Table 2.

Key criticisms of new nursing qualifications policy process

Context issues	• Context determined by education sector rather than nursing.  • Process unable to keep up with changing context.
Process issues	• Policy progress took too long.  • Limited planning for actual implementation.
Content issues	• Nursing colleges have to be registered as higher education institutions.  • Limited evidence base for proposed revisions.  • Uncertainty whether proposals match health needs of the country.  • Debates about direct-entry midwifery.
Actor issues	• Weak leadership and governance by SANC and NDoH.  • Domination by nurse educators with limited involvement of employers and front-line nurses.  • Limited real engagement with NDoH.