First Education News

Like medical technicians, Nurses may have abundant employment opportunities, as nurses are almost always needed. From large hospitals in central locations, to community centers in rural areas, nurses are in demand. Within nursing, there are many specializations, and job requirements depend on the field, education, location and employer. Registered nurses could work in a variety of settings such as– hospitals, assisted living facilities, prisons, nursing homes or physicians’ offices.

While being supervised by a licensed prescriber such as a nurse practitioner or physician, RNs are providers of direct care. Nurses are responsible for taking and monitoring a patient’s vitals, noting any medical issues/complaints, assisting patient needs, administering medication, explaining medical information and acting as a liaison between the patient and the doctor. RNs might also need to update medical records and create and carry out nursing care plans.

The career of nursing is a highly respected field, and there is a great demand for highly skilled nurses around the globe today.

If you are considering this exciting, growing and rewarding field, you should know details mentioned below before pursuing for Nursing.

Is it the Right Career for Me

Nursing is an ideal job for those who want to serve humanity. If you are compassionate, have an immense will power and spirit to serve the diseased and the weak and are willing to work long hours in stressful conditions then this is the right profession for you. Other traits required for this occupation include the ability to manage different situations and the willingness to adapt to new technology.

Nursing Courses & Eligibility Criteria

The requirements to become a Registered Nurse (RN) are generally:

• Passing the 10+2 exam in science subjects,
• A Diploma in Nursing (called a GNM, General Nursing and Midwifery), and/or
• Getting a B.Sc. Nursing (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) degree.

The B.Sc. Nursing degree isn’t technically required for staff nurses and registered nurses (as long as they register in their respective State Nursing Council of India after the completion of their training), but those with a B.Sc. Nursing degree may be viewed more favorably by employers. Many nurses also choose to get a Post Basic certification in a particular area, such as pediatric nursing, neonatal nursing, psychiatric/mental health nursing, emergency and disaster nursing or cardio-thoracic nursing. This certification is in addition to a bachelor’s or master’s degree and/or diploma, which requires separate training and education.

• To be a nurse practitioner you need to have at least one year of practice as a Registered Nurse in India (i.e., have a B.Sc. Nursing degree and/or a nursing diploma, and be registered with the State Nursing Council), after which you need to complete a Master in Nursing (M.Sc. Nursing) degree, where you will choose a field of specialty. This could include specialties such as cardiovascular and thoracic nursing,      critical care nursing, oncology nursing, neurosciences nursing, nephro-urology nursing, gastroenterology nursing or obstetric and gynecological nursing.

The nursing courses are offered at various levels of study –

• The basic eligibility for a B.Sc. Nursing course is a 10+2 with Biology, Physics and Chemistry.
• The basic eligibility for a course in General Nursing & Midwifery (GNM) is also the same i.e. 10+2 with Biology, Physics and Chemistry.
  
• B.Sc (Nursing): This is a beginner’s course in nursing. In this course the very basic knowledge of this profession is provided like nursing, first aid treatment, midwifery etc. The course also imparts theoretical and practical aspects of nursing.
  
• General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM): This course helps in preparing general nurses to hold first-level positions in the hospitals and other such places.
  
• Auxiliary nurse midwife and health workers (ANMHW): In this programme training is provided to nurses on how to take care of health related needs of the people living in the rural areas especially children, mothers and old persons.
  
• Diploma in Nursing: The minimum eligibility for this course is Class 10th or equivalent. This may be a one year or two year course.

Other than picking up the basic nuances of nursing, nurses can go for a particular specialisation by choosing any Post Basic Specialty (one-year diploma) courses on offer.

Specializations are as follows:

• Cardio Thoracic Nursing
• Critical Care Nursing
• Emergency and Disaster Nursing
• Neonatal Nursing
• Neuro Nursing
• Nursing Education and Administration
• Oncology Nursing
• Operation Room Nursing
• Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Nursing
• Practitioner in Midwifery
• Psychiatric Nursing

Qualities required For A Nurse

• Communication Skills
• Emotional Stability
• Empathy
• Flexibility
• Attention to Detail
• Interpersonal Skills
• Physical Endurance
• Problem Solving Skills
• Quick Response
• Respect

Nursing Career Prospects

The demand for nurses is expected to grow by about 600,000 in the near future, since there are national plans to expand the health network as well as a renewed interest by private organizations. Nursing jobs may be found in:

• Government and private hospitals,
• Nursing homes,
• Sanatoriums,
• Clinics,
• Creches,
• Schools,
• Offices,
• Factories,
• Orphanages,
• Old age homes,
• NGOs working on health issues

Nursing Pay Package

• Nurses who are new to this profession often earn a monthly salary that is in the range of Rs 7,000 to Rs 17,000.
• Mid-level positions can fetch a pay packet anywhere between Rs 18,000 to Rs 37,000.
• Highly experienced nurses can even get a salary in the band of Rs 48,000 to Rs 72,000 per month.

Tips for Getting Hired

• A degree or a diploma from a reputed nursing college is desirable
• It pays in the long run to have obtained a specialization in a particular area of treatment
• An important prerequisite for getting employed is to register oneself with a State Nursing Council
• Since nurses have to constantly deal with the medical staff and patients it is advisable to have good communication skills