PERCEPTIVES OF NURSING EDUCATION GLOBAL AND NATIONAL

The demand for higher education has increased worldwide and the

response has been an impressive expansion of education offerings both

within and across countries. In recent years there has been a proliferation of

educational courses that target international clientele. This h as led to

concerns about quality and consistency and also the need for international

standards of education.

Internationalization in education, according to knight “the process of

integrating an international, intercultural or global dimension in the purpose,

functions and delivery of post – secondary education”.

Exported education service are delivered in various ways.

As students travel abroad to receive their education.

As education is delivered to them through distance learning.

As educational institutions from one country provide onsite classes

in another country, often through establishing branch campuses.

Education of health professionals, specially nurses, cannot be entirely

homogenous given population health issues, such as endemic diseases, along

with social, cultural and economic differences. The standards for nursing

education need to be established through out the world to provide a guide for

local services and to assure a minimum standard for important issues such as

essential qualifications for nurse educators.

PATTERNS OF NURSING EDUCATION AND TRAINING

PROGRAMMES IN INDIA

INTRODUCTION

Nursing Council Act came to existence in 1948 to constitute a

council of nurses who would safe guard the quality of nursing education in

the country. The mandate was to establish and maintain uniform standards

of nursing education. Today, Indian nursing council is a statutory body that

regulates nursing education in the country through prescription, inspection,

examination, certification and maintaining its stands for a uniform syllabus

at each level of nursing education. The strive for maintenance of a uniform

standards and pattern of nursing education has curbed creative

development and experiments for expansion of nursing in to newer

horizons of nursing education.

There are six levels of nursing education in India today. They are :

1. Multipurpose Health Worker Female training (ANM or MPHW-F)

2. Female Health Supervisor training (HV or MPHS-F)

3. General nursing and midwifery (GNM)

4. BSc. Nursing

5. MSc. nursing

6. MPhil and PhD

The ANM, HV, and GNM are conducted in schools of nursing. The last 3

are university level courses and the respective universities conduct

examinations. Beside there are several certificate and diploma courses in

specialties.

MULTIPURPOSE HEALTH WORKER (+) TRAINING

The training grew out of the earlier auxillary nursing and midwifery

(ANM) course.

The ANM training was for 2 years. Mainly covers maternal and child

care and family welfare.

The Indian Nursing Council revised the ANMs syllabus in 1977 and

reduced the duration to 18 months.

At the end of the course candidates are eligible for working in health

subcentres.

There are nearly 500 schools offering this course in India at present.

FEMALE HEALTH SUPERVISOR TRAINING

This course was initially meant as a health visitor training course. It

went to several modifications and finally became metamorphosed into the

current six months promotional training.

The female health supervisors or Multipurpose Health Assistant (F)

course is being conducted in 21 centres in the country.

GENERAL NURSING AND MIDWIFERY

The general nursing and midwifery course is conducted in 477

centers in the country. The syllabus has undergone many revisions

according to the change in the health plans and policies of the Government

and changing trends and advancements in general education, nursing health

sciences and medical technology. The latest revision of syllabus by INC in

2004 has increased the duration of the course from three year to three and

half year. The basic entrance has become intermediate or class 12 instead

of earlier class 10. Both science and arts students are eligible. The focus of

general nursing education is the care of sick in the hospital. Schools of

nursing are generally attached to teaching hospitals. Three Board

examinations are conducted, one at the end of each year. On passing the

candidates are registered as registered nurse and mid –wife by the

respective state nursing councils.

PHILOSOPHY

The Indian Nursing Council believes that the basic course in nursing

is a formal educational preparation which should be based on sound

education principles. The council recognizes that the program as the

foundation on which the practice of nursing is built and on which depends

further professional education. It also recognizes its responsibility to the

society for the continued development of student as individual nurse and

citizens.

Purpose

The purpose of general nursing programme is to prepare general

nurse who will function as member of the health team beginning with

competence for first level position in both hospital and community. The

programme is generated to the health needs of the society, the community

and the individual and will assist nurses in their personal and professional

development so that they may take their maximum contribution to the

society as individual citizens and nurses.

Objectives

1. Demonstrate awareness of and skills required in the nursing process in

the provision of health care and nursing of patients

2. Apply relevant knowledge from the humanities biological and

behavioral sciences in carrying out health care and nursing activities

and functions.

3. Show sensitivity and skill in human relationship and communication in

his or her daily works

4. Demonstrate skill in the problem solving methods in nursing.

5. Gain knowledge of health resources in the community and the country

6. Demonstrate skill in leadership

7. Demonstrate awareness of necessity of belonging to professional

organizations.

8. Promotion of health, precaution against illness, restoration of health and

rehabilitation.

Students admission

1. Age for the entrance shall be 17 years to 35 years, provided they meet

the minimum educational requirement ie 12 years of schooling.

