How to Become A Nurse Practitioner In South Africa

A nurse practitioner is an advanced practice registered nurse and a type of mid-level practitioner. NPs are trained to assess patient needs, order and interpret diagnostic and laboratory tests, diagnose disease, formulate and prescribe treatment plans.

What is required to become a nurse practitioner?

These requirements include a relevant Master’s degree and at least 3 years full time advanced practice experience (within the last 6 years) which demonstrates that they meet the NMBA National Practice Standards for the NP. Endorsement is separate to gaining employment as a NP.

What is a nurse practitioner South Africa?

PIP: A nurse practitioner in South Africa is a nurse who has been trained in general nursing and midwifery and who has additional skills gained from additional course work. For primary health care, nurses receive training in clinical care, diagnostic skills, and treatment, for which they are given a diploma.

Is a pa higher than a nurse practitioner?

 Neither profession ranks “higher” than the other. Both occupations work in the healthcare field, but with different qualifications, educational backgrounds, and responsibilities.

Below is How to Become A Nurse Practitioner In South Africa

BECOME A REGISTERED NURSE

The first step to becoming a nurse practitioner is becoming a registered nurse. You’ll do this by enrolling in either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) program.

GET YOUR BACHELOR’S DEGREE

If you don’t already hold a BSN, you may want to enroll in and earn your Bachelor’s in Nursing Science degree. Nurses who have their ADN can enroll in accelerated RN-BSN programs, many of which can be completed online. It is possible to go straight from your ADN to an MSN program if you want to skip the step of earning your Bachelor’s degree, however. (More on that in step four.)

GAIN NURSING EXPERIENCE

Some nurses may choose to skip this step and go right into enrolling in a graduate program, while others choose to get a few years of experience under their belt before continuing their education.

ENROLL IN A GRADUATE PROGRAM (MSN OR DNP)

The simplest route to becoming a nurse practitioner for RNs who already have their bachelor’s degree is by earning a master’s degree.

For RNs without bachelor’s degrees, there are RN-to-MSN programs. You may also see such programs called ADN-to-MSN (which means Associate Degree in Nursing to Master’s).

Some institutions offer doctoral degrees like Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs, which is the highest level of nursing education available.

EARN YOUR ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSING LICENSURE IN PRACTICAL NURSING

The specifics for NP licensure are set by the individual states, which means that you will have to search the requirements to become an NP in the state that you plan to work in.

There is also talk of a national model for NP licensure, but currently, it does vary from state-to-state. You can view complete state-by-state requirements to become an NP here and be sure to check with the school you plan on attending.

Family Nurse Practitioner

Family nurse practitioners or Family Practice Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) provide primary health care services for individuals and families throughout the lifespan. They often act as a primary care provider for their patients and this can be especially rewarding for those who enjoy developing long-term relationships and getting to know people over time.

Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Acute Care Nurse Practitioners (ACNPs) are advanced practice registered nurses that provide care to patients in acute care and/or hospital settings. Acute Care NPs see patients when they are sick, admitted to the hospital, or after a surgical procedure and/or trauma. Their focus is solely on caring for the adult population with complex diseases.

Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Pediatric Nurse Practitioners are Advanced Practice Registered Nurses whose sole focus lies in treating children from infancy through the time they become adults. They see patients on a one-on-one basis, offering care ranging from well check-ups and immunizations to diagnosing illnesses and treating chronic and acute conditions.

How long does it take to become a nurse practitioner in South Africa?

This course is only three years long and also consists of practical and theoretical work. After you have completed this qualification you are able to work as a registered staff nurse or enrolled nurse.

How long do you have to be in school to be a nurse practitioner In South Africa?

Answer: It can take six to eight years to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP) for a student with a high school diploma and no prior college credits or formal training in nursing.

What is a nurse practitioner South Africa?

PIP: A nurse practitioner in South Africa is a nurse who has been trained in general nursing and midwifery and who has additional skills gained from additional course work. For primary health care, nurses receive training in clinical care, diagnostic skills, and treatment, for which they are given a diploma.

What is required to become a nurse practitioner In South Africa?

These requirements include a relevant Master’s degree and at least 3 years full time advanced practice experience (within the last 6 years) which demonstrates that they meet the NMBA National Practice Standards for the NP. Endorsement is separate to gaining employment as a NP

How much do South African nurses earn monthly In South Africa?

The average salary for a Nurse in SA is R 341 620 gross per year (R 28 470 gross per month), which is 21% higher than the South Africa’s national average salary. Salary Range: a Nurse can expect an average starting basic salary of R 144 200. The highest salaries can exceed R 583 500 (excluding benefits and allowances).

Is it worth being a nurse practitioner In South Africa?

Nurse practitioners (NPs) are extremely valuable to the medical community and patients. They can specialize in many different areas of medicine, such as women’s health, psychiatric mental health, oncology, adult-gerontology, and more.

How hard is it to be a nurse practitioner In South Africa?

Nurse Practitioner school is hard because you are building on material that you already know, and you are preparing for the role of the provider. You will have many advanced courses that must be completed to diagnose and treat your patients properly. It is also a whole other level of responsibility.

Can I study nursing without life sciences in South Africa?

Requirements in order to study nursing in South Africa

It is recommended that you take Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences, but this is not compulsory at all institutions. You will need a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification at exit level 4, with: English (50-59%)

How much does it cost to study nursing in South Africa?

Post Registration Programmes: 1 Year Diploma in Midwifery – R6000 Per Annum. 1 Year Diploma in Community Nursing Science – R3000 Per Annum.