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
119584	Bachelor of Nursing
ORIGINATOR
Western Cape College of Nursing
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 0333/25	2025-07-10	2028-07-10
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-07-10		2035-07-10

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 purpose of the professional Bachelor of Nursing is to prepare learners for professional practice in nursing and midwifery. The qualification provides learners with a thorough grounding in the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values consonant with the nursing profession and the ability to apply these to professional contexts. To this end there is a large component of work-integrated learning.

The qualification intends to have the following outcomes:

Produce competent professional nurse and midwife practitioners for a wide range of health service settings with emphasis on community-based health care.

Produce professional nurses that will be able to work within teams with a District Health System.

Produce professional nurses that lead community-based teams towards prevention, promotion, care and rehabilitation of health issues and equip qualified learners with well-developed research skills to enable them to contribute meaningfully to the existing body of knowledge and to health services through the application of evidence-based solutions in nursing practice.

Produce qualified learners with a developed sense of equity, justice and service ethics that will ensure that they work in a responsible and accountable manner, critically reflecting on the suitability of different ethical value systems in a diverse society.

Prepare qualified learners to understand roles and relationships in the various systems of health care delivery in the country, ensuring a thorough understanding and application of management principles in different contexts.

Instil commitment to, and desire for continuous ongoing learning in qualified learners that is expressed in constant participation in formal and informal education, as well as the motivation of other categories of nurses to do likewise.

Demonstrate a wide range of transferable skills that are applicable 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. Academic support will be offered to all learners.

Capacity to assess and implement health and other policies.

Ability to plan and implement and manage projects of a varied nature.

Research capacity.
Ultimately therefore, the qualification strives to produce competent, service-driven nurses, who understand and value the practice of culturally competent care and able to effect positive changes in healthcare practices for clients.

The focus of the qualification is on preparing competent qualified learners who are accountable, self-aware, adaptable, and capable of effectively functioning in the local, national, and international health sector. These attributes will be developed through raising learners' awareness and a critical understanding of socio-cultural, political, and economic determinants of health and illness and health service delivery in the country.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5, 6, 7 and 8 totalling 480 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5,120 Credits:

Anatomy and physiology 1, 20 Credits.

Microbiology, 10 Credits.

Physics, 10 Credits.

Chemistry, 10 Credits.

Sociology, 10 Credits.

Ethos and professional practice 1, 10 Credits.

Nursing in the community 1, 25 Credits.

Nursing science 1, 25 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6,120 Credits:

Anatomy and physiology 2, 20 Credits.

Introduction to midwifery,10 Credits.

Ethos and professional practice 2, 15 Credits.

Nursing in the community 2, 20 Credits.

Nursing science 2, 25 Credits.

Introduction to mental health, 15 Credits.

Pharmacology 2,15 Credits.

Compulsory modules, level 7,120 Credits.

Ethos and professional practice 3, 15 Credits.

Nursing in the community 3, 15 Credits.

Community midwifery, 30 Credits.

Mental health, 20 Credits.

Nursing science 3, 15 Credits.

Pharmacology 3, 10 Credits.

Basic nursing research methods, 15 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8,120 Credits:

Midwifery ethical aspects, 20 Credits.

Nursing in the community 4, 20 Credits.

High risk midwifery, 30 Credits.

Research project, 20 Credits.

Health service management, 15 Credits.

Pharmacology 4, 15 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. Apply 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. Communicate information effectively to a range of audiences, including health information systems.
5. Conduct research in investigating nursing and health-related problems 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 safe clinical nursing 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. Apply 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:

Identify the physiological changes that drugs bring about in the human body during clinical placement and in case studies.

Explain the physiology of fertilization, placental development, and the stages of development of the embryo and foetus.

Apply basic infection control principles when providing nursing care to the individuals in community and health care facilities, to prevent the spread of infectious conditions from one individual/patient to another.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Debate ethical issues in midwifery with application of core values, including surrogacy, adoption, termination of pregnancy and termination of treatment.

