You may want to work as a licensed nurse in South Africa, and you wish to know the pay of a registered nurse working in South Africa; here, you’ll find the answer to that question. First, let’s examine how to become a licensed nurse in South Africa.
Who is a Nurse?
According to the International Council of Nurses (ICN), a nurse has completed a course of generalized and primary nursing education and is licensed by the competent authorities to perform nursing work in their country. ICN further stated that they must be adequately prepared and licensed to practice the fundamental nature of nursing that includes health promotion and prevention of illness and treatment of the physically ill, disabled, mentally ill, and physically ill of all ages in any situations; to conduct health education as well as actively be part of the health care system, and be involved in studies.
What are the Functions of a Nurse?
The most important job of nurses is to advocate for patients and assist patients through illness and health. But, other duties of a nurse are part of a nurse’s job. These include the following:
- Keep a record of the family and medical histories of the patient.
- Note your symptoms for the patient.
- Teamwork with other teams to create plans for the patient’s treatment
- Promote the health and well-being of patients
- Keep track of your patient’s health and note vital health indicators.
- Apply treatments and medications
- Use the medical equipment to operate.
- Conduct diagnostic tests
- Instruct patients on how to manage ailments
- Give support and assistance to patients.
How can I become a certified nurse in South Africa?
Nursing is recognized as among the top essential occupations that exist currently. This is due to its ability to keep the health sector of a nation functioning. The job can be described as a more passion-driven service than a job. Before you decide to go into this field, it is essential to be aware of the requirements nurses from South Africa are required to be able to complete in terms of their training. Understanding these requirements and the courses in nursing is crucial to achieving your dream job.
To become a nurse certified, you must undergo two stages:
- You need to obtain a degree from an accredited college. Private Nursing schools within South Africa and public institutions offer the same degree and certificates. You must select the right school for your requirements to earn your diploma.
- Then, you must be registered with the South African Nursing Council (SANC).
To complete your degree, you must select a school which meets your requirements.
Different Kinds of Nurses in South Africa?
There are three kinds that nurses can be found in South Africa:
- Registered nurses or nursing sisters are accountable for supervising enrolled nurses and auxiliary nurses.
- Enrolled Nurses provide only a small amount of nursing care.
- Enrolled Nursing Auxiliaries take care of basic procedures and provide care for patients on a more general scale.
What is Nurse Salary in South Africa Per Month?
The salary of a Nurse in South Africa is R18,692 per month. The salary of a registered nurse in South Africa varies in each region of the country. Nurse salary in South Africa is also affected by the year of experience and where he or she is working as a Nurse. As the year of experience increases so will the nurse salary also increases.
Also Read: How to Become a Midwife in South Africa
What are the prerequisites to being a nurse in South Africa?
There are a variety of steps to take to become a registered nursing South Africa:
- You can apply and be enrolled at an accredited nursing school approved through The SA Nursing Council. For an application, don’t hesitate to contact your preferred school via email or in person to pick up an application form.
- After the study, the new nurses must finish a year of compulsory community service before joining the workforce.
- Following graduation, the school will provide an official certificate of completion for the SANC.
- Then, you’ll be required to join your local SA Nursing Council.
To be able to register, you’ll have to submit these documents.
- Identification proof
- A certificate of good standing and character
- The proof of your qualifications
- Prescribed registration fee
- Additional reports and details about your application may need to be provided by the registry.
- In the end, you need to be able to sit for the SANC-administered nurse examination that matches the certification you want. There are tests for different types of nursing professions. To see an exam calendar, go to the website the SANC.
What are the prerequisites to pursue a nursing degree to study nursing in South Africa?
To become a certified nurse, you need to complete at least one of the following things:
1. A four-year bachelor’s of nursing degree (Baur”Bachelor of Science in Nursing Administration, Education & Administration)
The Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing is generally a four-year program offered by various private universities across South Africa, including UCT, Wits, Stellies (only postgrad), UWC, NWU, UKZN, and UNISA, and many more. The program consists of the requirement for practical training and a theoretical part.
In the practical portion, you will learn to carry out the tasks you’ll need to master to become a nurse. In the theoretical portion, you will be taught the theories of what it takes for a nurse to do. In addition, you will learn about biology, medical as well as natural science, psychology as well as social science, and the field of pharmacology to ensure that you have the skills you require to be knowledgeable and efficient healthcare professional.
