BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (NURSING)

DEGREE PROGRAMME

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the Bachelor of Science Nursing Degree at the Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences of the Open University of Sri Lanka. This post RN degree programme commenced in July 1994 and is being offered to registered nurses at the request of the Ministry of Health. It is presented through the distance mode as many similar degrees offered in countries such as Canada, USA, UK, Australia & India. This programme was initiated with academic assistance provided by The Athabasca University and funded by The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) for a period of five years (1992 - 1997).

This programme prepares a nurse who is a "generalist" to provide quality care in every aspect of nursing practice with advanced knowledge and skills. The graduate will:

• have advanced skills in holistic client-centred nursing and in leadership, teaching, research, and management;
• have an increased understanding of the health care system of Sri Lanka and be sensitive to national and world-wide nursing issues;
• be actively engaged in shaping policies affecting the health care system of Sri Lanka.
• experience increased overall work satisfaction; and
• obtain the necessary preparation for post-graduate studies.

The first 2 years of the (otherwise 4 academic years) degree programme at Levels 3 and 4 are exempted for registered nurses, who are required to pursue only the final 2 years of the programme at Levels 5 and 6. The academic value of the courses (other than Continuing Education courses in English) for each of these years will be two credits.