Ensure the patient understands nursing interventions, communicate in appropriate language, or obtain interpreter so that patient can make informed decisions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Apply the policy in the management of equipment and supplies in a health and /or midwifery service.

Evaluate the compliance of the unit with infection control policies and practices.

Debate the purpose of policy and procedure manuals in the nursing and midwifery service.

Formulate a comprehensive explanation of the concept leadership.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Provide appropriate education for persons with various co- existing health conditions such as pregnant clients or lactating clients also treated for psychiatric conditions and chronic lifestyle diseases.

Present antenatal classes and health education related to pregnancy, childbirth, and family dynamics.

Distinguish between data, information, and knowledge.

Describe the nature of health information systems, including nursing informatics.

Differentiate between elements of an information system in a health facility.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Synthesise the literature review to provide a theoretical basis for the study.

Defend the method of obtaining consent from participants.

Select an appropriate research methodology for the proposed study.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Utilise the performance appraisal interview in a manner that contributes to personal and professional development.

Discuss reasons for change and people's reaction to change in a healthcare or midwifery service.

Provide evidence of professional growth.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Document the requirements to be met when dispensing, labelling, and issuing of prescribed drugs.

Provide proof of competency in adhering to legal requirements when applying the treatment protocols for sick children as determined in the IMCI protocol, Nursing Act; Regulations on the scope of practice of registered nurses; Pharmacy Act and Health Act.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

Compare the dispensing of pharmaceutical products in a primary health care facility and a midwifery facility against legislative requirements.

Develop comprehensive treatment plans for complications during the labour period based upon provincial and national protocols and guidelines, within the ethical legal and professional framework of the profession.

Diagnose high-risk conditions presenting in the neonatal period, using data obtained during comprehensive assessments.

Discuss the physiological adaptations and characteristics of the new-born.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
Assessment consists of a continuous assessment system comprising formative (FA) and summative assessments (SA).
Formative assessment consists of tasks such as a 'quiz', a draft of an essay or report in a writing process, or a 'mock exam', intended as a teaching and learning exercise or as preparation for a continuous summative assessment such as a test, assignment, essay, report, assessment. No marks, or a low mark for purposes of encouragement, are allocated to FA exercises.

Summative assessments consist of assessment tasks such as assignments, case studies, tests, written or oral, portfolios, and workbooks.
Learners' progress will be assessed at the end of a section of work rather than exclusively by final assessment at the end of the semester/year.

A minimum of two and a maximum of three assessments will be performed for a semester subject.
A minimum of three and a maximum of five assessments will be conducted. Assessments (theory and clinical) will contribute equal weight (percentage) towards the final mark.

Assessments will be conducted for both theory and clinical learning (WIL). In the subject, templates for the assessments are stipulated for both theory and clinical learning (WIL component) as well as the content that will be assessed. The information on assessments is provided in the subject guide or the clinical learning workbook.

Learners are provided with all policies in the qualification guide. The assessment dates are provided in the subject guide and WIL portfolio. Learners are prepared for summative assessments using formative assessments after lectures contact periods. The allocation of marks for assessment questions is discussed during formative assessments to prepare learners on how to answer assessment questions. Feedback is also provided directly after formative WIL assessments to guide learners in clinical learning.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY
South Africa provides comprehensive training as basic whereas other countries provide it by way of additional qualifications. The reason is South Africa's emphasis on primary health care, nursing in the health care system and our unique system and range of contexts. The scope of practice for nurses in South Africa is inevitably much broader. The quality and scope of South African qualifications are endorsed by the fact that most first-world countries readily accept South African nursing qualifications, and the UK, USA, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Holland and the UAE are keen to employ South African nurses. South Africa is an active member of the Internal Council for Nursing (ICN) as well as the Internal Labour Organisation (ILO), a member of the African Union (AU), formerly the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Commonwealth. The proposed qualification would meet recognition requirements in most of the member countries of these organisations and throughout Sub-Saharan Africa.

