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Bachelor of Nursing
Study Options
Full-time, Part-time
Length
3 years
Level
Level 7
Rewarding study for a rewarding career
This degree will enable you to enter practice as a registered nurse with a sound knowledge base of nursing theory, social and biological sciences, research and professional practice skills.
The programme provides a balance of theoretical studies and nursing practice experiences which occur in a wide range of community and acute care settings. You will develop the understanding and skills needed to provide professional nursing care, promote health and develop as a nurse leader.
EIT Tairāwhiti graduate, Kaiya Te Ota Collier (Ngati Porou, Rongowhakaata) is working as a nurse in the Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Ward at Hauora Tairāwhiti (Gisborne Hospital)
Outline
The Bachelor of Nursing (BN) is a full-time, three-year programme (or five years equivalent part-time) that offers you a stimulating undergraduate degree level of studies and provides a pathway to your professional qualification as a New Zealand registered nurse.
The BN programme enables you to apply for registration as a registered nurse with a sound knowledge base of nursing theory, social sciences, biological sciences, research and professional nursing practice skills.
Work-integrated learning experiences occur in a wide range of community and acute health care settings and comprise approximately fifty percent of the programme. Theoretical and nursing practice experiences are balanced throughout the programme.
The BN programme is delivered in a blended mode. This means there will be face-to-face and online teaching and learning, workshops and work-integrated learning opportunities. You will need access to a computer with broadband facilities.
You are welcome to make an appointment to discuss your study options with our staff and to view our facilities.
Subject Areas
- Nursing knowledge and caring
- Anatomy and physiology
- Māori health and health equity
- Therapeutic communication
- Knowledge of professional nursing practice through work-integrated learning placements
- Applying Te Tiriti o Waitangi to nursing care
- Human development
- Health promotion
- Health in Aotearoa
- Mental health
- Pathophysiology
- Pharmacology
- Evidence focused healthcare
Work-integrated Learning
In order for you to complete the BN programme, New Zealand Nursing Council requires you to have undertaken a minimum of 1,000 hours practicum experience. To meet this requirement over the course of the programme you will be required to:
- Undertake rotating and rostered shifts (i.e. shifts which may fall any time between Monday – Sunday), travel to various health care agency and community venues, which include Napier, Hastings, Waipukurau, Takapau, Wairoa and Gisborne areas including Te Puia Springs.
Please Note: Any travel or accommodation expenses that are incurred will be your responsibility.
Career and Study Opportunities
Nursing is a professional practice and an essential part of health care. EIT nursing graduates have high rates of employment.
Possible jobs and career opportunities can include:
- Public and private hospitals
- Community health
- Tamariki Ora / Plunket (Well Child Health)
- Independent practice
- Public health
- Nursing education
- Child health
- Mental health
- Registered nurse prescribing
- Nurse practitioner
Further your study with one of the many postgraduate programmes on offer at EIT.
Harmony Lone hopes to use her EIT Bachelor of Nursing degree to help marginalised Pasifika communities.
FAQs
Can I study the Bachelor of Nursing (BN) programme part-time?
Yes, part-time options are available and can be individually discussed with the Programme Coordinator. You can book an appointment via email at AScavelloMascarenhas@eit.ac.nz. Please note that the Nursing Council of New Zealand requires that you complete the Bachelor of Nursing programme within five years.
Can I study the Bachelor of Nursing programme online?
No, the programme is delivered at the EIT Hawke’s Bay campus in Taradale and EIT Tairāwhiti campus in Gisborne in a blended mode, which includes face-to-face and online learning, as well as clinical placements.
Why do I need the COVID-19 vaccine and booster to study this programme?
It is not compulsory to have a COVID-19 vaccination but please be aware that for students who are not fully vaccinated (two doses plus booster plus two weeks) for COVID-19 this may have an impact on their ability to complete practicum at Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand Te Matau a Māui Hawke’s Bay or other clinical placements/settings. This means that if you choose not to be vaccinated, this may impact your ability to successfully complete your Nursing Degree. Accordingly, all applicants applying to enrol on the Bachelor of Nursing are strongly recommended to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
How many times a week do I have to come to class?
Your classes are scheduled four to five times a week (Monday to Friday) from 8am to 5pm. Please note, your classes are scheduled differently each week throughout the semester. Due to the workload and nature of the degree, we do not recommend working full-time while studying the programme.
Can I pay the programme fee in instalments?
Yes, it is possible to set up a payment plan, once you have been accepted into the programme. However, the complete course fee must be paid by the end of each study year.
How do I apply for Cross Credits/Recognition of Prior Learning?
