1. Dilemmas in Nurse Practitioner Education: The Experience of Botswana Dr. Cynthia N. Pilane, RN/ DLitt et Phil Phone:(+267) 355 2270(w) University of Botswana (+267) 3971309 (h) Mobile: (+267) 72263973 Email:pilane@mopipi.ub.bwpilane@mopipi.ub.bw Onalenna S. Seitio, RN/RM, BEd. MSN/CS Phone:(+267) 3953033 Institute of Health Sciences –Gaborone Mobile:(+267) 72619577 Email: oseitio@gov.bwoseitio@gov.bw Patricia T Ncube, RN/RM BEd. MSN Phone:(+267) 3552398 University of Botswana (+267) 3926105 Mobile:(+267) 72575643 Email: ncubept@mopipi.ub.bwncubept@mopipi.ub.bw

2. Introduction The current nursing education system in Botswana does not support continued learning: No recognition of prior learning Repetition of content All diploma holders are awarded a blanket one year exemption when they want to pursue degree Cost for attainment of degree is prohibitive

3. Rationale for articulating FNP with BNS Making the programme cost effective in terms of length of time and financial burden and redundancy. It takes a minimum of twelve (12) years to qualify with BNS. To complete BNS from FNP costs a total of P 310 488.00 to decrease unnecessary redundancy and repetition.

4. Comparison of the FNP, BNS and MNS Programs Entry Requirements Mandate of the Program Duration Number of Credits Academic Regulations

5. Course Equivalence Health Assessment Family Nursing Health Promotion Physiology/ Patho-physiology

6. Pharmacology/ Pharmaceutical Interventions/ Pharmacotherapeutics Communication and Study Skills Computer Applications in Health Care/ Computing and Information Skills Children and Adolescents in Health and Illness

7. Sexual and Reproductive Health Statistics Research Theory Role Development Disease Diagnosis and Management in Adults and Older Adults

8. Disease Diagnosis and Management Practicum Research Project Epidemiology Primary Care of Children and Adolescents (Practicum)

9. Application of Principles and Practice of Sexual and Reproductive Health Care (Practicum) Primary Care of Adults and Older Adults (Practicum)

10. Example of course comparison HEALTH ASSESSMENT: FNP 401- 4 CREDITS, FOCUS ON ACQUISITION OF ADVANCED SKILLS Inbuilt PRACTICAL HOURS (1 CREDIT) BNS 300- 3 CREDITS, FOCUS ON ACQUISITION OF BEGINNING Skills PRACTICAL APPLICATION IN OTHER COURSES MNS 604 -3 CREDITS, FOCUS ON ACQUISITION OF ADVANCED Skills PRACTICAL APPLICATION IN OTHER COURSES.

11. Analysis Entry requirements for both FNP and BNS are the same. Duration of FNP and BNS programmes, and total credits differ because of repeated content. FNP credits build on the basic General Nursing which is also three years long BNS completion does not add value, instead content repeated

12. Out of the 19 courses done in the FNP programme: twelve (12) are the same with MNS. better coverage, depth and focus than in BNS. Five (5) courses (17 Credits)- not offered at BNS Only two (2) courses are identical in both FNP and BNS.

13. FNP credit deficit basic sciences (21 credits) liberal arts/optional courses (41 credits), making a total of 62 credits. 17 credits done in FNP but not in BNS, make up for optional courses, FNP deficit is therefore only 45 credits to get a degree.

14. Conclusion and Recommendations According to the above analysis: FNP should do only 45 credits to qualify for BNS. FNP be exempted from CHN and Psych Mental Health courses. FNP to be articulated with the Masters program Other post basic programmes be analyzed and articulated with BNS. University of Botswana to expedite articulation process.