Staff Nurse
OFO No:
Youtube clip – All about Nursing Careers
For training options in South Africa – scroll down
What is a Staff Nurse?
Did you know – Both men and women can become Nurses?
Did you know – Nurses are in demand!
Staff Nurses assist doctors with medical procedures and taking care of patients.
Staff Nurses take care of the sick, injured and the weak and are involved in health guidance and counseling. They form part of a team of professional workers such as doctors and other medical personnel.
Nursing is divided into 4 areas:
Acute Care
treatment of a disease for only a short period of time
Primary Care
this is the widest area of nursing which covers patients seeking to maintain optimal health and patients with multiple chronic diseases, for example: hypertension, diabetes etc
Palliative Care
generally it’s the care for the terminally ill
Specialised Care
midwifery, in surgery and post surgery care
Working as a Staff Nurse can mean long hours – working shifts into the nights, weekends and holidays. They are required to be on their feet all day and are often under a lot of pressure. They ensure the safety and survival of the patient.
As demanding as it may be, the flip side is that it is a very satisfying and rewarding profession. They help people and make a difference in their lives.
Nurses are essential to the health care system worldwide.
Nurses can work in various settings: including hospitals, homes (old age and youth), community clinics, schools, and general practices.
They can work locally as well as internationally.
What does a Staff Nurse do?
- delivers nursing care to sick or disabled patients / groups
- diagnoses and treats minor ailments
- makes beds
- attends wounds and medications of patients
- feeds patients when necessary
- makes sure patients are comfortable
- keeps records up to date
- encourages patients
Are you . . . ?
- a person who interested in the well-being of others?
- caring and sensitive?
- responsible and dependable?
- able to follow orders carefully?
- able to assume responsibility and a leadership role ?
- able to work as part of a team ?
- able to take the initiative in emergencies ?
- be sympathetic and flexible?
- good at communicating?
- tolerant, patient and tactful?
- able to deal with people from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures ?
- able to work well under pressure?
- emotionally stable and physically fit to work long hours?
How do I become a Staff Nurse?
You will need to complete a Diploma in Nursing: Staff Nurse
- This qualification is intended to prepare the qualifying learner as a generalist nurse who will be able to meet the service delivery needs of the country.
PATH 1
Diploma in Nursing: Staff Nurse
- Minimum Requirements:
- National Senior Certificate or an equivalent qualification at exit level 3 and 4
- Communication Skills at NQF Level 4
- Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4
- Computer Literacy at NQF Level 3
- Life Science at NQF level 4
- Register as a Staff Nurse with the South African Nursing Council
- CLICK HERE for more info
PATH 2
Diploma in Nursing: Staff Nurse
- RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning)
- To work out your credits for minimum RPL requirements CLICK HERE for more info
- Register as a Staff Nurse with the South African Nursing Council
- CLICK HERE for more info
- SOUTH AFRICAN NURSING COUNCIL
Approved Nursing Education Institutions: (note, that these can change without notice)
http://www.sanc.co.za/neis.htm
WARNING
There are a lot of illegal nursing institutions operating in South Africa.
It is very important to make sure that the institution is approved by the Nursing Council AND that the training programme (course) is approved by the Nursing Council.
If not, the Nursing Council will not recognise the training. This means that the student will not be able to practice in South Africa (or elsewhere) after completing the training. All the time and money will be wasted.
OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Phlebotomist or Medical Secretary
Is becoming a Staff Nurse the right career choice for me?
