28 Credits.
  • Aspects of Community and Mental Health, 8 Credits, 2 Credits (WIL).
  • Social Sciences, 8 Credits.

    Compulsory modules at NQF Level 7, 126 Credits:
  • Integrated Nursing Skills 2, 52 Credits WIL.
  • Integrated Nursing Science 2, 32 Credits.
  • Research 1, 16 Credits.
  • Integrated Nursing Management Skills, 8 Credits.
  • Integrated Nursing Management, 10 Credits.
  • Introduction to Midwifery Nursing Science, 8 Credits, [2 Credits (WIL)].

    Compulsory modules at NQF Level 8, 128 Credits:
  • Midwifery Nursing Skills, 46 Credits (WIL).
  • Midwifery Nursing Science, 20 Credits.
  • High-risk Midwifery Nursing Science, 26 Credits.
  • Nursing Dynamics, 12 Credits.
  • Research 2, 24 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 and midwifery care, throughout the life span, in a variety of health care settings and communities in response to the population's needs.
    3. Effectively manage the health care unit and health facility with an understanding of the roles and relationships within the multidisciplinary team.
    4. Access, produce and manage information effectively to a range of audiences.
    5. Utilise research in investigating nursing, midwifery and health-related problems.
    6. Apply learning strategies effectively to address own and others' 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, following national legislative and policy frameworks.
    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:
  • Advocate for activities that promote individual, group and community rights concerning the law and health care provision.
  • Apply practice consistently in a manner that reflects a clear understanding and interpretation of the requirements of South African Nursing and Health Care legislation, including the primary healthcare 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:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of psychology and sociology in nursing and midwifery practice in ways that benefit the level and quality of health care delivery to patients.
  • Apply knowledge of bio-natural sciences meeting the requirements for professional health care, and promoting effective nursing and midwifery care delivery.
  • Implement nursing interventions based on individualised plans that reflect the comprehensive and integrated assessment of mentally ill persons, and understand common emotional and behavioural disorders, as well as major psychiatric disorders (perceptual and severe mood disorders).
  • Provide therapeutic interventions to mentally ill persons consistent with generally accepted psycho-social techniques, and contribute to the therapeutic management of these patients.
  • Provide support to patients recovering from illness, prepare them for discharge in ways that enable the patient, family and significant others to cope with the management of the patient at home.
  • Assist the client and identify indicators of relapse or complications and ways of preventing such occurrences.
  • Apply technology in the practice of nursing and midwifery in ways that facilitate the effective diagnosis and treatment of illnesses and conditions.
  • Provide treatment and manage common conditions (including prescribing and dispensing medications) following relevant legislation and protocols.
  • Demonstrate understanding of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, as well as standard treatment protocols/guidelines evident 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 3:
  • Plan and provide health care based on sound assessment, and informed decision making.
  • Develop unit philosophy, vision, mission, goals, policy and procedures for nursing and midwifery care provision and personnel management within a health care unit complying with current legislation, SANC requirements and international best practices for the profession.
  • Establish systems to 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.
  • Apply management processes strategically and systematically to manage resources effectively within a health care unit.
  • Implement and monitor quality management systems effectively.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Organise, present and communicate professional information that is accurate and consistent with professional expectations.
  • Promote community involvement in health care through information sharing and contact, which promotes ongoing collaboration with the community or with specific groups in communities.
  • Assess, plan, implement and evaluate documents accurately and timeously, and thereby promote effective service delivery as well as security and confidentiality of information.
  • Set and monitor standards for unit health care delivery regularly, and identify areas for improvement on an ongoing basis.
  • Communicate effectively using a variety of media and technology, including computers.
  • Use interpersonal skills effectively to establish and sustain supportive and therapeutic relationships.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Conduct research of limited scope based on identified needs taking into consideration the steps of the research process, as per standard research text.
  • Conduct research based on ethically sound principles and methods.
  • Develop strategies and/or programmes appropriate to the findings of comprehensive health assessments, based on sound epidemiological principles.
  • Provide care that is based on scientific evidence.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Maintain personal development and emotional balance, and promote effective professional service delivery by oneself and by the health care unit as a totality.
  • Engage in professional development activities contributing significantly to the professional growth of nurses in spheres of influence, and the expected standards of the nursing profession.
  • Conduct research activities to develop own professional knowledge and expertise, and to 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 to do so.
  • 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:
  • Ensure that health care provided is appropriate to the context and based on a comprehensive health assessment.
  • Implement nursing care in an integrated manner, according to plans.
  • Identify changes in the health care status of individuals, groups and/or communities to implement preventive or corrective measures in the interests of general wellbeing timeously.
  • Diagnose and manage conditions accurately according to generally accepted treatment guidelines.
  • Deliver nursing care to provide the necessary physical and psychological care and support for long term and/or terminally ill patients, in line with the accepted scope of nursing practice.
  • Ensure that interventions with patients contribute to the identification and management of conditions, maintenance of homeostasis, the comfort of patients and significant others, and the prevention and/or management of complications.
  • Demonstrate competent clinical skills at all times.
  • Implement problem-solving strategies that are scientific, systematic and appropriate to address identified problems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Prepare the woman and family for pregnancy, childbirth and family changes appropriately, taking into consideration the woman's context/background which is facilitated using antenatal classes and appropriate health education.
  • Conduct obstetric history-taking and physical examination of the pregnant woman in a comprehensive manner, using a variety of available technology.
  • Interpret observed changes and laboratory results accurately appropriately and refer where potential risks to mother and/or foetus exist.
  • Monitor the wellbeing of the foetus by observing foetal movement, heart rate and growth.
  • Monitor and manage the mother during childbirth comprehensively, and understand the physiology of childbirth, using technology to monitor the mother and wellbeing of the foetus.
  • Manage the baby and understand the changes taking place in a newborn baby.
  • Identify potential and actual emergencies of the mother and/or foetus timeously, accurately, manage and refer appropriately.
  • Provide intra-labour care to the mother and baby which complies with generally accepted treatment guidelines, and manage potential and actual emergencies to promote the safety of both mother and baby.
  • Provide integrated postnatal care for the long-term wellbeing of mother and child, in line with the accepted scope of practice for midwives.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The learning outcomes of the qualification will be assessed in an integrated manner. These will include formative and summative assessments.

