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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Nursing 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118180  Bachelor of Nursing 
ORIGINATOR
Walter Sisulu University 
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  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  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
87508  Bachelor of Nursing  Level 7  Level N/A: Pre-2009 was L7  480  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The primary purpose of this Bachelor of Nursing is to provide a well-rounded broad education that equips qualified learners with applied competencies (reflexive, practical knowledge, theoretical foundation and autonomy of learning) and a field of study that enables them to demonstrate initiative and responsibility in an academic or professional context.

The qualified learner will function as a generalist nurse in Medical and Surgical Nursing, Primary Health Care, Mental Health Nursing and Midwifery Nursing settings. This qualification prepares learners for professional training in nursing, postgraduate studies, research and professional practice in a wide range of careers.

The qualification aims to:
  • Produce competent professional nurse practitioners within a wide range of health service settings.
  • Provide learners with a wide range of skills, knowledge and attitudes that will enable them to make a meaningful and sustained contribution to health services.
  • Equip learners with a developed sense of equity, justice and service ethics that will ensure responsibility and accountability irrespective of the chosen workplace.
  • Offer a wide range of transferable skills for application in other professions, disciplines and general life including but not limited to:

    A methodical solution-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.
  • Ability to provide leadership.
  • An empowerment-based approach to the development of self and others.

    Rationale:
    The current Bachelor of Nursing qualification (R425) will be phased out, and in terms of the Government Gazette of 08th March 2011 - Regulation 174, a new qualification must be designed.

    The institution offers the Bachelor of Medicine in Clinical Practice and the Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion. The Bachelor of Nursing qualification will complement the afore-mentioned health professions and synergise with a multi-disciplinary health team.

    The community served by the institution is a predominantly rural and under-privileged population which is characterised by poor health indicators. Therefore, when learners are placed in the community they will serve as they learn and that will improve health outcomes. Qualified learners will be a valuable asset to their immediate families and the community.

    According to the Department of Health Human Resources Development Plan, there is a need for more trained nurses to meet complex health needs and for Primary Health Care Re-Engineering. The learners will be trained to take care of the demands of the health services in terms of the Nursing Act 2005 (No. 33 of 2005). The South African Nursing Council (SANC) prescribes the scope of practice to guide the functioning of nurse practitioners. On successful completion of this qualification, the learner is eligible for registration with SANC as a Professional Nurse and Midwife as defined in the Nursing Act, 2005 (Act No 33 of 2005).

    Upon completion of the qualification, qualified learners will be able to work as independent practitioners (professional nurses) in public and private hospitals, clinics, hospices, Defence, Police, NGO's, Occupational Health, Pathology Laboratories, Blood Banks, Medical Aid Advisors, and Hospital CEOs.

    The nursing profession appeals to individuals because of job assurance opportunities, to gain more knowledge on health-related issues, offers opportunities for professional growth within the health industry. The learner will be motivated and self-directed towards advanced scholarship (life-long learning), equipped with knowledge and skills of the research process and use of the evidence-based practice in the execution of nursing interventions.

    The professional nurse will be comprehensively qualified with a scope that includes obstetric skills, mental health, and primary health care (First level contact and provision of health services with a referral system in operation when cases are beyond their scope).

    Under being comprehensively trained, the qualified learner shall be able to provide preventive and promotive, curative and rehabilitative care thus improving the health status of individuals, families, communities and society. There are increased employment opportunities and one can practise independently as a private nurse practitioner.

    The economy will be improved because of a healthy workforce, improved productivity, reduced burden of disease resulting in reduced health care costs. In private practice, a nurse can create employment opportunities. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Learners who do not meet the above requirements but have relevant work experience may apply for admission through the RPL process.

    The institution's RPL policy provides guidelines for all departments on how to implement RPL admission. The RPL applicant submits a portfolio of evidence and an application fee. The portfolio of evidence is sent to the HOD for assessment and moderation. Once the learner is deemed competent for admission the HOD releases a report to the Quality Assurance Office and Admissions office. The learner is then admitted through the institution's admission route. The learner can also be credited towards some modules.

    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 Life Sciences. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6, 7 and 8 totalling 504 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Fundamentals of Nursing, 32 Credits.
  • Community Oriented Care, 32 Credits.
  • Anatomy, 24 Credits.
  • Biophysics, 8 Credits.
  • Human Behavioural Sciences, 16 Credits.
  • Computer and Communication Skills, 8 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 120 Credits:
  • Medical and Surgical Nursing 1, 48 Credits.
  • Community Health Nursing 1, 16 Credits.
  • Physiology, 24 Credits.
  • Pharmacology, 16 Credits.
  • Biochemistry, 8 Credits.
  • Microbiology and Parasitology, 8 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 120 Credits:
  • Medical and Surgical Nursing 2, 32 Credits.
  • Midwifery Nursing Practice, 32 Credits.
  • Community Health Nursing 2, 16 Credits.
  • Nursing Management 1, 8 Credits.
  • Nursing Research, 16 Credits.
  • Mental Health Nursing, 16 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 144 Credits:
  • Medical and Surgical Nursing 3, 32 Credits.
  • Primary Health Care, 32 Credits.
  • Nursing Management 2, 16 Credits.
  • Nursing Ethos and Professional Practice, 32 Credits.
  • Research Project, 32 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. 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 population needs.
    2. 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.
    3. Manage a health care unit and health facility based on 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 and health-related problems to improve the quality of care.
    6. Apply learning strategies effectively to address own and other's professional ongoing learning needs in a self-critical manner.
    7. Apply knowledge of theories, methods and techniques in the practice of safe clinical nursing that is responsive to the needs of the individual, family and community, following 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:
  • Apply knowledge of psychology in nursing and midwifery practice in ways that benefit the level and quality of health care delivery to patients according to standard text.
  • Confirm that knowledge of bio-natural sciences meets requirements for professional health care and promotes effective nursing and midwifery care delivery.
  • Help the client to identify indicators of relapse or complications and find 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) following relevant legislation and protocols.
  • Demonstrate understanding of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics as well as standard treatment protocols /guidelines in prescribing and administering drugs to women perinatally.
  • Apply pharmacological principles correctly in the care and control of drugs used for neonates according to prescribed guidelines.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Promote advocacy activities for individual, group and community rights concerning law and health care provision.
  • Confirm practice is applied consistently in a manner that reflects a clear understanding and interpretation of the requirements of SA Nursing and Health Care legislation including the 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 3:
  • Base planning and provision for health care on sound assessment and make informed decisions.
  • Include patient and other key stakeholders in planning.
  • Confirm that the unit philosophy, vision, mission, goals, policy and procedures developed 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 that 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 deliver effective 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 according to standard guidelines.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Organise, present and communicate professional information accurately 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.
  • Assess, plan, implement and evaluate documents 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 gather the information that 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 supportive and therapeutic relationships.

