The aim of the Bachelor of Nursing programme is to graduate tauira who fulfil the requirements for registration under the Registered Nurse scope of practice in Aotearoa New Zealand (NCNZ, 2022). Tauira will competently and confidently care for tangata, whānau and hapori in a culturally safe way to promote and support hauora. This programme is underpinned by articles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and taiao/planetary health with a commitment to diversity and inclusiveness to achieve equitable hauora outcomes

By the end of this programme tauira graduates will:
1. Apply knowledge, relational communication, technical skills and professionalism as a registered nurse by working in partnership with tangata, whānau, and hapori across the lifespan.
2. Integrate and apply knowledge of Mātauranga Māori, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Kawa Whakaruruhau and Te Ao Māori into nursing practice.
3. Advocate for social justice, ōritetanga /equity, and taiao/planetary health for tangata, whānau, and hapori to promote hauora.
4. Utilise comprehensive nursing assessment and clinical judgement that employs science, sociological concepts, and research to provide culturally safe, evidence based sustainable nursing care for tangata, whanau and hapori.
5. Participate in health promotion, health education, interprofessional and community collaborations to promote hauora of tangata, whanau and hapori.
6. Engage with digital technologies to promote hauora in nursing practice.
7. Demonstrate legal, ethical, safe, emerging leadership attributes and self-care for professional nursing practice.
8. Be prepared to meet the requirements of Nursing Council of New Zealand for registration under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (2003) and be able to apply for registration within the registered nurse scope of practice.

The graduate profile/graduate outcomes are informed by the Nursing Council of New Zealand Registered Nurse Standards of Competence scope of practice, and the NZQA requirements for a degree.

Graduates are eligible to enter postgraduate programmes at any tertiary institution offering postgraduate nursing qualifications. Otago Polytechnic has an agreement with EIT offering postgraduate certificate, postgraduate diploma and master qualifications in Nursing and Otago Polytechnic staff provide students with supervision and support in their studies.

Minimum academic entry criteria are:
University Entrance (UE): NCEA Level 3 including:
- Three subjects at Level 3 or above, made up of a minimum of:
* 14 credits in science e.g. biology, chemistry, general science, or approved science subjects
* 14 credits in English OR an English rich subject
* 14 credits in one other approved subject
* Remaining credits may come from either achievement or unit standards
- And Literacy -10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of:
* 5 credits in reading
* 5 credits in writing
- And Numeracy -10 credits at Level 1 or above, made up of:
* achievement standards - specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects,
* Applicants over 20 years of age must have completed the equivalent to NCEA Level 3 science (or NZQA approved qualification) within the last five years. This may be achieved through successful completion of a bridging programme such as the New Zealand Certificate in Study and Employment Pathways at Otago Polytechnic; however completion of these pre-entry qualifications does not guarantee automatic entry into this programme.

Additional Entry Requirements
To be considered for entry in the Bachelor of Nursing programme evidence of health, abilities and conduct that align with fitness for registration as a nurse including: * physical and mental health status including any health condition(s), and that the applicant has the level of health and abilities that will enable them to achieve clinical learning experience competencies in the programme;
* any learning disabilities or challenges that might affect participation in the programme;
* all existing or pending criminal convictions;
* consent to undergo a process of safety checking as required under the Children's (Requirements for Safety Checks of Children's Workers) Regulations 2015).
* providing evidence of immunisation status as required by Health NZ Te Whatu Ora and healthcare organisations before commencing a clinical learning experience.

Clinical learning experiences cannot be guaranteed without this evidence, as per agreements with clinical learning experience providers.

English Language Requirements
Applicants for whom English is not a first language are required to provide proof of English proficiency. Applicants must meet all stated entry requirements and demonstrate English language skills with an IELTS overall band score (academic) of 6.5 with no band score less than 6.5 OR Occupational English Test (OET) with a C+ band/score in each section in one sitting or equivalent approved test. Tests must be from an outside organisation and results must be from within two years from applying. The Nursing Council of New Zealand regularly reviews their requirements these will be reflected by changes.

Discretionary Entry
This is an alternative pathway for applicants who do not meet standard entry criteria. This is at the discretion of the Head of Nursing and is dependent on availability of places in the programme.