With a shortage of registered nurses in South Africa, we invest in attracting and developing new candidates through nursing bursaries and practical work opportunities. The Dis-Chem bursaries cover study, accommodation and meal costs. It also includes practical work at Dis-Chem pharmacies. In 2023, 16 students with bursaries completed their final year exams for subjects completed in their academic study year, all with distinction. At the moment, we have 26 bursary candidates studying for their qualifications. The students are from TUT, the University of Johannesburg, WITS, the University of Nelson Mandela and Life Healthcare Nursing College.
We are in the process of creating an academy offering for primary healthcare accreditation where registered nurses can join theoretical courses and do practical work in a Dis-Chem clinic.
The Dis-Chem clinic department believes in continuing professional development and offers at least 20 Continuing Professional Development training events for all nurses employed at Dis-Chem. Dis-Chem clinics are compliant according to all the Department of Health Primary Health Care clinic standards. All nurses employed by Dis-Chem must complete the following compulsory training courses:
- Vaccination update course
- Family planning update course
- Basic life support
We cover the cost of all compulsory training for every nurse every third year as per the Department of Health policy.
Different levels of nursing qualifications
- Enrolled nurses complete a two-year diploma registered with the South African Nursing Council. Duties are carried out under direct or indirect supervision of a registered nurse
- A general nurse has completed the second level in nursing, which is a three-year diploma. On completion, the nurse registers with the South African Nursing Council as a general nurse
- A professional nurse has completed the third level in nursing, which is a four-year bachelor’s degree at a university. On completion, the nurse registers with the South African Nursing Council as a professional nurse and midwife
- A primary care nurse specialist is a registered nurse with an additional qualification in primary care nursing completed on the Department of Health’s Knowledge Hub. This specialist provides direct care to patients with all types of illnesses and ailments, offering the first level of nursing care that patients receive. Such a nurse specialist conducts physical assessments, diagnoses illnesses, assists the general practitioner in prescribing treatment, provides direct care to healthcare consumers and refers for further treatment
Our stakeholders tell their stories
We launched “Better Health Starts Here” as a promise we make to ourselves, to each other and to every customer who walks through our doors. Better health outcomes are important for all our stakeholders. Find out why…