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

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Maintain own personal development and manage emotional balance that promotes effective and professional service delivery of self and the health care unit.
  • Engage in professional development activities that contribute significantly to the professional growth of nurses in the sphere of influence and the standing of the nursing profession.
  • Engage in research activities that develop own professional knowledge and expertise and contribute to the development of nursing practice and the profession in general.
  • Direct learning strategies towards positive health outcomes and use relevant teaching strategies.
  • Direct mentoring activities towards the development of others according to their needs and scope of practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Provide health care that is appropriate to the particular context and based on 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 in general in time, to implement preventive or corrective measures in the interest of general wellbeing.
  • Diagnose and manage conditions according to generally accepted treatment guidelines.
  • Confirm that nursing interventions are appropriate and based 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).
  • Certify that interventions with mentally ill persons are consistent with generally accepted psycho-social techniques and contribute to the therapeutic management of these patients.
  • Provide support 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.
  • Deliver nursing care that 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.
  • Confirm that 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/or management of complications.
  • Demonstrate competent clinical skills.
  • Make clinical decisions/judgements following principles of clinical governance.
  • Use problem-solving strategies that 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 and take into consideration the woman's context/background and facilitate antenatal classes and appropriate health education.
  • Take obstetric history and conduct a physical examination of the mother comprehensively, using a variety of available technology.
  • Interpret observations of significant changes and appropriately refer to laboratory results where a potential risk to mother and /or foetus exists.
  • Certify the wellbeing of the foetus by monitoring foetal movement, heart rates and growth.
  • Monitor and manage the mother during labour and delivery and understand the evidence of the physiology of labour, the technology used to monitor the mother and wellbeing of the foetus.
  • Demonstrate understanding of changes taking place in a newborn baby through management of the newborn.
  • Identify, manage and refer potential and actual emergencies of the mother and/or foetus.
  • Confirm that intra-labour care delivered to the mother and baby complies with generally accepted treatment guidelines, manage potential and actual emergencies and promote the safety of both
  • Deliver integrated post-natal care and provide for the long-term well-being of mother and child, in line with the accepted scope of practice for midwives.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative Assessments:
    Tests, role plays, presentations, class activities and assignments to assess individual assimilation of theoretical knowledge according to the different levels of knowledge acquisition will be conducted throughout the year for all the modules.

    Summative Assessments:
  • Projects.
  • Portfolios.
  • Clinical examinations.
  • Simulations.
  • Work-place assessments and practical work.
  • Written examinations 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The South African qualification uses a Problem-Based approach to learning. This approach is widely used Internationally by universities such as Mc Master in Canada and the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom.

    Country: Canada
    Institution: Mc Master University
    Qualification title: Bachelor of Nursing

    Comparison:
  • Duration:
    The Mc Master University qualification's duration is 4 years which is the same as the South African qualification.
  • Teaching Strategy:
    Both qualifications utilise Problem Based Learning (PBL) which is a person-centred approach where lecturers are used as facilitators of learning using tutorial classes whilst facilitating self-directed learning.
  • Curriculum:
    The curriculum includes the following areas for both qualifications:
    > Anatomy and Physiology.
    > Psychological and Social Sciences.
    > General Nursing Care across the different levels.

    A slight difference within this qualification is the inclusion of Midwifery as the curriculum intends to address the Health Care challenges within South Africa.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: Liverpool University
    Qualification title: Bachelor of Nursing (BN) (Hons)

    Comparison:
    Upon completion of the Bachelor of Nursing (BN) (Hons), graduates register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) or the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), in the same way, the South African graduates will register with the South African Nursing Council as Professional Nurses.

    The curriculum includes the following areas:
    Physiology, Pathophysiology; Behavioural sciences, Research, caring for the Seriously Ill Person, Public health, Communication and Clinical skills, incorporating skills associated with curative, acute and long term and rehabilitative care, palliative and end of life care and practice placement learning which is comparable to the South African qualification.

    Practical Learning:
    Learners are exposed to a practical learning environment at clinics, community centres and hospitals which is similar to the South African situation. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Nursing Science, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing and Health Services Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Nursing Honours, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Nursing Science, 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.