You must indicate your intention to apply for Cross Credits/Recognition of Prior Learning (CC/RPL) when you submit your application. However, the CC/RPL application will not be processed until you have been accepted into the Bachelor of Nursing programme. The cost for this application is $100 regardless of the outcome and any previous applications. To ensure your CC/RPL application is considered in ample time before the programme starts, please ensure that we receive your CC/RPL application no later than two weeks before the programme start date. Please note that students may be required to undertake a clinical assessment as part of their application.
Dates
There are two entry dates:
- Monday, 3 February
- Monday, 14 July
Entry
Domestic Entry Requirements
As part of the requirements of your acceptance into the BN programme at EIT, you need to provide the following:
- Evidence of your COVID-19 vaccination. It is not compulsory to have a COVID-19 vaccination but please be aware that learners who are not fully vaccinated (2 doses plus booster plus 2 weeks) for COVID-19 will not have access to Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand Te Matau a Māui Hawke’s Bay clinical placements/settings. This means that if you choose not to be vaccinated, this may impact your ability to successfully complete your Nursing Degree. Accordingly, all applicants applying to enrol on the Bachelor of Nursing are strongly recommended to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
- Evidence of pertussis immunisation in the last five to ten years.
- Evidence of two measles (both rubella and morbilli) and mumps (MMR) immunisations.
- Evidence of a vaccination to varicella (chicken pox) or proof of having had varicella in the past.
- Evidence of your Hepatitis B antigen and antibody status (a blood test).
Please Note: All medical costs or expenses in providing proof of immunisation are your responsibility.
Once you commence in the BN, requirements for serology testing and immunisation will be collated by the School. If you require additional immunisations/vaccinations you will have to meet the costs of these.
Please remember that YOU are responsible for providing all vaccination evidence and information.
Entry Requirements
The BN is a clinically focused academic programme that provides preparation to apply for entry to the Register of Nurses in New Zealand.
To be a registered nurse, you must have integrity, empathy, a spirit of inquiry and a commitment to lifelong learning. You must have a mature outlook, a sense of responsibility and a genuine desire to care for people. You need to be able to work independently and as part of a team.
A face-to-face interview may be part of the application process.
The following regulations apply to the BN degree at EIT.
Academic Entry Requirements
The academic entry requirements for the BN programme is:
- University Entrance as defined by the NZQA; or
- One of the following discretionary entry criteria, although the achievement of any of these will not automatically secure entry:
– at least 75 Level 2 NCEA credits in a maximum of four subjects in one year;
– satisfactory completion of a Level 4 Bridging/Foundation programme (e.g. NZ Certificate in Study and Career Preparation, preferably with Hauora courses);
– evidence of the ability to succeed in the programme, as determined by the BN Admissions Committee.
General Entry Requirements
All applicants are required to:
- Provide two confidential references from people who are able to affirm that the applicant is of good character and reputation.
- Provide evidence of a current Comprehensive First Aid Certificate, or evidence of enrolment/intention to complete.
- Provide a Ministry of Justice Criminal Convictions record. (Note: A prior conviction may not necessarily exclude an applicant from admission. In the case of a prior conviction, EIT will discuss with the applicant the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) requirements for application to gain NCNZ registration as a nurse.)
- Complete a health declaration that they possess a level of health and abilities commensurate with achieving nursing practice competencies in the programme. (Note: Further health-related reports may be requested with the consent of the applicant.)
Applicants are required to complete the above-mentioned health and Ministry of Justice Criminal Conviction checks at the beginning of Year One and Year Three. A Ministry of Justice Criminal Conviction check is also required to be completed prior to sitting the NCNZ State Final Examination.
Preference Criteria
Preference will be given to applicants who have achieved:
- 14 credits or more at NCEA Level 3 in Science-rich subjects (such as Biology, Physical Education, Health, Physics and Chemistry); or
- 14 credits or more in English-rich subjects (such as English, History, Art History, Classics, Geography and Economics); or
- The NZ2860 NZ Certificate in Career and Study Preparation with a grade of 65% or higher for the Hauora courses.
Selection Process
Applications that meet both entry and preference criteria will be accepted pending available places on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. Applications that do not meet one or more of the criteria will be reviewed by the BN Admissions Committee for the allocation of remaining available places. As part of the selection process, an applicant may be required to attend an interview.
English Language Entry Requirements
Applicants from countries in which English is not the primary spoken language must demonstrate an acceptable level of English language fluency prior to acceptance in the programme. Ways in which English language fluency may be demonstrated include:
- Completion of a programme of study in which English was the language of instruction (conditions apply*); or
- Approved scores on IELTS tests, namely an Academic score of 6.5 with no band lower than 6.0 achieved in a single test within the preceding year (or accepted international equivalents).
