The Ministry of Health and ChildCare has removed the prerequisite of passing O’ Level Mathematics for nurse training qualification.
In recent years, Zimbabweans pursuing the three-year Diploma in Registered General Nurse Training needed a minimum of five “O” Level subjects.
These subjects included English Language, Mathematics, a Science subject, and two additional subjects (excluding practical ones like Fashion and Fabrics, Metal Work, Graphic Art, Art, and Woodwork). The minimum grade required was a C or better, obtained from no more than two sittings.
Yet, an advertisement placed by the Ministry of Health in the Sunday papers on April 7, 2024, regarding the General Nurse Training May 2024 Intake, does not mention the Mathematics requirement.
As per the advertisement, applicants for the three-year Diploma Nurse Training must possess a minimum of five ‘0’ Level subjects.
These subjects should include passes in English Language, a Science subject, and three additional subjects (excluding practical ones like Fashion and Fabrics, Metal Work, Graphic Art, Art, and Woodwork). The required grade is C or better, obtained from no more than two sittings.
Additionally, the Ministry specified that applicants must be between 17 and 30 years old by May 13, 2024.
Medical professionals who spoke to ZimLive expressed their apprehensions regarding the decision. A doctor who chose to remain anonymous said:
This lowering of standards appears to be a targeted move to get people who don’t qualify to join the nursing profession, God knows for what reason.
Nurse training involves a wide range of mathematical concepts and skills, including number sense, measurement, and data analysis. A nurse recruited on what appears to be a purely political formula will be a danger to patients
The advert says applicants must drop their application letters at their nearest general nurse training schools.
According to the Nurses Council of Zimbabwe (NCZ) website, nurse training institutions in the country are as follows:
- Bindura Provincial Hospital
- Bonda Mission Hospital
- Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital
- Chitungwiza General Hospital
- Gwanda Provincial Hospital
- Gutu Mission Hospital
- Gweru General Hospital
- Harare Central Hospital
- Hwange Colliery Hospital
- Imbizo Training School
- Karanda Mission Hospital
- Kwekwe General Hospital
- Marondera General Hospital
- Masvingo General Hospital
- Mashoko Mission Hospital
- Morgenster Memorial Hospital
- Mpilo Central Hospital
- Musiso Mission Hospital
- Mutare General Hospital
- Muvonde Mission Hospital
- Parirenyatwa General Hospital
- St Luke’s Mission Hospital
- St Anne’s Mission Hospital
- St Theresa Hospital
- Tsholotsho District Hospital
- United Bulawayo Hospitals
Midwifery Training Schools:
- Bindura Provincial Hospital
- Bonda Mission
- Chinhoyi Hospital
- Chitungwiza General Hospital
- Gwanda Provincial Hospital
- Gweru General Hospital
- Harare Central Hospital
- Howard Hospital
- Karanda Mission Hospital
- Kwekwe General Hospital
- Marondera General Hospital
- Masvingo General Hospital
- Mpilo Central Hospital
- Murambinda Hospital
- Mutambara Hospital
- Mt Selinda Hospital
- Nyadire Hospital
- Parirenyatwa General Hospital
- St Alberts Hospital
- St Luke’s Mission Hospital
- Kadoma Hospital
Primary Care Nurse Training Schools:
- Bonda Hospital
- Gokwe Hospital
- Howard Hospital
- Maphisa Hospital
- Mnene Hospital
- Mt Darwin Hospital
- Mt Selinda Hospital
- Mt St Mary’s Hospital
- Inyathi Hospital
- Nkayi Hospital
- Sanyati Hospital
- Silveira Hospital
- St Alberts Hospital
- Tshelanyemba Hospital
- Murambinda Hospital
- Mutambara Hospital
State Certified Traumatology Nurse:
- Army Medical Training School
Psychiatric School:
- Ingutsheni Hospital
- Parirenyatwa General Hospital
Post Graduate Schools of Nursing:
- Avenues Clinic
- Parirenyatwa General Hospital
- Harare General Hospital
- United Bulawayo Hospitals