The qualification was compared with the Bachelor of Nursing degrees in Australia and the United Kingdom. The duration of all the degrees is four (4) years.
Similarities:
The comparison revealed that the South African qualification has similar duration and entry requirements to the above international countries.

Country: Australia
Institution: Deakin University
Qualification Title: Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Midwifery
Purpose/Rationale:
The Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Midwifery is a four-year qualification designed to provide specialist skills related to midwifery in addition to those of a Registered Nurse. Upon qualifying, graduates can provide person-centred, evidence-based care of high quality, focused on improving client outcomes. Learners may elect to exit the qualification and complete the Bachelor of Nursing requirements only.

Clinical practice:
Learners are exposed to the clinical environment to develop clinical skills in a variety of settings including acute/sub-acute care, medical and surgical care, midwifery, paediatrics, aged care, rehabilitation, community nursing and mental health nursing. Learners will spend over 42 weeks in various health care settings, including hospitals and community health centres in metropolitan, rural and regional areas.

Professional Recognition:
Upon successful completion of the qualification learners will be eligible to apply for registration as a Registered Nurse and as a Registered Midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). The NMBA has registration requirements that must be met to register. Qualification completion is one of these requirements. These qualifications are currently accredited by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council and are NMBA-approved qualifications at the date of publishing.

Qualification rules:
The Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Midwifery consists of thirty-two (32) credit points of study. Three (3) credit points of units are course grouped for both nursing and midwifery; eighteen (18) credit points are specific to nursing and eleven (11) credit points are specific to midwifery. The course aims to provide graduates with a blend of knowledge, skill, and ethical behaviours appropriate to the professions of both nursing and midwifery.

Similarities:
This qualification compares favourably with the qualification offered by Deakin University. Both qualifications are four years in duration. The qualifications equip learners with skills related to nursing and midwifery which also consist of practice. Both qualifications are recognised with their respective professional bodies within their countries

Country: United Kingdom (UK)
Institution: Nottingham University School of Nursing
Qualification Title: Bachelor of Science (B Sc) in Nursing
Duration: 3-4 years full time
Entry requirements:
A good score in English and Mathematics at 10 + 2 level is required to apply for BSc Nursing in the UK.
Purpose:
The BSc in Nursing imparts knowledge on recent research, practices, and policies related to the field of Nursing. The study covers a variety of specializations like Adult Nursing, Children Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, and Midwifery. Learners will develop clinical skills throughout the course and receive training in clinical ward areas, theatre and recovery, and infection control. Apart from that theoretical knowledge, learners will get exposure through hands-on internship experiences in the same field. The course is top-rated among women and men internationally, as it is a respectable and noble profession. The graduate entry nursing courses lead to registration as a nurse.

After completing the BSc Nursing in the UK, learners can pursue further studies in Master of Science in Nursing. Learners can specialize in subjects like advanced clinical practice and medical decision-making, critical care nursing, and many other subjects.

Qualification structure:
The qualification covers the following compulsory modules:
Foundations in Nursing & Health.
Develop Nursing Practices related to patient care for Acute & Short-term needs.
Develop Nursing Practices related to patient care for Long-Term & Complex Care needs.
Transitions to Professional Practice.

Similarities:
The United Kingdom has the UK Nursing and Midwifery Council, similar to the SANC, the statutory professional body and the duration of both nursing training qualifications is four years.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

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

Bachelor of Health Sciences in Nursing, NQF Level 8.

Bachelor of Nursing Honours in Education, NQF Level 8.

Bachelor of Nursing Honours in Administration, NQF Level 8.

Bachelor of Nursing Honours in Advanced Midwifery and Neonatal Nursing, NQF Level 8.

Postgraduate Diploma in Adult Critical Care Nursing, NQF Level 8.

Vertical Articulation:

Master of Education: Nursing Education, NQF Level 9.

Master of Nursing, NQF Level 9.

Master of Nursing Science: Advanced Midwifery, NQF Level 9.

Master of Nursing in Maternal and Child Health, NQF Level 9.

Master of Nursing Science: Research, NQF Level 9.

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

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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.

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