Admission Requirements To apply for the four-year Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, it’s suggested to study Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences and Life Sciences. However, it isn’t required in all universities. You’ll need the National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualifications at the entry-level four, which includes:
- English (50-59%)
- First additional or the language of your home (50-59 per cent)
- Life Sciences (50-59%)
- Maths Literacy (50-59%)
- Life Orientation (50-59%)
The Baur typically prepares students to be employed in four distinct areas:
- Nursing general (working in medical practices)
- Community Nursing
- Mental health nursing
- Midwifery (caring for babies and mothers)
After you have completed a BCur (or the equivalent) and have passed the BCur exam, you can become a registered professional nurse and midwife through the SANC.
2. A Three-year Diploma In Nursing
The Vaal University of Technology, Durban University of Technology, CPUT, TUT, and other technology universities offer nursing diplomas. The course lasts a total of three years for completion and also is comprised of both theoretical and practical work. This course will work similarly to what you will learn within Baur. Baur degree. It is less in-depth on the subject since the course is less extensive. Learn how to offer nursing treatment, apply your knowledge to the practice of nursing, identify and treat minor ailments, and offer reproductive health care.
Once you have completed this certification, you are qualified to become a registered nurse on staff or a registered nurse.
Qualifications for Entry: To be eligible for the test, it is required to have a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualifications at exit stage 3 or 4, according to the very institution. It isn’t essential that you have completed maths or physical sciences since it’s not required to be used for the Baur; however, you will require the following:
- English (50-59%)
- Home or first language (50-59 per cent)
- Other subjects (50-59 per cent)
- Life Orientation (50-59%)
3. A One-Year Higher Certificate In Auxiliary Nursing
It is a one-year course designed to provide students with the necessary skills you’ll require to provide primary nursing care for people. When you complete the course, you will work under an experienced licensed nurse who’s earned their diploma or degree.
When you’ve completed your higher certificate, you’ll be eligible to apply as an enrolled nursing assistant.
Admission Requirements To learn this course, you’ll require a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification at the exit level 3 or 4, depending on the institution. The course is designed to enhance and strengthen your nursing and midwifery knowledge. Through this program, you will be specialized as a midwife or Nurse. This program will also be just one-year long and may only be completed once you have obtained an education diploma or degree in nursing. Contrary to other programs, it is mainly theoretical. The degree can also help those who want to make a career path in nursing management. In the postgraduate program, one who graduated in nursing must finish being employed as a nursing sister within South African Hospitals.
It’s not as crucial to have studied Maths, physical sciences, or even life sciences as necessary for the Baur. However, you’ll require the following information:
- English (50-59%)
- First additional or the language of your home (50-59 per cent)
- The fourth subject (50-59 per cent)
- Life Orientation (50-59%)
This course will help you understand what you need to know about principles, the practice of primary nursing, and how to plan, assess and execute the essential nursing services for individuals and groups.
4. One-year Postgraduate Advanced Diploma In Nursing And Midwifery As An Addition To Your Degree Or Diploma.
After you’ve completed your degree and diploma, you’ll be required to pursue an advanced degree to pursue a career in management of nursing; for this advanced diploma, it is necessary to hold at least a bachelor’s degree or a certificate in Nursing. Additionally, you must have at least two years of experience working as a Midwife or Nurse.
You may choose to finish your education at a public institution of higher learning or a private nursing college. Private colleges, including Mediclinic, Netcare Education or Life College, offer identical degrees or diplomas as the universities and schools of technology.
Application requirements to register in this program below are the requirements:
- Bachelor of Science of Nursing (or the equivalent) or a degree, comprehensive diploma
- Midwifery and nursing diplomas
- The advanced certificate in nursing, staff nurse and
- Advanced diploma
In Conclusion
Like other professions, it is rewarding and has demanding elements. You assist people and work with them as well as facing many challenges to the job; however, when you are a person who enjoys working with others and has a desire to aid other people and makes an impact think of yourself as a compassionate, resourceful and responsible, perform well under pressure, and are interested in medical sciences and sciences. Nursing is the career path you ought to consider.
It requires a particular type of person to become a nurse. Although there are various types of Nurses across South Africa, becoming a Nurse isn’t tricky. Be aware that the kind of Nurse you’d like to become depends on the kind of degree or certificate you’re looking to pursue.
Also read:
- What is the salary of a Pharmacist in South Africa
- What are the career opportunities in Nursing
- The salary of a Nurse Midwife in South Africa
- Perioperative Nurse Salary in South Africa
- What is the Salary of Pediatric Nurses in South Africa
