The Bachelor of Nursing Pacific is a three year, Level 7 programme. It is a combination of theory (delivered in classroom-based sessions at the Porirua campus) and supported clinical experience (practical/hands-on work, undertaken in a variety of community and hospital settings).
The programme is an integration of theory and clinical practice. There are eight papers in level one, six in level two and six in level three. The content includes nursing knowledge, nursing practice, community, mental health and acute, Pacific health, heritage, nursing praxis, community development, lifespan development, social determinants of health, therapeutic communications, te Tiriti o Waitangi, bioscience, applied bio-nursing, reflective practice, public health/health promotion and leadership.
Programme Outline
Year One (Level 5): The first year of study has a health focus and students are supported to become student nurses by gaining knowledge of nursing theory and research, nursing practice, bio-science, te Tiriti o Waitangi, communications, social determinants of health, life span development and Pacific heritage. Students are taught in simulated settings and in class, with short periods of clinical practice during the year.
Bachelor of Nursing Pacific Year One Course Outlines
Year Two (Level 6): Students become independent learners and add to the knowledge gained in year one. Block periods of 3-4 weeks clinical practice occur in a variety of settings within both the Nursing Practice Community course and the Nursing Practice Mental Health course. Other courses include Pacific Health, Nursing Knowledge and Research, Reflective Practice and Applied Bio-Nursing.
Bachelor of Nursing Pacific Year Two Course Outlines
Year Three (Level 7): Practice and theory knowledge is consolidated in preparation for practice. In the first semester, students focus on nursing practice in acute settings, bio-nursing, Pacific community development and public health/health promotion. In the second semester, students complete a leadership course, have an extended period in clinical practice, and prepare for Nursing Council State Final Examinations and RN (registered nurse) practice.
Bachelor of Nursing Pacific Year Three Course Outlines
On successful completion of this programme, graduates receive the Bachelor of Nursing Pacific, are eligible to sit the Nursing Council State Finals, and can apply to enrol in postgraduate programmes of study.
Entry Requirements
Whitireia degree academic entry requirements, or equivalent academic/work experience; evidence of suitability based on interview, health screening, safety check, referee reports
Interview
The interview determines the applicant's preparedness for study, ability to meet the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (if applicable) and any registration board requirements in terms of being fit for registration. Applicants must be able to demonstrate the following qualities:
- effective interpersonal communication skills
- understanding of, and capability to, work in the professional health and social services sector
- commitment and motivation to succeed
Safety check
As required by the Vulnerable Children's Act (2014), students who may work with children during the course of their study must be safety checked. Safety checking includes reference checking, work history, identity check, police vet and an overall assessment of the applicant's safety to work with children.
International students
Proven equivalence to entry requirements plus IELTS 6.5 in each band
Post-enrolment information
Documents for students who have begun the enrolment process can be found on the School of Health Moodle page.
