All across the world, nursing is seen as one of the noblest professions. In a
hospital, from the general ward to the operation theatre, nursing is the most
important component of patient care. Contrary to popular belief, nursing is not
a second choice career for those unable to gain entry in a medical college. The
two professions, though complementary, require separate skills and
temperaments. Where the doctor's contact with the patients is fleeting, nurses
are expected to establish and maintain a relationship with them.
WORK
Their work covers a range of functions and responsibilities that vary with the
levels of qualification and the working environment. Some nurses concentrate
entirely on bedside care, while others manage whole groups of people. The
main functional areas of nursing include - general nursing in hospitals,
nursing homes, sanatoriums as well as schools.
Industrial nurses render first aid and provide preventive and other services
under an Industrial Physicist, Psychiatric nurses work with emotionally
disturbed and mentally handicapped patients, and midwives look after
mothers and children, from early pregnancy until about four weeks after
the birth of the baby.
Nurses everywhere are involved in the crucial tasks of dispensing medication,
keeping records of the patients' progress, setting up and operating medical
equipment, administration and several other routine chores.
ENTRY
A large number of institutions in India today offer diploma, graduate and post
graduate courses in Nursing, as well as Midwifery courses.
Eligibility:
The basic eligibility for a B.Sc. in Nursing is a 10+2 with Biology, Physics and
Chemistry .The basic eligibility for a course in General Nursing & Midwifery
(GNM) is also 10+2 with Biology, Physics and Chemistry.
Duration :
B.Sc. (Nursing) - 3 to 4 years ;
General Nursing & Midwifery (GNM) - 3 ½ years .
INSTITUTIONS
- A few of the important institution imparting training in Nursing are as follows :
- College of Nursing, 24 - Acharya Jagdish Chandra Bose Marg , Calcutta.
- College of Nursing, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi.
- Raj Kumari Amrit Kaur College of Nursing, Andrews Gunj, New Delhi.
- Leelbai Thackersey College of Nursing, Thackersey Road, Mumbai.
- College of Nursing, Christian Medical College, Vellore.
JOB PROSPECTS
There are various job opportunities open to those who take up Nursing:
* In various hospitals / clinics and health departments,
* In the railways and public sector medical departments,
* In private hospitals / nursing homes / clinics etc.,
* Teaching / research in concerned areas of specialisation
Careers
