School of Nursing and Midwifery
Developing Competent, Compassionate, and Ethical Healthcare Professionals
ًں” Vision & Mission
Core Values
Excellence
Commitment to high standards in teaching, research, and service.
Integrity
Upholding honesty, accountability, and ethical conduct.
Innovation
Embracing creativity and technology to improve learning and healthcare outcomes.
Compassion
Promoting empathetic care and a patient-centered approach.
Collaboration
Fostering partnerships across disciplines and with communities.
Lifelong Learning
Encouraging continuous professional and personal development.
Inclusivity
Valuing diversity and equity in education and healthcare delivery.
Academic Programmes Offered
Bachelor's Programmes
- Bachelor of Science with Honours in Nursing
- Bachelor of Science with Honours in Nursing with options in:
- Public Health Nursing
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Nursing Education, Management, and Administration
- Paediatric/Neonatal Nursing
Diploma Programmes
- Higher Diploma in Nursing (Also known as SRN)
- Higher Diploma in Ophthalmic Nursing
- Ordinary Diploma in Ophthalmic Nursing
Academic Departments
Midwifery, Obstetrics/Gynaecology Nursing
Paediatric/Neonatal Nursing
Public Health Nursing
Medical-Surgical Nursing
Nursing Education, Management and Administration
Programme Objectives
General Objective
To develop a cadre of professionally competent, ethically grounded, and practice-ready nurses with specialized knowledge and clinical expertise to address complex health challenges across diverse populations and healthcare settings. The goal is to strengthen the nursing workforce through focused education, thereby contributing to improved health outcomes, health system resilience, and national development goals.
Specific Objectives
- Prepare/train nurses/midwives who would function as graduate nurse practitioners
- Identify the needs of patients and formulate appropriate activities to address them at an advanced level
- Identify training needs of learners and find requisite actions in addressing them
- Formulate, influence and implement organizational policies
- Initiate, conduct, report and utilize research findings to improve nursing practice
- Equip nurses for advanced nursing training at postgraduate level
- Uplift the nursing profession in Sierra Leone to be at par with other countries in the sub-region
- Create a healthy competitive spirit among nurses for career advancement
- Help stem the loss of diploma-trained RNs to other professions
Admission Requirements
A. Direct Entry
Candidates must possess five WASSCE/GCE "O" Level credits not above an aggregate of TWENTY (20), obtained in not more than two sittings. These subjects must include:
- English Language
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- General Mathematics/Further Mathematics
B. Professional Qualification/Experience
Registered Nurses (RN) with State Registered Nurse diploma certificate with a Valid license can apply. Such applicants will be admitted into Year Two of the programme.
C. Specialty Options
Candidates with a B.Sc. Nursing degree will be directly admitted into the Specialty Programme of choice, which runs for only two academic years. State Registered Nurses admitted into the general B.Sc Nursing Programme who score an SGPA of 3.8 will be allowed into the specialty programme.
Course Structure & Assessment
Course Duration
The course runs for a period of three/four years, depending on entry requirements. Direct entry students will undergo a six (6) weeks introductory/pre-nursing class followed by an introductory examination.
Assessment Structure
Theoretical Modules
- Test/Assignment/Presentations: 30%
- End of Semester Exam: 70%
Practical Modules
- Preceptor Evaluation & Oral: 20%
- Skills Lab Sessions: 30%
- End of Semester Practical: 50%
Professional Regulatory Bodies
Nurses and Midwives Council of Sierra Leone
Responsible for licensure, scope of practice, disciplinary processes, and continuing education.
Ministry of Health
Provides guidance on clinical standards, public health policies, and programme accreditation.
Tertiary Education Commission (TEC)
Oversees academic quality assurance, curriculum approval, and institutional compliance.
Philosophy
We believe that nursing and midwifery are both science and art, grounded in ethical principles and social responsibility. Our teaching philosophy emphasizes student-centered learning, critical thinking, and professional development to produce practitioners who are responsive to the evolving needs of health systems and populations.
