Short learning programme provisioning in nursing: an evaluative case study

Publication date: Available online 24 August 2018Source: International Journal of Africa Nursing SciencesAuthor(s): Annemarie Joubert, Deirdre Elizabeth van Jaarsveldt, Tanya Heyns, Elizabeth Mokoka, Annette Wilkinson, Magda MulderAbstractIn support of lifelong learning and redressing past inequalities the provision of short learning programmes and courses was encouraged in South African Higher Education. A school of nursing responded by establishing an academy wherein a range of these programmes was developed and presented. In this article the effectiveness of the initiative is evaluated in comparison to the national purposes for short learning programmes envisioned by the Council on Higher Education. These are to: enable access to higher education; support continuing professional development and generate third stream income for higher education institutions. A single evaluative case study design was employed by use of in-depth individual interviews with academy management team members, as well as a document analysis. The findings indicated that the academy, having navigated complexity, succeeded to a large extent in achieving the purposes. The continuing professional development needs of a wide range of health professionals in different settings were addressed. Regretfully, professional nurses cannot yet earn continuing professional development points in South Africa. Enabling of access to higher education is context bound. Subcategory nurses, for example, are not yet accom...
Source: International Journal of Africa Nursing Sciences - Category: African Health Source Type: research