In this article, you will learn about how to transition from RN to BSN nursing programs (Registered Nurse to Bachelor’s Of Nursing Science) in Nigeria.
Who is a Registered Nurse?
A Registered Nurse provides direct individualized patient care in diverse healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, outpatient care centers, residential care facilities and so on. They work towards early detection of abnormalities that demand prompt medical interventions. In addition, they act collaboratively with other healthcare personnel to meet the individualized needs of patients.
A registered nurse (RN) is a nurse who has graduated from a nursing program and met the requirements outlined by a country, state, province or similar government-authorized licensing body to obtain a nursing license.
What Are the Responsibilities of a Registered Nurse?
A registered nurse implements a diverse approach to meet the healthcare needs of patients under his/her care. His or her core duty involves;
- Assessment and monitoring of patients’ conditions.
- Provision of direct and individualized patient care.
- Administration of treatment and medications as prescribed by the physician.
- Perform diagnostic procedures for early identification of disorders in patients.
- Educate patients on care modalities, preventive care, rehabilitative approach, and follow up care.
- Advocating for patients safety and well-being.
Registered Nurse Qualification in Nigeria
The General Nursing (RN) qualification is awarded after a three (3) year Basic General Nursing Program in a recognized School of Nursing (SON) in Nigeria.
Upon completion of the hospital-based program, you will have to sit for the professional examination by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).
After which you will be deemed as a Registered Nurse if you successfully passed the exam.
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The School of Nursing (SON) is majorly run by a University Teaching Hospital except for a few that are private.
Career Outlook
As a RN in order to advance in your career, you would need additional qualifications. There are diverse pathways that you can take to specialize, you can choose to go for any of these according to your career goals and prospects. We’ll be considering only one of these pathways which is the Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.NSc)
Why Do You Need A Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.NSc) Qualification?
- A BNSc qualification increases your chance of getting the right kind of career opportunity.
- Builds your competence, and gives you advanced knowledge for quality practice.
- Gives you an edge for promotion and career growth.
- The civil service scheme only considers a degree qualification for promotion into a Directorate Nursing position in government-owned hospitals in the country.
- Increase your earning potential, so you can earn more compared to someone with just a RN qualification.
- A BNSc degree qualification is essential to enroll in a Masters or Ph.D. program in Nigeria.
What does a B.NSc Qualification Entail in Nigeria?
This program runs for five (5) years after which you will be awarded professional certifications in addition with a Bachelor Degree i.e. Bachelor of Nursing Science (B.NSc), Registered Midwife (RM), or Registered Public Health Nurse (RPH) qualifications if you choose to sit for the licensing examination. In order words, you have the opportunity to earn two (2) specialty qualifications in addition to your degree qualification.
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For further clarification, this is a breakdown of how you will be awarded the qualifications. In your final year of study, you will have to sit for the professional examination for the award of a Certificate in Basic Midwifery (RM) and Public Health Nursing, depending on your choice. Hence, the reason you will have an overall qualification of “RM, RPHN, B.NSc” at the end of your training period. Moreover, since you already have a RN qualification, you do not have to sit for the General Nursing examination like the regular students.
Transitioning as a Rn to bsn nursing programs In Nigeria
- Obtaining a B.NSc degree qualification usually involves being admitted into a University through direct entry using your final results from your school of Nursing with a good O’level result.
- If you take this route, you will begin at the 200 level and complete the program in four (4) years.
- It is usually advisable to go through this route if you have the prospect of going further in the profession as only a B.NSc or Postgraduate Diploma Certificate holder is qualified to go for a Master’s Degree in Nursing Science in Nigeria.
Admission Requirements
- You need to have five credits in English, Mathematics, Biology, Physics, and Chemistry in not more than two (2) sittings for either WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB to be offered admission into the program.
- You can combine WAEC&WAEC, WAEC&NECO, or NECO&NECO but NABTEB must be one sitting.
- You will need to obtain a JAMB form for direct admission into the program. You will start from the 200 level instead of the 100 level.
Universities Offering Bachelor of Nursing Science program in Nigeria
- Abia State University, Uturu
- Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti
- Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma
- Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo
- Bayero University, Kano
- Delta State University, Abraka
- Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki
- Evan Enwerem University, Owerri
- Igbinedion University, Okada
- Ladoke Akintola University of Science and Technology, Ogbomosho
- Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island
- Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
- University of Benin, Benin City
- University of Calabar, Calabar
- University of Ibadan, Ibadan
- University of Ilorin, Ilorin
- University of Jos, Jos
- University of Lagos, Lagos
- University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka
- University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt
- Ahmadu Bello University
- Imo State University
- Madonna University
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University
- Usman Dan Fodio University
- National Open University of Nigeria
Conclusion
The need for advanced nursing education for Registered Nurses is vital to ensure delivery of evidence-based, best-in-class healthcare to the patients. In other words, specialized education provides up-to-date knowledge for effective and safe delivery of care.
Written By: Mayowa Racheal Popoola
RN, Content Writer
