Course details

Summary

This is a comprehensive programme which combines theory and clinical experience. The curriculum challenges you to go beyond traditional health and illness care to focus on creating a supportive environment for health and wellbeing. The programme blends online learning with classroom teaching and prepares graduates for entry onto the Nursing Council of New Zealand Register of Nurses.

E-learning, technology, and practical experience

Our nursing education blends online learning with classroom teaching – allowing students to study largely off-campus – making it ideal for people with commitments that prevent them from moving away from their home towns. The combination of e-learning, cutting edge technology, and the varied range of nursing experience to be gained here in Northland is quite unique.

Programme aim

The key aim of this programme is to produce competent nurses suitable for registration as Registered Nurses following successful achievement of the NCNZ state final Examination. The programme has been designed to prepare a nurse who can practice at a beginning level in a variety of clinical settings and meet NCNZ competencies for entry to the Register of Registered Nurses.

The Bachelor of Nursing is a progressive sequence of six semesters of study, totalling three years for a full-time student. Students wishing to study part-time should discuss with the nursing programme leader. There is a Nursing Council requirement for you to complete your degree within five years.

How you will learn

This programme is a blend of e-learning and classroom teaching, enhanced by leading-edge technology, which enables the student to study off-campus for much of the course. All classes, with the exception of clinical placements, are delivered onsite and/or online. All students are required to attend onsite learning activities at NorthTec’s Raumaunga Campus, at specified times throughout the programme. These times will be blocked to minimize time away from home and travel for regional students.

• This method of learning is designed to provide the student with the greatest flexibility possible in terms of time and place. Course content that would normally be delivered by a lecturer in a classroom is now accessed through the internet at home. There are weekly requirements for each course and the student can decide what time of day or how many hours they spend online.
• 50% of every New Zealand nursing program must be hands-on. Which means experience in a clinical setting with real patients, so not all of your learning can be accomplished online.

What you will learn

Graduates of this programme will be able to:

• Assess health needs
• Advise and support people to manage their health
• Practice nursing both independently and in collaboration with other health professionals
• Perform general nursing functions and delegate to and direct Enrolled Nurses
• Develop, implement and evaluate an integrated plan of health care, in a range of settings and in partnership with individuals, families, whanau and communities
• Demonstrate attributes of a reflective practitioner
• Understand the importance of self-care and on-going professional development

Career opportunities

Once registered with NCNZ, graduates may be employed in a wide range of health care practitioner roles within hospital and community settings.

• Registered Nurse
• Able to work in all healthcare settings
• Supervise the work of Enrolled Nurses and Health Care Assistants
• Eligible to enrol in postgraduate studies

Entry criteria

Completed NCEA Level 3 with University Entrance including at least:

• 14 credits in an English language rich subject, e.g. English, history, art history, classics, geography, economics.
• 14 credits in a science subject e.g. biology, chemistry, physics, and physical education.

Alternative Educational Criteria

• ‘B' passes in a level 4 Foundation Programme; OR
• Evidence of recent successful study in other relevant courses at tertiary level; OR

Documented verifiable evidence of relevant work life experience (usually the equivalent of two year's full time) that indicates the ability to meet the requirements of this degree. Such evidence would normally include details of roles/responsibilities undertaken, interpersonal skills, other achievements and referee statements. Admission under this provision requires an interview with and approval from the Programme Leader.

English Language Requirements

Applicants where English is not their first language are required to provide evidence that they have achieved an overall IELTS score of 6.5 with not less than 6.5 in each, or in exceptional circumstances a pass in another equivalent test of English.