School of Nursing

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The School of Nursing at the University of the Western Cape is located in the Community and Health Science faculty.

The School offers education and training in both under and post graduate levels. All programs offered by the School are recognized by the South African Nursing Council for registration and registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The School of Nursing is the largest residential nursing school in the country and offers the Bachelor of Nursing (BNurs) as its core undergraduate programme. The School further offers the Master of Nursing (MNur) and Doctor Philosophy (PhD.) as part of its postgraduate program.

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A conceptual framework for nurse educationalists and professional nurses to facilitate professionalism among undergraduate learner nurses for nursing practice in the Western Cape
(University of Western Cape, 2017) Bimray, Portia Benita; Jooste, K.
Learner nurses are socialised into the professional nursing culture through a formal undergraduate nursing programme, where the professional values of nursing are instilled in them throughout their four-year training. During the four years, learner nurses are prepared by nurse educationalists (nurse educators and clinical supervisors) and professional nurses to become professional to render a quality nursing service. This is in spite of the pressures and challenges related to the ever-changing socio-economic and political climate that influence the health context within which these nurses practice. The researcher became aware of a growing number of complaints from various stakeholders in the nursing profession in the Western Cape about the unprofessional conduct of learner nurses. Nurse educators and professional nurses in practice also complained that learner nurses had not developed professionalism by the end of their 4th years of the nursing programme. Perceptions of nursing professionals were that graduate nurses did not conduct themselves in a professional manner after they had completed the formal undergraduate nurses training programme. From these problems, it became evident that a clear framework for professionalism should be developed for nurse educationalists and professional nurses to facilitate professionalism in undergraduate learner nurses for nursing practice in the Western Cape. The purpose of this study was to develop a conceptual framework for nurse educationalists and professional nurses with which they can facilitate professionalism in undergraduate learner nurses of the nursing practice in the University of the Western Cape. The study departed within the paradigm of the professionalism taxonomy of Brown and Ferrill (2009) and Dickoff, James and Wiedenbach (1968).
A contemporary work performance management framework for the Assistant Nurse Manager in the provincial health-care setting
(University of the Western Cape, 2017) Swartz, Beryldene Lucinda; Jooste, Karien
Performance management (PM) in a work setting is seen as process within the broader human resource management (HRM) system that involves people in the attempt to secure the best work performance from the individuals, the working groups and that of the entire work society. Various factors play a role in the performance of nurse managers in South Africa. Since the determination and the simultaneous implementation in 2007 of the occupational specific dispensation (OSD) job descriptions for nurses working in the government setting in South Africa, the understanding of what the required work performance for the Assistant Nurse Manager (ANM) was, remained unclear, as there was no PM framework that directed the work performance of the ANM in the Western Cape Province (WCP).
A human resource strategy to facilitate competencies of assistant nurse managers in the public health facilities in the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2017) Makie, Vatiswa Veronica; Jooste, K.
The health workforce provides the most important input to any health system. There are estimated to be 59.2 million full-time paid health workers worldwide. The workforce has a strong comprehensive impact on the performance of the health system. Competent nurse managers are needed, particularly in countries such as South Africa, which places nurses at the epicentre of the health delivery system. During the implementation of the Occupational Specific Dispensation in 2007, the post of Assistant Director of Nursing was amended to Assistant Nurse Manager on a higher managerial level and newly appointed ANMs were expected to be competent. A generic human resources strategy was initiated in 2010 because of complaints about the competencies of nurse managers in the South African public health sector. This attempt excluded assistant nurse managers. The aim of this study was to develop a human resources strategy for facilitating the competencies of ANMs at the public health facilities in the Western Cape.
