University of the Free State

The School of Nursing of the University of the Free State (UFS) is nationally known for its excellent clinical programmes and has a record of educational experimentation and innovation. The generous grant from Atlantic Philanthropies enabled the School to establish a rich technological teaching and learning environment. Our goal is to provide a safe environment where active teaching and learning experiences can be formed. We believe that quality learning will enable nurses to interact with technology and improve their critical thinking skills.

Objective 1
Transformation of environments (places),peoples and programmes (TEPP). In striving towards a holistic and integral approach to transformation, we focused on three areas, namely the transformation of the working and scholarly environment of the School, of the staff of the School and of the portfolio of programmes offered at the School (undergraduate, post-basic and postgraduate).

Objective 2
To establish a virtual health teaching and learning facility (called the SPACE), with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities to educate and train students in a non-threatening, simulated environment.
If one reflects on the model that guided this project from day one, this facility was, and in many instances still is, the fulcrum and catalyst for the other two objectives. It has often been said that this facility is unique in Africa in that it provides opportunities for experimentation, reflection and sharing of integrated teaching and learning in nursing and midwifery science. Its unique layout provides for the meaningful integration of theory and practice and a range of educational scenarios.

Objective 3
To establish a unit for continuing professional development and research capacity development to serve both practising nurses and staff members of the School of Nursing.
The unit firstly focuses inwardly to enhance scholarship within the School. Capacity development specifically target junior and new staff members and staff from previously disadvantaged groups. It also focuses on accelerating the rate and number of publications. Secondly, the outward focus addresses the continuing professional development (CPD) needs of nurses in practice and beyond. This is in line with the expected formalization of the CPD system by the relevant regulatory board – awaiting regulations in this regard from the South African Nursing Council (SANC).

The transformation of the working and scholarly environment of the School

The foyer of the School before renovations	An impressive new reception area	Images expressing involvement and excellence

The scholarly transformation of staff
Mrs NG Lesia recently obtained her M SocSc in Nursing

Establishment of a virtual health teaching and learning facility, with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities to educate and training.

A high-tech centre called The SPACE and students attending one of the learning programmes presented in The SPACE

Conclusion

The Atlantic Philanthropies grant has enabled the School of Nursing, UFS, to create an innovative teaching and learning environment that empowers students and professional nurses. The critical evaluation of the process and adjustments made to reach the objectives stated in the project will further enhance the School of Nursing as a centre of excellencein the South African nursing education context, withan emphasis on scholarship development.