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
96516  Bachelor of Nursing 
ORIGINATOR
University of Venda 
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
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 1141/23  2021-07-01  2024-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2026-06-30  

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
9561  Bachelor of Nursing Science  Level 6  NQF Level 07  480  Complete 

This qualification is replaced by: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
118179  Bachelor of Nursing  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  480  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
  • Produce competent professional nurse practitioners within a wide range of health service settings.
  • Provide graduates with a wide range of skills, knowledge and attitudes that will enable them to make a meaningful and sustained contribution to health services.
  • Equip graduates 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.
  • Offer 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 development of self and others.
    > Competence in written and oral communication.
    > Capacity to assess and implement health and other policies.
    > Ability to plan and implement and manage projects of a varied nature.
    > Research capacity (Source: SANC, Revised Curriculum Framework, July 2014).

    Rationale:
    Responding to the national needs and skills shortage of Nurses in the region. The programme is responsive to improving the health status of people in South Africa, particularly in the rural areas of Limpopo Province, which is achieved through the provision of a quality community-based, primary health-care-focused, problem-based and project-driven curriculum. The South African Strategic Plan based its premise on the primary health care approach, in order to deliver primary health care services to the rural health settings. The Department of Advanced Nursing Science takes into consideration the role of competent Nurse Practitioners who will be able to assess, diagnose, plan and implement nursing care to individuals, families and communities within the region. Limpopo Province faces a quadruple 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 healthcare needs of the country's people. South Africa has a health workforce crisis, characterised by critical shortage, imbalanced skills mix, migration and uneven geographical distribution of health professionals. Limpopo Province is one of the poorest regions in South Africa with low socio-economic status, with most of its population unemployed and dependable on social grants resulting in the whole population depending on public health facilities and sub-total health outcomes. 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 University of Venda is responding to changing needs, developments, priorities and expectations related to health and healthcare. Nursing students 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 to 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 Vhembe District is also the first to pilot 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 and through prior experience as a practitioner in the field of Nursing.

    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.

    RPL will be in accordance with the policies and procedures of the University of Venda and in agreement with procedures of the relevant statutory body (South African Nursing Council).

    Entry Requirements:
    Candidates should be in possession of Matric certificate with exemption:
  • Candidates should be in possession of National Senior Certificate Endorsed Bachelor's Degree and adequate achievement in Life Sciences (5) and English (5).

    Matric certificate prior to 2008 candidates should have at least:
  • D (HG) or C (SG) in Biology and D (HG) or C (SG) in English.
  • Candidates will be subject to selection by writing an assessment test.

    Recommended Subjects:
  • Mathematics/Mathematics Literacy.
  • Physical Sciences.
  • Computer Literacy.

    The above criteria shall apply to both South African and foreign candidates.

    In addition, registration of foreign students will be in accordance with the South African Nursing Council's policy:
  • Candidates should provide proof that the learning experience to be obtained in South Africa is a requirement for a Nursing Education and training programme followed in their country of origin.
  • Proof of registration as a student from the student's country of origin. Hold professional indemnity insurance which is valid in South Africa.
  • Provide proof of National Identity in the form of a National Identity Document or Passport from the country of origin.
  • Visa or specific permit from the Department of Home affairs.
  • Candidates who fulfil the above requirements will be granted a letter of conditional admission prior the application to the South African Nursing Council (SANC).
  • The university will lodge an application to council on behalf of the candidate prior to registration as a student.
  • Registration for the programme will proceed upon receipt of the SANC's letter granting limited registration for foreign student/s.
  • A student must pass the relevant practical examinations in each year of study According to SANC requirements. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Level 1:
  • Integrated specialised Nursing Skills, 36 Credits.
  • Psychiatric Nursing Science, 30 Credits.
  • Pharmacology, 6 Credits.
  • Integrated Nursing Science (Clinical Assessment Diagnosis and Treatment), 34 Credits.
  • Primary Health Care, Community Development, Health Promotion and Health Education, 12 Credits.
  • Social Sciences (Sociology of Health and Illness), 12 Credits.
  • Child and Adolescence Health and Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI), 12 Credits.
    Total credits: 142.
    Total clinical hours: 848.

