Bachelor of Nursing

This degree produces graduates who demonstrate competence to practice at a beginning level in all domains of practice for registered nurses as identified by Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) (2007). This qualification enables graduates to work in a variety of clinical contexts to “utilise nursing knowledge and complex nursing judgment to assess health needs and provide care and to advise and support people to manage their health” (Nursing Council of New Zealand, 2007a p.1). Successful completion of the Bachelor of Nursing will enable students to sit NCNZ examination for registration as a nurse and apply for registration status as a New Zealand registered nurse.

Graduates will be able to:

• provide and facilitate the provision of nursing care within a partnership framework that recognises and values collective and individual differences, worth and dignity;
• demonstrate a knowledge of the Treaty of Waitangi and its implications to health and health care delivery, and hence facilitate the provision of culturally safe nursing care in different social, political, economic and cultural contexts;
• demonstrate the abilities of an empowered and self-directed learner who is able to reflect on self and practice;
• comprehend, critique and apply knowledge from nursing and other related disciplines in an appropriate and safe practice context; facilitate the competent and safe provision of nursing care to groups and individuals within a variety of settings;
• critically analyse and apply the principles of primary health care to groups and individuals within a variety of settings;
• competently practice within legal and ethical parameters of the nursing profession;
• actively contribute to the profession of nursing demonstrated by ongoing personal and professional development; recognise, value, critique and apply research to nursing practice;
• establish effective communication strategies and therapeutic relationships with clients and health care team members;
• collaborate and participate with colleagues and members of the health care team to facilitate and coordinate care; and
• meet the requirements of the NCNZ for registration as a registered nurse.

Entry Criteria

Admission and entry requirements for this qualification are in accordance with Waiariki’s Academic Regulations and the following criteria:

• applicants must be 17 years or over; and
• applicants who have had a criminal conviction at any time in the past must declare the circumstances to the school director.