    Formative assessments include:
  • One written assignment.
  • One test.
  • Oral presentation.

    For each formative task, the learner will receive written and oral individual and group feedback. Learners must obtain a minimum of 40% in formative assessment to be admitted to the final examination.

    Summative assessment includes:
  • A written examination at the end of the semester. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification has undergone international review and, positive comments were provided. Professional nurses and midwives who obtained this qualification are globally highly employable.

    United States of America (USA):
    The University of Virginia offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) over four years. Learners admitted to this qualification are encouraged to use knowledge from their studies in a practical healthcare setting. The learners also undergo clinical residency to support the transition from trainee to professional nurse. The BSN offers strong job prospects and a good salary upon completion. The demand for this qualification is high as the current generation retires, meaning there are lots of job opportunities across the US. The credits value differ because their calculations of the credits are not the same as those in South Africa.

    Sweden:
    Linnaeus University offers a Bachelor of Nursing on a full-time basis over four years. During the study, learners are prepared for four career fields as follows:
  • General Nursing.
  • Community Nursing.
  • Psychiatric Nursing.
  • Midwifery Nursing.

    The qualification focuses on caring for people with different needs in different situations, such as in hospitals, clinics and private practices. This is aimed at primary health care as well the prevention of diseases and the promotion of health, the rendering of clinical nursing services. The emphasis is on the mental health of individuals, families and the community. Learners are taught Midwifery as a separate qualification at the fourth level. During the midwifery period, learners are out of the general section to concentrate on Midwifery only. Upon completion, learners register with the Nursing & Midwifery Council (NMC) as learners and as registered nurses.

    This qualification compares favourably with the international qualifications in terms of similar content coverage, focus, purpose, registration with a professional body and the duration of the study. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Critical Care Nursing, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences Honours in Physiology, 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: 
    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.