2. Minimum education all students should pass 12 classes or its

equivalent, preferably with science subjects

3. Admission of students shall be once a year.

4. Students should be medically fit.

The selection committee should comprise tutors, nurse administrators,

and educationalist/psychologist. The principal of the school shall be the

chairperson.

Training programme

The course in general nursing shall be of three and half years

duration as follows, two years practice in general nursing , one year 

community health nursing and midwifery and six months internship which

includes nursing administration and nursing research classes. There will be

alternate course for male students in lieu of midwifery. The ANM who

wishes to under take general nursing course will not be given any

concessions. The maximum hours per week per students shall be 36 hours,

which includes instructions and clinical field experiences.

BACHELOR OF NURSING COURSE

Graduate nursing education started in India in the year 1946 in CMC,

Vellore and in the RAK college of nursing at Delhi university. At present

several universities in India offer the course.

Eligibility for admission

A candidate seeking admission should have:

1. pass the 2 year of pre university exam or equivalent as recognized by

concerned university with science subjects ie Physics, biology and

chemistry.

2. students of vocational courses

3. obtained at least 45%of total marks in science subjects in the qualifying

exam, if belongs to a scheduled caste or tribe , should have obtained not

less than 40 % of total marks in science subjects.

4. completed 17 years of age at the time of admission or will complete this

age on or before 31st December of the year of admission

5. is medically fit

Objectives of study

The programme is designed :

1.  to provide a balance of professional and general education

2. to enable a student to become a professional nurse practitioner who has

self direction and is a responsible citizen.

Through planned guided experiences students are provided with

opportunities to develop

a broad concept of the fundamental principles of nursing care  based

on sound knowledge and satisfactory levels of skill in providing care

to people of all ages in community or institutional setting

understanding of the application of principles from the physical

biological and social sciences for assessing the health status

ability to investigate health care problems systematically

ability to work collaboratively with members of allied disciplines

towards attaining optimum health for all members of the society

understanding of fundamental principles of administration and

organization of nursing service

understanding of human behaviour and appreciation of effective

interpersonal relationship with individuals families and groups

ability to assume responsibility for continuing learning

appreciation of professional attitudes necessasary for leadership roles

in nursing appreciation of social and ethical obligations to  society.

Course of study

The course of study leading to bachelor of nursing  degree comprises 4

academic years.

BACHELOR OF NURSING COURSE (POST CERTIFICATE) FOR QUALIFIED NURSES

Philosophy and aims of the programme

  The faculty believes that nursing is an integral part of the health

care delivery system and shire responsibility in collaboration with other

allied health professions for the attainment of optimal health for all

members of the society. The faculty conceives education as a life long 

learning process. It seeks to render appropriate behavioral changes in

students in order to facilitate their development , which assist them to live

personally satisfied and socially useful lives.

The goal of post certificate degree programme leading to bachelor of

science in nursing is the preparation of the trained nurse as a generalist

who accept responsibility for enhancing the effectiveness of Nursing care

Eligibility for admission

The candidate seeking admission must:

1. hold a certificate in General  nursing.

2. be a registered nurse

3. have minimum of two years of experience

4. have passed pre university exam in the arts /science/commerce or its

equivalent which is recognized the university

5. be medically fit

6. have a good personal and professional record

7. have working knowledge of English

PROGRAMME OF STUDY

Duration –the programme of the study is two academic years from the

date of commencement of programme. Terms and vacations shall be as

notified by the university from time to time.

Objectives—the goal of the post certificate programme leading to the

bachelor of nursing is the preparation of the trained nurses as a generaralist

who accept responsibility for enhancing the effectiveness of nursing care.

Administer high quality nursing care to all people of all ages in

homes , hospitals and other community agencies in urban and rural

areas

Apply knowledge from the physical, social and behavioral sciences

in assessing the health status of  individuals and make critical

judgment in assessing the health status of the individuals and make

critical judgment in planning ,directing and evaluating primary,

acute and long term care given by themselves and others working

with them

Investigate health care problems systematically

Work collaboratively with members of other health disciplines

Teach and counsel individuals , families and other groups about

health and illness

Understand human behavior and establish effective interpersonal

relationships

Teach in clinical nursing situations

Identify underlying principles from the social and natural sciences

and utilize them in adapting to , or initiating changes in relation to

those factors

Acquire professional knowledge  and attitude in adapting for

leadership roles

DEGREE OF MASTER OF NURSING

Philosophy

Nursing faculty presents the following beliefs about the master of nursing

programme:

1. the master of nursing programme is offered by institution of higher

education and is built up on a recognized bachelor’s curriculum in

nursing (in India-by Indian nursing council)

2. the programme prepares nurses for leadership position in nursing and

other health fields who can function as specialists nurse practitioners,

consultants ,educators ,administrators and investigators in a wide

variety of professional setting in meeting the national priorities and the

changing needs of the society

3. the programme prepares nursing graduates who are professionally

equipped ,creative, self directed and socially motivated to effectively

meet with the needs of the social change

4. further the programme encourages accountability and commitment to

life long learning which fosters improvement of quality care

Objectives

Graduates of master of nursing programme demonstrate:

increased cognitive ,affective and psychomotor competencies and the

ability to utilise the potentials for effective nursing performance

expertise in the utilization of concepts and theories for the assessment

,planning and intervention in meeting the self care needs of an

individual for the attainment of fullest potentials in the field of

specialty.