    Level 2:
  • Integrated specialised Nursing Skills, 36 Credits.
  • Psychiatric Nursing Science, 30 Credits.
  • Pharmacology, 6 Credits.
  • Integrated Nursing Science (Clinical Assessment Diagnosis and Treatment), 34 Credits.
  • Primary Health Care, Community Development, Health Promotion and Health Education, 12 Credits.
  • Social Sciences (Sociology of Health and Illness), 12 Credits.
  • Child and Adolescence Health and Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI), 12 Credits.
    Total credits: 142.
    Total clinical hours: 848.

    Level 3:
  • Midwifery skills, 24 Credits.
  • Science of midwifery, 30 Credits.
  • Psychiatric Nursing Science, 16 Credits.
  • Integrated Nursing Science (Clinical Assessment Diagnosis and Treatment), 33 Credits.
  • Integrated specialised Nursing Skills, 15 Credits.
  • Introduction to Nursing Research, 12 Credits.
    Total credits: 130.
    Total clinical hours: 1240.

    Level 4:
  • Integrated Management Skills, 22 Credits.
  • Integrated Nursing Management Science, 26 Credits.
  • Science of Midwifery, 10 Credits.
  • Specialised Midwifery Skills, 12 Credits.
  • Ethics and Ethos of Professional Practice, 10 Credits.
  • Research Project, 10 Credits.
  • Project Management, 40 Credits.
    Total credits: 130.
    Total clinical hours: 1400.

    Total credits for the programme: 544.
    Total clinical hours for the programme: 4048. 
    		•

    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 practice within the legal framework.
    2. 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.
    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, 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 that is responsive to the needs of the individual, the family and the community, in accordance with 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 (SANC, Revised Curriculum Framework, July 2014). 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Advocate for activities that promote individual, group and community rights with respect to law and health care provision.
  • Maintain privacy for all patients.
  • Maintain professional secrecy.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of Psychology and Sociology in Nursing and Midwifery practice in ways which 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.
  • Ability to assess and diagnose deviations from normal to abnormal.
  • Demonstrate understanding of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, as well as standard treatment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Implement nursing interventions based on individualised plans that reflect 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 treatment and manage common conditions (including prescribing and dispensing medication) in accordance with relevant legislation and protocols.
  • Ensure that health care provided is appropriate to the particular context and based on a comprehensive health assessment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • 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, South African Nursing Council (SANC) requirements and international best practices for the profession.
  • 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.

    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.
  • 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.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • 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.
  • Demonstrate competent clinical skills at all times.
  • Implement problem-solving strategies that are scientific, systematic and appropriate to addressing identified problems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • 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.
  • 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 to the expected standards of the nursing profession.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Apply protocols/guidelines evident in prescribing and administering drugs to women perinatal.
  • Apply Pharmacological principles in the care and control of drugs used for Neonates.
  • Prepare the woman and family for pregnancy, childbirth and family changes appropriately, taking into consideration the woman's context/background which is facilitated by means of 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.

    Integrated Assessment:
  • For each module, students will be expected to submit one written assignment (20%), write one test (30%), give oral presentation (10%), and write one 3 hours examination (40%) at the end of semester. For each formative task given, student will receive written and oral individual and group feedback.
  • Student must obtain minimum of 40% in formative assessment to be admitted in final examination (Summative assessment).
  • Final pass mark will be 50%. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification is comparable with the Nursing degree Programme in Health Studies in the following universities:
  • Makerere University of Technology, Tanzania.
  • Virginia University, United States of America.
  • Linnaeus University, Sweden.

    The programme has undergone international review and, positive comments were provided.

    Professional Nurses and Midwives who obtained this qualification are globally highly employable. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The Bachelor Degree in Nursing and Midwifery, articulates with:
  • The Postgraduate Diploma.
  • The Master's Degree in Nursing. 
    		•

    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.
     
    1. University of Venda 


    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.