Registered Nursing

Program Overview

Registered Nursing programs prepare students to become licensed registered nurses (RNs). This program provides the knowledge, skills, and clinical experience necessary to deliver high-quality healthcare services to patients across various healthcare settings.

Duration

The duration of a Registered Nursing program runs for three years.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The minimum entry requirements for school leavers into this program shall be:

 Five (5) ‘0’ levels at credit level or better of the Zambian General Certificate of Education or its equivalent as follows:

  • Three (3) ‘0’ level compulsory subjects in
  • English language
  • Mathematics and
  • Any science subject
  • Any two (2) subjects
  • Minimum entry age shall be 16 years
  • All candidates should pass both personal interviews and written test.

Curriculum

1. Pre-Nursing Courses: These prerequisite courses cover basic sciences such as anatomy and physiology, microbiology, sociology, health communication and psychology. They provide a foundation for further nursing studies.
2. Nursing Core Courses: These courses focus on topics specific to nursing, including:
a) Fundamentals of Nursing: Covering fundamental principles and skills required in nursing practice.
b) Medical-Surgical Nursing: Addressing care for patients with acute and chronic illnesses across different body systems.
c) Pediatric Nursing: Focusing on the healthcare needs of infants, children, and adolescents.
d) Integrated and Reproductive Health: Covering care for pregnant women, childbirth, and postpartum care.
e) Psychiatric Nursing: Addressing mental health issues and therapeutic interventions for patients.
f) Public Health Nursing: Exploring population health, health promotion, and disease prevention in community settings.
g) Pharmacology: Covering the study of medications, their effects, and safe administration.
3. Clinical Practice: Registered Nursing programs include supervised clinical practice in different healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community health centers. This hands-on experience allows students to apply theoretical knowledge, develop nursing skills, and gain real-world patient care experience.
Licensure Exam Preparation: Upon completing a registered Nursing program, graduates must pass the national licensure examination through the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Zambia (NMCZ) to become a registered nurse. This exam assesses the competencies and knowledge required to provide safe and quality midwifery care.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of Registered Nursing programs can pursue various career paths, including working in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, home healthcare, schools, and other healthcare facilities. RNs can also specialize in specific areas of healthcare or pursue advanced nursing degrees to become nurse practitioners, nurse educators, nurse anesthetists, or nurse administrators.

Continuing Education

Nursing is a profession that requires ongoing learning and development. RNs are encouraged to participate in continuing education programs to stay updated with current medical advancements, new treatments, and evidence-based practices