*See NZQA English language entry requirements for international students at https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/providers-partners/qa-system-for-teos/english-international-students/
Entry with Credit
You may already have some knowledge or skills that can be recognised as part of your intended study. This may take a number of different forms including study at other tertiary institutes. If you think you may qualify, you may want to apply for Cross Credit (CC) or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
CC is based on the equivalency of courses or qualifications. You would apply for CC if you have passed a very similar course at the same level.
You will be asked to provide details of anything that you would like considered as credit toward your intended programme of study, as part of your application.
You must indicate your intention to apply for CC/RPL at the time of your application. However, the CC/RPL application will not be processed until you have been accepted into the BN. There is a charge for this application AND a possible clinical assessment.
CC and RPL cannot be awarded for a course if you are enrolled in that course. An original transcript or notice of results from the institute at which you previously studied (or verified copies) will be required for all applications.
For further information and enquiries about CC and RPL please contact Andressa Scavello, Programme Administrator, on 06 830 1119 or ascavellomascarenhas@eit.ac.nz
Transfers/Cross Credits
This qualification has been approved by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.
This programme leads to the award of a nationally approved qualification. Similar qualifications are delivered at a number of other tertiary institutes around New Zealand. If you were to transfer to one of those other institutes you may be granted academic credit for some of the courses completed successfully while studying at EIT, but this is at the discretion of the other institute.
Please note: Fees are not transferable between institutes.
International Entry Requirements
Entry Criteria
The Bachelor of Nursing is a clinically focused academic programme that provides preparation for entry to the register of Nurses in New Zealand. To be a Registered Nurse you need to have integrity and empathy, a spirit of inquiry and a commitment to learning. You need to be able to work independently and as part of a team. You must have a mature outlook, a sense of responsibility and a genuine desire to care for people. Applicants will be required to provide two references who are able to affirm that the applicant is of good character and reputation. Applicants are also required to complete a health declaration. A personal interview may be part of the application process.
Academic Entry Requirements
Applicants must meet degree standard entry requirements. Approved bridging/foundation programmes include satisfactory completion of the Level 4 NZ Certificate in Study and Career Preparation, preferably Hauora strand.
English Language Entry Requirements
All applicants must demonstrate an acceptable level of English Language fluency prior to acceptance in the programme. English Language fluency can be verified by achievement of one of the following within the last two years:
- New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 5 (Academic)
- IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with no band score lower than 6.5 or OECT C+ with no bands below C+ achieved in a single test
- PTE (Academic) score of 58 with no band score lower than 58
- International equivalents to IELTS accepted by NZQA or successful study of a programme in which English was the language of instruction (conditions apply)
First Aid Certificate
Once accepted into the Bachelor of Nursing programme, you are required to have a valid First Aid Certificate (includes US6400, US6401 and US6402 on the NZQA Framework) before the programme begins. If you do not have a First Aid Certificate it can be obtained through St John or Red Cross. If you have a valid First Aid Certificate (valid for two years from date of issue) you will need to provide a witnessed copy of the certificate with your application.
Entry with Credit
You may already have some knowledge or skills that can be recognised as part of your intended study. This may take a number of different forms including study while at high school, study at a private training establishment, workplace training, other tertiary study, life experiences or voluntary work. If you think you may qualify, you may want to apply for Cross Credit or Recognition of Prior Learning.
- Cross Credit is based on the equivalency of courses or qualifications. You would apply for Cross Credit if you have passed a very similar course at the same level.
You will be asked to provide details of anything that you would like considered as credit toward your intended programme of study, as part of your application.
You must apply prior to enrolment. RPL and Cross Credit cannot be awarded for a course if you are enrolled in that course. An original transcript or notice of results from the institute at which you previously studied (or verified copies) will be required for all applications.
For further information and enquiries about RPL and Cross Credit please email international@eit.ac.nz.
Scholarships
EIT offers a variety of scholarships across various subjects and programme levels. Some scholarships are based on your age, some are specific to the subject you want to study. Not all scholarships are based on your academic ability and anyone wanting to study should investigate what scholarships are available to them.
You can find a list of EIT scholarships here however there are many more scholarships offered nationally. Information about these is on an database called “givME”. givME is accessible at EIT or at some public libraries. If you would like to come to EIT to look through the giveME database don’t hesitate to contact scholarships@eit.ac.nz or call in for a chat.
Academic Learning Services
Academic Learning Services is here to assist you on your journey towards the successful completion of your studies at EIT. Our aim is for you to become confident, competent and independent learners.
We have dedicated advisors who can assist with your learning.
Find out more:
EIT Nursing Training in Action
Today’s nurses aren’t just caring for the sick; they’re changing our very notion of modern health care delivery. A nursing education from EIT is highly regarded. Our graduate nurses are recognised nationally and internationally. Employment rates are high. The EIT Bachelor of Nursing programme gives graduates a sound knowledge base of science, research and professional nursing skills.