A model for the integration of spiritual care into the nursing curriculum in Nigeria
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Afolayan, Joel Adeleke; Frantz, José
Man is a bio-psycho-social-spiritual being, and his needs are informed by all these elements. The need for spiritual care in nursing education and practice is no longer a new concept in developed countries, nor even in some developing countries. However, in Nigeria, there is no consistent evidence of how spirituality is taught within the nursing curriculum nor how it is practised. The literature review also confirms that no existing set of rules or models for integrating spiritual care into the curriculum of nursing exists in the country. If nursing care is to be holistic, concerted attention must be paid to spiritual care, and to the training of nurses so that they can provide spiritual care within the context of holistic care for patients in the healthcare system. The main purpose of this academic work was to develop a model for the integration of spiritual care-giving into the nursing curriculum. This cross-sectional study used adapted modified Intervention Mapping (IM) strategies with a mixed method approach, to collect in-depth information.
A systematic review of the effectiveness of lifestyle and medication: interventions in the management of hypertension in pregnancy
(University of the Western Cape, 2017) Kutumbuka, Benjamin Kukatula; Phetlhu, D.R.
Pregnancy induced hypertension is one of the causes of maternal, fetus and neonatal morbidity and mortality. It is the condition in which a pregnant woman develops hypertension because of physiological changes that result during pregnancy and both mother and fetus can be affected. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the first target of the third United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG-3) is to reduce the maternal mortality rate (MMR) to less than 10 per 100.000 live births by 2030 (WHO, 2017). This is because globally, about 350 000 women die every year from pregnancy related causes (Hogan, Foreman, & Naghavi, 2010). According to the WHO (2015), these conditions namely post-partum hemorrhage, hypertension in pregnancy, infections, unsafe abortion and other delivery-related complications cause three quarters of all maternal deaths in the World. Hence the needs to prevent or successfully treat conditions that contribute to this scourge (WHO, 2011). The two main interventions that are used to prevent or treat hypertension in pregnancy are medication and lifestyle adjustment. However, it is important to understand the intervention that is most suited to a context and its patient and compare the effects of these interventions on management of hypertension in pregnant women as a patient outcome.
The academic transitional experience of postgraduate students in the faculty of community and health sciences at the University of the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2009) Hoffman, Jeffrey Corne; Julie, Hester; Dept. of Nursing; Faculty of Community and Health Sciences
Transition has been the major focus of educational institutions. The focal argument of the majority of research into student transition deals with the challenges that students faced when they moved from high school to first year at university. Not much focus has been placed on the transition from undergraduate to postgraduate studies. Postgraduate enrollment rates have steadily grown over the past few years in Higher Education Institution`s (HEI). Support systems have been put in place to assist students. In spite of these available support systems, postgraduate students still find themselves facing challenges when engaging with postgraduate studies. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the academic transitional challenges postgraduate students' experience as reflected by the inconsistencies in the enrollment and throughput rates. Secondly, to determine whether students utilised available support systems, e.g. the Academic Writing Centre and the Postgraduate Enrolment and Throughput (PET) programme at the Faculty of Community and Health Science at University of the Western Cape. This was a quantitative study. A cross sectional survey has been conducted by means of a computerised self-administered questionnaire (CSAQ). The study population was postgraduate students in the Faculty of Community and Health Science at masters' level. Both course work and research students were included in the study. No sampling method was employed due to the small size of the population. Data was collected to explore the academic preparedness of postgraduate students, and there primary motivations for studying and the utilization of available support services at the University of the Western Cape.
The academic transitional experiences of masters’ students at the University of the Western Cape
(AOSIS OpenJournals, 2012) Hoffman, Jeffrey C.; Julie, Hester
Transition has been a major focus of educational institutions. However, most of the research into student transition focuses on the challenges related the transition from high school to university. Not much emphasis has been placed on the transition from undergraduate to postgraduate studies, despite the steadily increasing postgraduate enrollment rates in higher education institutions. The discrepancy between the enrollment and completion rates is an indication that postgraduate students are facing transitional challenges when engaging with postgraduate studies. The aim of this research study was to describe the academic transitional experiences of masters’ students in the Faculty of Community Health Sciences at the University of the Western Cape. The objectives were to determine the academic preparedness of postgraduate students, to explore their primary motivations for pursuing postgraduate studies, and to assess their utilisation of the available support services at UWC. A quantitative, exploratory, descriptive research design was employed. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with masters’ students during 2009, using convenience sampling. Data was statistically analysed using the SPSS to provide descriptive statistics. The majority of the sample indicated a lack of academic preparedness, even though most of them had a bachelor’s degree. The primary reasons listed as motivation for master’s study were to improve knowledge and reaching self-actualisation. The majority is still eager to complete their studies. Most support systems were utilised and students rated these services as a positive experience that facilitates smooth academic transition. However, concerns are that not many students utilised the academic writing centre and those who did, rated the overall service as average. One of the main recommendations was that a research culture needs to be established at undergraduate level, as this would give students greater exposure to research activities.
