The private sector contribution to nursing education (1990 – 2010)

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to describe the contribution of private hospital groups and individuals to the education and training of nurses in South Africa over the last 20 years. The sector has two major components: the private hospital groups and the individual entrepreneurs, and these are described separately. In total, the sector concentrates on non-professional categories and produces 68% of Enrolled Nurses, 82% of Enrolled Nursing Assistants and 48% of Bridging Students. The three private hospital groups train primarily for their own needs and continually try to improve quality through innovations such as introducing Continuing Professional Development. Their challenges include a lack of clarity from the regulator, and staffing. The 41 members of the association for entrepreneurial providers train for the market-place and are involved in communities to a limited extent. They face the same challenges as the rest of the sector. The private sector should be seen as a strategic partner in the quest to meet the demand for qualified nursing staff. Looking at the future of the nursing profession and the demand for nurses successfully to implement the National Health Insurance, the contribution by the independent nursing education institutions cannot be ignored.