We believe that:
- Students are pivotal to the educational process and thrive in a supportive environment that fosters intellectual curiosity and professional excellence
- Nursing education must be learner-centered, outcome-based, and rooted in both theory and practice
- Staff members serve as mentors, facilitators, and role models, guiding students through dynamic learning experiences
- Health and wellness are fundamental human rights, and nurses play a vital role in promoting health equity
- Collaboration and inter-professional education are essential in preparing nurses for diverse healthcare systems
Background Information
Historical Development
The School of Community Health Sciences was established under the reconstituted حلحلآ» University by the Universities Act, 2005. The Department of Nursing was established in 2006 and began training nurses at the SECHN level in 2007.
Programme Evolution Timeline:
- 2006: Department of Nursing established
- 2007: SECHN level training commenced
- 2008: Higher Diploma in Nursing (SRN) programme began
- 2017: B.Sc. in Nursing programme introduced
Current Development
The College of Medical Sciences has culminated in the formal establishment of the School of Nursing and Midwifery, comprising multiple academic departments strategically designed to deliver undergraduate training across key nursing specialties, responding to the increasing complexity of healthcare delivery.
Rationale for Specialized Programs
The evolving complexity of healthcare systems and the growing burden of specialized patient care demand a nursing workforce equipped with advanced, focused competencies. While general nursing provides foundational knowledge, it is no longer sufficient to meet the specialized health needs of diverse populations.
Key Benefits of Specialty Programs:
- Improve quality of care by producing nurses with in-depth expertise in targeted clinical areas
- Align with global and national health priorities, such as reducing maternal and neonatal mortality
- Strengthen health systems by addressing critical workforce gaps in underserved specialties
- Enhance institutional reputation and academic excellence
- Promote career advancement and retention among nurses through professional development pathways
Learning and Teaching Methods
All course sessions are based on high-quality innovative, and dynamic research ability of the academic staff members. The programme is delivered through a comprehensive approach that includes:
Traditional Methods
- Traditional lectures
- Small-group work
- Analytical exercises
Practical Experience
- Laboratory demonstrations
- Hospital/PHU postings
- Clinical placements
Independent Learning
- Self-directed learning
- Critical reflection
- Peer learning
Nursing and Midwifery Code of Ethics
The Code of Ethics provides a framework of professional values and expected conduct that guide nurses and midwives in their practice, reflecting respect for human dignity, professional integrity, and commitment to health equity.
1. Respect for Human Dignity and Rights
Respect the inherent dignity, values, and rights of every individual, regardless of race, religion, gender, or social status.
2. Professional Competence and Accountability
Maintain and continually improve knowledge, skills, and performance while accepting responsibility for personal actions and decisions.
3. Confidentiality and Privacy
Safeguard all personal and health-related information obtained during professional duties.
4. Advocacy for Health and Well-being
Promote the health and well-being of patients and communities while advocating for vulnerable populations.
Student Code of Conduct
The School upholds the highest standards of professionalism, ethical behavior, and academic integrity. All students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on the profession and institution.
Academic Integrity
Students must refrain from plagiarism, cheating, or any form of academic dishonesty. Breaches may lead to disciplinary action, including dismissal.
Attendance and Punctuality
Minimum attendance of 80% is required for lectures, labs, and clinicals. Repeated lateness may result in being barred from examinations.
Professional Appearance
Students must wear approved uniforms and name tags during all clinical and academic activities. Uniforms should be clean, neat, and properly fitted.
Confidentiality and Ethics
Students must maintain strict confidentiality regarding patient information at all times. Violation is a serious ethical breach and may lead to expulsion.
Building Sierra Leone's Nursing Future
The School of Nursing and Midwifery is committed to developing a cadre of competent, compassionate, and ethical professionals who will contribute to improving health outcomes across diverse communities, strengthening healthcare systems and advancing universal health coverage in Sierra Leone and beyond.