Academics’ knowledge and experiences of interprofessional education and practice
(Health and Medical Publishing Group, 2016) Julie, Hester; Hess-April, Lucia; Wilkenson, J.; Cassiem, Wagheda; Rhoda, Anthea
BACKGROUND. Interprofessional education (IPE) can be seen as the vehicle to address the health and social problems of society through collaborative approaches. Since IPE should be facilitated by educators who are skilled in this area, faculty development initiatives should be based on the principles of IPE and collaborative practice (IPECP). OBJECTIVE. To explore academics’ knowledge and experiences of IPECP. METHODS. The study used an exploratory descriptive design and the appreciative inquiry framework underpinned data gathering and analysis. The data were collected using workshops, and the participants of the workshops shared their knowledge and experiences of IPECP, which were audio-recorded and analysed using thematic analysis. Ethical clearance was obtained from the University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa. RESULTS. The analysis revealed three themes: knowledge of IPE; experiences of IPECP; and enablers of IPECP aligned to the dream and discovery phases of appreciative inquiry. The findings revealed that academics were knowledgeable about the concept of IPE and that their experiences with IPECP ranged from clinical supervision to research. Regarding enablers of IPECP, they provided important input, which could facilitate IPECP in a university faculty. These included competencies for IPECP, professional development and a common practice framework. CONCLUSION. The academics who attended the faculty development workshops were knowledgeable about the concepts of IPECP. They concluded that for IPE to be effective, a common practice framework should be adopted in the faculty to inform specific teaching and learning strategies and outcomes.
Acceptability and feasibility of a screening protocol for antenatal depression (SPADe) in Blantyre District, Malawi
(BMC, 2022) Chorwe‑Sungani, Genesis; Mwagomba, Modesta; Chipps, Jennifer
Depression is one of the most common perinatal mental health problems that afect pregnant women. Antenatal depression can adversely afect the well-being of the pregnant woman and her foetus. Depression is rarely detected by midwives due to the unavailability of relevant screening instruments in Malawi. A Screening Pro‑ tocol for Antenatal Depression (SPADe) was developed and recommended for possible use to screen for depression in antenatal clinics in the country. The acceptability and feasibility of using the SPADe protocol to screen for depression has not been established. The aim of this study was to assess the acceptability and feasibility of screening for depres‑ sion by midwives using SPADe in antenatal clinics in Blantyre district.
Acceptance and commitment therapy in the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV program among pregnant women living with HIV in South Western States of Nigeria
(University of the Western Cape, 2017) Ishola, Adeyinka Ganiyat; Chipps, Jennifer
The objective of this study was to determine if introducing acceptance and commitment therapy in the prevention of mother to child HIV transmission (PMTCT) program using weekly mobile phone messages would result in improved mental health status of HIV-positive, pregnant women in Nigeria. The study used a quantitative approach using a Solomon four-group (two intervention and two control groups) randomised design to evaluate the impact of an acceptance and commitment therapy program. The study population was 132 randomly selected (33 per site), HIV-positive pregnant women attending four randomly selected PMTCT centres in Nigeria. Two were Intervention and two were Control sites which functioned as Intervention and Control groups. The intervention groups were exposed to one session of acceptance and commitment therapy with weekly value-based health messages sent by mobile phone for three months during pregnancy. The control groups received only post-HIV test counselling.
