Career Prospects in Nursing

A nurse is a health-care professional whose main objective is to care for individuals, families and communities. They ensure that the patients attain, recover and function at an optimum level. Nurses are trained to assess, plan, implement and evaluate the care required irrespective of a physician and are expected to provide support and help in emergency cases.

Nurses are found in hospitals, clinics, physician offices, private homes, schools, pharmaceutical companies (but as researchers), industries (in occupational health settings), schools, cruise ships, retirement homes, hospital facilities, long-term care facilities, military facilities and even camps. Apart from these nurses even give advice and work as consultants at health-care, insurance or legal industries. Nurses can also work either full- or part-time basis and can work on per day basis or as traveling nurses.

Like any other course nursing too has various specializations namely Nursing Superintendent (NS), Assistant Nursing Superintendent (ANS), Nurse case manager, Nursing in Charge, Clinical Nurse, Nurse Administrator, Nurse anesthetist, Nurse Educator, AID’s Care Nurse, Genetics Nurse, Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurse, Intravenous Therapy Nurse, Occupational Health Nurse, Correctional Nurse, Nephrology Nurse, Neuroscience Nurse, Trauma nurse, Forensic nurse, Flight Nurse, Holistic Nurse, Military nurse etc.

Unlike other courses the basic eligibility for nursing courses varies depending up on the specialized field of choice. The eligibility criteria for the respective specialized fields are as follows:

1. Auxiliary Nursing and Midwifery (ANM): the minimum qualification required is 10+2 pass and its duration is Two years (24 months). The fee is dependent upon factors such as schools, Hostel, food, number of seats available, the university and the location of the institute (state wise).
2. General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM): the eligibility is 10 + 2 pass with minimum 45%; the duration is 3.5 years (3½ years). The fees are dependent upon factors such as schools, Hostel, food, number of seats available, the university and the location of the institute (state wise).
3. B.Sc. Nursing (Post-Basic) Regular: here the applicants must have passed 10 + 2 or any other examination or its equivalent thereto and should be a Registered Nurse and Registered Midwife (Diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery – GNM) qualified from a recognized institute and registered with respective State Nursing Council, approved by the Indian Nursing Council (INC) The duration of the course is 2 years. The fee may vary depending upon factors such as schools, Hostel, food, number of seats available, the university and the location of the institute (state wise).
4. B.Sc. Nursing (Post-Basic) Correspondence: here applicant must have passed 10+2 or any other examination or its equivalent thereto and should be a Registered Nurse and Registered Midwife (Diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery – GNM) qualified from a recognized institute and registered with respective State Nursing Council, approved by the Indian Nursing Council (INC). should have minimum 2 years of experience. The duration of the course is 3 years. The fee may vary depending upon factors such as schools, Hostel, food, number of seats available, the university and the location of the institute (state wise).
5. B.Sc. Nursing (Bachelor of Science Nursing): Applicant should have passed 10+2 examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English or any other examination as equivalent thereto with at least 50% marks in aggregate. Candidates appearing in April-May for the qualifying exam can also apply. Applicant should not be more than 25 years and not less than 17 years. The course fee varies depending upon factors such as schools, Hostel, food, number of seats available, the university and the location of the institute (state wise).
6. Post Basic Diploma in Nursing: Applicants should have Passed B.Sc. /PB B.Sc. Nursing/ GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery) which is recognized by the Indian Nursing Council (INC) with minimum 55% marks in aggregate. Applicants must have minimum one year experience as a staff nurse. The Upper age limit varies from college to college and university to university but the general age limit is 35 years as on 1st January for general merit candidates. Relaxation of five years in upper age limit will be given to all SC/ ST candidates and 10 years to in-service candidates. The Specializations or Branches and Category in Post Basis Diploma in Nursing are: Critical care (P.G.D.C.C) Nursing, Emergency & Disaster Course in Nursing, Neuro Science in Nursing, Neonatal Nursing, Cardio thoracic Nursing, Operation Room Nursing, Nurse Practitioner in Midwifery, Oncology Nursing, Orthopedic & Rehabilitation Nursing and Psychiatric / Mental Health Nursing.
7. M.Sc. Nursing (Master’s in Science nursing): Applicant should have at least 1 year of work experience in Nursing or Public Health Nursing or in nursing educational institutions recognized by the Indian Nursing Council (INC) after Basic B.Sc. Nursing or after Post- Basic B.Sc. Nursing. Applicant should be a Registered Nurse and Registered Midwife as approved by I.N.C. The course fee varies depending upon factors such as schools, Hostel, food, number of seats available, the university and the location of the institute (state wise). The Specializations or Branches and Category in M.Sc. Nursing: Specializations are available either as part of master’s degree Nursing course in areas such as Medical Surgical Nursing, Community Health Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing, Child health (Pediatric) Nursing , OBG Nursing (Obstetric and Gynecological Nursing), M Sc Oncology Nursing and Cardiothoracic Nursing.
8. M.Phil. in Nursing (Master of Philosophy Programme): The course for M.Phil. in Nursing programme is open to those who have obtained Master Degree in Nursing under regular stream from a recognized University, securing not less than 55% (for OBC) and 50% (for SC/ST/PWD) marks in the aggregate of the Masters Degree as a whole.
9. Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (Ph. D. in Nursing): The candidate should be Nursing professionals who have completed their M.Phil. degree with 55 per cent marks from a recognized University or an equivalent grade (50 per cent for SC and ST candidates). Nursing professionals have M.Sc. Nursing with 55 per cent marks and five years of teaching/industry/administration/professional/clinical experience. Nursing personnel, who have completed their M.Sc. Nursing with 55 per cent marks (50 per cent marks for SC and ST candidates). And 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.
10. Military Nursing: is one of the important professions in military. Four year B.Sc. Nursing / three-year probationary nursing course is conducted at various armed force hospitals in India. Indian Female candidates ( unmarried / divorcee / legally separated or widow without encumbrances) who have passed in the FIRST ATTEMPT the complete senior secondary (10+2)/ equivalent examination from a recognized Board /University with Physics, Chemistry and Biology with minimum 50% aggregate marks as a regular student can apply for the programme. Candidates who have appeared or will be appearing for final year of qualifying examination during the current academic session may also apply.