Ability to practice independently as a nurse specialist

Ability to function effectively as nurse educators and administrators

Ability to interpret the health related research

Ability to plan and initiate change in the health care system

Leadership qualities for the advancement of practice of professional

nursing

Interest in life long learning for personal and professional learning

advancement

Eligibility

The candidate seeking admission must:

1. have passed BSc. Nursing/post certificate BSc, or nursing degree of any

university

2. have a minimum of one year of experience after obtaining BSc, in

hospitals or nursing educational institutions or community health setting

3. for BSc, nursing post certificate, no such experience is needed after

graduation the candidate shall be-a registered nurse or registered midwife

for admission to medical surgical nursing, community health nursing,

pediatric nursing obstetric and gynecological nursing.

A registered nurse for admission to psychiatric nursing

4. the candidate shall be selected on merit judged on the basis of  

academic performances in BSc nursing, post certificate BSc, or nursing

and selection tests.

Specialties

Candidate will be examined in any of the following branches—

1. branch1-medical surgical nursing

2. branch2-community health nursing

3. branch 3-paediatric nursing

4. branch4-obstetric and gynecological nursing

5. branch5-psychiatric nursing

Four common papers are there included in the syllabus. They are:

advanced concepts of health and nursing

education and nursing education

bio-statistics, research methodology and nursing research

administration and nursing administration

MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY PROGRAMME IN NURSING

In 1980 RAK college of nursing started an MPhil programme as  a

regular and part time course. Since then several universities started taking

students for the MPhil course in nursing. Prominent among these are:

MGR Medical University, Rajive Gandhi University of Health Sciences,

SNDT University and Delhi University and Manipal Academy of Higher

Education 

Philosophy

Nursing shares with the whole university a main focus of preparing

its students for service and assisting them to achieve a meaningful

philosophy of life. The student is encouraged to develop judgment and

wisdom in handling knowledge and skills and achieve mastery of problem

solving and creative skills.

Commitment to life long learning is the mark of truly professional

person. In order to maintain clinical competencies and enhance

professional practice the student must stay abrupt of the new developments

and contribute to the advancement of nursing knowledge.

Objectives

The objectives of M.Phil degree course in nursing are:

to strengthen the research foundations of nurses for encouraging

research attitudes and problem solving capacities

to provide basic training required for research in undertaking doctoral

work

Duration

Duration of the full term M.Phil course will be one year and part time

course will be two year.

Course of study

At the time of admission each candidate will be required to indicate

her priorities in regard to the optional courses .a candidate may offer one

course from M Phil programme from the department of Anthropology,

education, sociology and physiology or any suitable department. The

M.Phil studies will be into two distinct parts, part1 and part 2.

Part1----it consist of 3 courses, ie research methods in nursing, major

aspects of nursing, allied disciplines 

Part2----after passing the part1 examination, a student shall be required to

write a dissertation. The topic and the nature of the dissertation  of each

candidate will be determined by the advisory committee consist of 3

members. The dissertation may include results of original research, a fresh

interpretation of existing facts, and date or a review article of critical nature

of may take.

DOCTORATE OF PHILOSOPHY IN NURSING

A candidate for admission to the course for the degree of  doctor of

philosophy in the faculties of medical science must have obtained an M

Phil degree of a university or have a good academic record with first or

second class master’s degree of an Indian or a foreign university in the

concerned subject.

The candidate shall apply to the university for the admission stating

his qualifications and the subjects he proposes to investigate  enclosing a

statement  on any work he may have done in the subject. every application 

for the admission of the course must be analyzed by  the board of research

studies. 

Board of research studies (medical sciences)- members-

dean and the head of the departments concerned

Principals/ head of institutions recognized for post graduate medical

studies.

Two members nominated by the medical academic council

Three persons nominated by the medical faculty( for their special

knowledge in the medical science

 Eligibility criteria

The candidate should be post graduate in nursing with more than

55% of aggregates of marks

Should have research background

May or may not published articles in journals

 The course duration is far  regular PhD course is 3 years and for part

time is 4 years

REFERENCES

1. Neeraja KP. Text book of nursing education.2005.1st edn. Noida. Jaypee

brothers medical publishers( p) Ltd. Page 41 – 77.

2. Sankara Narayana, Basics of Nursing Education, 2002, 1st edition, Page

No.15 – 18.

3. education.portal.com

4. currentnursing.com

5. Journals