Adequacy and sustainability of undergraduate midwifery programmes training course materials
(African Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Sport and Dance (AFAHPER-SD), 2014) Bimerew, Million; Mbombo, Nomafrench
The purpose of the study was to determine the adequacy and sustainability of Undergraduate midwifery programmes training course materials. A quantitative survey method was employed to collect sustainability data from lecturers and clinical supervisors (N=33) and data on adequacy of the training course materials from graduated professional nurses doing their community service (N=34). The data was analyzed using SPSS programme for frequency distributions and percentages. More than 90% of the participants stated that the integrated PMTCT training course materials were sustainable. Participants stated that they were unlikely or very unlikely to exclude PMTCT competencies from the undergraduate midwifery programme: PICT (provider-initiated counselling and testing)/HCT (HIV counselling and testing) course unlikely (60.61%) and very unlikely (30.3%); antiretroviral therapy (ART) course unlikely (33.33%) and very unlikely (60.61%); PCR testing course unlikely (48.48%) and very unlikely (39.39%); and infant-feeding management course unlikely (27.27%) and very unlikely (66.67%). The course was regarded as very adequate or fairly adequate: PICT/HCT very (59%) and fairly adequate (49.2%); antiretrovirals/ART very (64.7%) and fairly adequate (32.4%); polymerase chain reaction training very (52.9%) and fairly adequate (41.2%); and infant-feeding options very (73.5%) and fairly adequate (26.5%). The results of this study show that PMTCT competency-based course materials were adequately provided to undergraduate midwifery students to equip them with necessary knowledge and skills in management of the PMTCT client. The PMTCT course was regarded as sustainable, which influences its continuation in the midwifery programme after the end of the PMTCT project.
The adequacy of support for community service practitioners at health care facilities in two sub-structures in the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2015) Lagrimas-Botha, Maria; Daniels, Felicity
Introduction: Community service Practitioner's (CSPs), Regulation 425 graduates are placed for a period of 12 months in the public sector designated health facilities where they may encounter possible challenges. The study aimed to determine the perception of CSPs regarding the adequacy of the orientation and support for CSPs' at health care facilities in two sub-structures in the Western Cape Province. The objectives were i) to establish what support systems are in place for the CSPs' at health facilities ; ii) to determine the adequacy for CSPs'; and iii) to identify possible gaps in the orientation and support structures offered at health facilities. Methodology: The study is quantitative and adopted a descriptive design. The population (N=57) included all the CSPs' that are placed in health care facilities within two sub-structures in the Western Cape. A sample of 48 participants was obtained through all-inclusive sampling. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Statistical Package for Social Science(SPSS) software version 22.0 was used for analysis of the data. Ethical considerations: The researcher received approval from Senate Research Committee and ethical clearance from the University of the Western Cape. Permission was granted by department of health and the facility managers of the health care institutions. Informed consent was obtained from participants who were made aware that participation was voluntary, prior to completing questionnaires. Results: The results indicated that the CSPs' are receiving support in designated health facilities in the two sub structures of the Western Cape. Macro and Micro Orientation, supervision in the department and rotation to other departments have been revealed to be an adequate type of support. Possible gaps were identified, namely inadequate length of orientation programmed, as well as some support structures which were either not accessible or known to participants. Recommendations were developed to overcome these challenges.
Admission rates as an indicator of the prevalence of severe asthma in the community
(Wiley, 1998) Jalaludin, Bin; Chey, Tien; Holmwood, Marvin; Chipps, Jennifer; Hanson, Ralph; Corbett, Stephen; Leeder, Stephen
BACKGROUND: A reliable indicator of the prevalence of severe asthma in the community is needed to monitor population-based asthma control strategies. We examined the potential use of asthma admissions to hospital as such an indicator. METHODS: We recruited subjects from the Emergency Department (ED) of a children's hospital. The attending doctor completed the 'physician questionnaire' which included questions on the patient's asthma severity and interval severity/chronicity of asthma. The parent/guardian completed the 'parent questionnaire'. It included questions on demography, asthma knowledge and attitudes, asthma history and social support. We performed univariate and multiple logistic regression to determine predictors for hospital admission. RESULTS: Interval severity of asthma, pre-treatment severity of wheeze and low post-treatment pulse oximetry best predicted whether children presenting with asthma were admitted. Demographic variables, factors associated with access to health services and factors related to the asthma history and management were not significant predictors of admission. DISCUSSION: At the population level, it may be possible to utilise routine hospital admission rates as an indicator of the prevalence of severe asthma in the community, especially within the context of monitoring trends in asthma prevalence. Our study was conducted in a metropolitan tertiary paediatric hospital. The reliability of hospital admission rates as indicators of the prevalence of severe asthma in other hospital settings, in different population groups and over time remains to be established.
Adolescent girls’ sexual and reproductive health information needs and barriers in Cape Town
(AOSIS (Pty) Ltd, 2024) Holtman, Natheerah; Bimerew, Million; Mthimunye, Katlego
Adolescent sexual and reproductive health (SRH) pertains to the mental and physical state of youth and encompasses their capacity to abstain from unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, sexually transmitted infections (stis), including HIV/AIDS, and all types of sexual assault and coercion (Abdurahman et al. 2022). A survey of 70 developing countries indicated that adolescent girls had unmet needs related to SRH services, which resulted in unintended pregnancy and other socio-economic consequences (Woog et al. 2015). Approximately 16 million adolescent girls younger than 19 years give birth each year, accounting for about 11% of all births, with 2 million of these girls being under the age of 15 years (Bałanda-Bałdyga et al. 2020). Although these pregnancies occur across all brackets of socio-economic status and countries (Bałanda-Bałdyga et al. 2020), approximately 95% of adolescent pregnancies were from developing countries, especially in Africa (Odimegwu & Ugwul 2022). Sub-Saharan Africa had the highest prevalence of fertility among young women, and more than 82% of these pregnancies were unintended (Mjwara & Maharaj 2018).
Adolescents' perception of career choice of nursing among selected secondary schools in Jos, Nigeria
(Academic Journals, 2014) Ogunyewo, Oluwatoyin A.; Afemikhe, Juliana A.; Ajio, Daniel K.; Olanlesi-aliu, Adedoyin
The main purpose of this study was to examine the adolescents' perception and choice of nursing as a career in senior secondary schools, and to determine factors that may influence their choice and perception. The study was conducted in four selected schools in Jos metropolis. Each of these schools is unique in features. They include: two government secondary schools (urban and rural) and two private secondary schools (urban and rural). A total of 240 respondents were used for the study. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Data collected were analyzed and presented in frequency tables, percentages, bar chart and chi-square. Findings indicate that 7.5% (n=18) of respondents chose nursing as a career, out of which 83.33% (n=15) were females, while 16.67% (n=3) were males. Interestingly, out of 46.25% of total respondents who would consider nursing as a career, 56.76% were females while 43.26% were males. There is no significant relationship between gender in considering nursing as a career choice; the ownership type of schools, and consideration of nursing as a career choice shows no significance (t=-2.098, critical value=1.658, df=118, p value=0.05.). There is equally no significant relationship between location, and consideration of nursing as a career choice.
Advisory framework to inform the development of a micro-curriculum for a new bachelor of nursing degree programme offered at a University of the Western Cape
(University of Western Cape, 2021) van der Berg, Lindy Sheryldene; Daniels, Felicity
Curriculum review can ensure that nurses develop appropriate competencies to respond to market demand. Regular revision and updating of curricula are in line with recommendations of the WHO to scale-up health professionals' education and training. Introducing transformative changes in education provides an opportunity to review the strengths and weaknesses of the current systems. The nursing profession was the first of the health professions in South Africa to transform its legislative framework, which led to the development of new qualifications.
Affirmative action in South Africa: Are we creating new casualties?
(Wiley, 2013) Adejumo, Oluyinka; Archibong, Uduak
Affirmative action policies in South Africa and other countries have been designed to address inequity and discrimination, and to manage a wide range of diversity in all spheres of life, particularly after the end of apartheid in 1994. Years after implementing affirmative action in South Africa, perceptions of its impact or even benefit seem to vary from person to person. This article presents the fi ndings from a study utilizing different data sources including document review, interviews, and a consensus workshop on the perceptions of the impact of affi rmative action in South Africa. It is part of a larger European Commission–funded comparative study of positive action measures across countries in North America, the European Union, and South Africa. Participants were drawn from different public and private organizational sectors, racial groups, genders, age groups, and people with disabilities. The analyzed data provided insight into how society might be perceiving and reacting to the operation of affirmative action in South Africa.
The affordances of mobile learning for an undergraduate nursing programme: A design-based study
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Willemse, Juliana; Bozalek, Vivienne
The global use of mobile devices, and their connectivity capacity, integrated with the affordances of social media networks, provides a resource-rich platform for innovative student-directed learning experiences. Technology has become embedded in the daily lives of students, who become more approachable when technology is used within the higher education context. In 2014 the Educause Centre for Analysis and Research partnered with 213 higher education institutions across the United States of America. It was established that 86 percent of undergraduate information technology students owned a smartphone and half of that percentage owned a tablet. A systematic review on mobile learning in higher education focusing on the African Perspective in 2017 concluded that there was an increase in the use of mobile learning in higher education. Higher education institutions continue to move away from traditional, lecture-based lessons towards new, innovative teaching and learning methodologies to facilitate emerging pedagogies and strategies, thereby enhancing student learning. The adoption of technological innovation could promote the unfolding of a social process that over time could enhance social connectedness among young students and their older adult educators. Mobile learning is fundamentally defined as “learning with mobile devices” and it has the potential to extend the philosophies of learning through innovation It was identified that research in the field of m-learning can be divided into four areas, namely: pedagogy; administrative issues and technological challenges; ensuring sustainable development in education using m-learning; and the impact of new applications. With the increased need for nursing professionals, promoting the quality and effectiveness of nursing education has become crucial. It is thus important to establish learning environments in which personalised guidance and feedback to students regarding their practical skills and the application of their theoretical knowledge within clinical learning environments is provided.
Alzheimer's disease: a nursing-perspective
(University of the Western Cape, 2007) Splinter, A.
INTRODUCTION: Alzheimer's disease presents a challenge for nursing, nurses, formal and informal carer's of person's with Alzheimer's disease. Theoretical knowledge provides insight and understanding into the bio-psycho-social dimensions of behaviour exhibited by the person with Alzheimer's disease. Theoretical knowledge alone, cannot prepare nurses and family members as carers, for the practicalities and coping skills required on an ongoing daily basis. Family members and carers may at first deny the symptoms they observe and pass it off as part of the ageing process. Cognitive decline is progressive as standards of hygiene, self care and independent living becomes more evident and interferes with activities of independent, daily living. The bio-psycho-social-safety and security needs are individualized and unique to each personality with Alzheimer's disease. This provides a challenge to all nurses and carer's of persons with Alzheimer's disease. This literary study aims to provide practical insights and humane coping skills for family members as carer's and nurses both formally or informally trained, as carer's of persons, with Alzheimer's disease. CONCLUSION: Living with, and caring for an Alzheimer's parent or person draws every bit of physical and emotional strength from the family and carer's.
An assessment of the adherence to guidelines for the management of asthma exacerbations in selected primary healthcare facilities in the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2005) Brickles, Vernon; Dept. of Nursing; Faculty of Community and Health Sciences
Asthma is described as a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways. Recurrent episodes of acute attacks or exacerbation may occur in susceptible individuals. Asthma could be a controllable disorder and most people with asthma should be able to lead a n

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