TRENDS IN DEVELOPMENT OF NURSING EDUCATION IN INDIA

DEVELOPMENT OF NURSING EDUCATION IN INDIA: PRE-

INDEPENDENCE INTRODUCTION

Nursing had originated independently and existed many centuries without contact
with modern medicine. The members of the family at home met the nursing needs of the
sick. Evolution of medicine, surgery and public health into complicated technical area
requiring many procedures by persons specially trained and having understanding of
scientific principles, which brought two professions closer and together.

1. Nursing in Pre-historic Times

There is no historical evidence available on ancient history on nursing care of sick.

In primitive times discovered through myths, songs and archeologist to get rid of 'evil spirit'
unpleasant conditioning like beating, starving, magic rites, nauseous medicines, loud noises
sudden fright are used methods. Primitive man had the skill of massaging, fermentation
bone setting, amputation, hot and cold bath, heat to control hemorrhages.

Role of Nurse in Primitive Period

Women were protecting and caring for their children, aged and sick members of the
family. Nursing evolved to response to the desire to keep healthy as well as provide comfort
to sick. This was reflecting in caring, comforting, nourishing and cleansing aspect of the
patient. These love and hope were expressed in empirical practice of nursing.

2. Nursing - Vedic Period (3000 B.C - 1400 B.C)

Indian medicines are found in the sacred books of "Vedas". The 'Ayur-veda' is thought to
have been given by Brahma. 1400 BC Sushruta, known as 'Father of Surgery' in India wrote
a book on surgery and years later 'Charaka' wrote a book on internal medicine. By these
writings we can learn that those days surgery had advanced to a high level, also had 4 wings
of treatment 'Chatushpada Chikitsa'.

1. Physician - Bhishak
2. Nurse - Upacharika (Attendent - Anuraktha)
3. Therapeutic drugs - Dravya
4. Patient - Adhyaya

Characters of Upacharika (Nurse)

• Shuchi - Pure or clean in physical appearance and mental hygiene.

• Daksha - Competency
• Anuraktha - Willing to care
• Buddhiman - Co-ordinator with the patient and doctor / intelligent.

3. Nursing Post Vedic Period (600 BC - 600 AD)

Medical education was introduced in ancient Universities of 'Nalanda' and

'Thakshashila'. King Ashoka (272-236 BC) constructed hospitals for the people and
animals. Prevention of the disease was given first importance and hygienic practices were
adopted. Cleanliness of the body was religious duty. Doctors and midwives were to be trust
worthy and skillful. They should wear clean cloths and cut their nails short. Lying rooms
were kept well ventilated. Religious ceremonies and prayer precede co-operations. The
nurses were usually 'men' or 'old women'. Women are restricted activities at home and
cared for sick members in the family during 1 AD period superstition and black magic
replaced more in daily practices. Medicines are remained in the hands of priest -
physicians, who refused to touch the blood and pathological tissues. Dissection was
for bidden. Other religious
restriction and superstitious practices probably declined the development of nursing.

4. Nursing in Mogul Period (1000 AD)

'Unani' system of medicine developed during the Arab civilization. It was practiced
in Indo-Pakistan subcontinent. The basic framework are consists of blood, phlegm, yellow
bile and back bile. Temperament, strengthening of body and nature are the real physician.

Not believed in eradication of disease greatly depend on defense mechanism of the body and
self-care and positive health habits. Therefore, it becomes part of Indian medicine practice.

5. British period (16th Century onwards)

 After the Mogul period the nursing in India hindered due to various reasons like low state
of women, system of "pardha" among Muslims, caste system among Hindus, illiteracy,
poverty, political unrest, language difference and nursing looked upon as servants work.
During the 16th century, nursing development in India taken three dimensions.

1. Military Nursing
2. Civilian Nursing
3. Missionaries Nursing

1. Military Nursing:

Military nursing born during 1st world war but developed very slowly. British officers
informed need of nurses to take care British officials and soldiers in India.

On 1888 Feb. 21st - 10 fully qualified certified nurses from Florence Nightingales, arrived
to Bombay to lead nursing in India. This paves the way to develop one of the best nursing
in the world. 1894 regular system of training for men for hospital work (orderliness) started.
Medical officers given lecturing to them. Some men were voluntary did the course and
applied for the nursing certificate. After two months of practical posting to ward, on the
account of supervised sister's report, first time hospital 'orderliness' issued certificate and
had official status. This system laid the possible foundation to existing system of training
and higher education.

1927 - Description of Indian Military Nursing services formed with 12 matrons, 18 sisters,
25 staff nurses. They are responsible for supervision, instruction and training of nursing
services for entire Indian hospital corps.

2nd world war expanded nursing services to India and overseas under the direction of chief
principal matron. 3 year training carried out in selected military hospital preliminary
training schools. After completion sent to military hospital for training. After successful
training certificate issued as "Registered Nurse" and they are members of Indian Military
Nursing Services Auxiliary Nursing Services

Shortage of trained nurses in India after the 2 nd world war, the Govt., initiated short course of
intensive training in 1942 which led to the Auxiliary Nursing Services. Basic training for 6
 month in selected civil hospital after passing examination at military hospitals in India sent
to overseas to serve in the capacity of 'Assistant Nurses' 3000 women given auxiliary
training.

2. Civilian Nursing in India

1664 - East India company built Government General Hospital at Madras for civilian.
1871 - this hospital undertook training of nurses. On 1854 midwives training school granted
certificates of ’Diploma in Midwifery' for passed student and 'sick nursing' for failed
students. First time 6 nurses came out as Diploma in Midwifery Nurses.

3. Missionary Nursing:

Missionary nursing started training for Indian people as nurses. Various other countries
supported. This brought fully qualified Indian nurses. Those days there were several
obstacles for nursing development.

1. Girls were not allowed to do work.

2. Degrading and unworthy attitude of people.
3. Hindus were hold back due to deep seated caste system.
4. Muslims held under 'paradha' system.

So Christian girls encouraged and trained first.

Frequent disappointment, degradation difficulties nursing training came into existence and
look its own shape. In the beginning there is not uniformity in nursing education. There is
no particular standards were given. After the course of lecturing 18 months to two years,
written examination conducted. If failed training extended to 3 years.

From 1888-93 five years various experts like doctors, surgeons, nursing superintendent,
pharmacists - draw up a curriculum for training. 1907-10 North India united Board of
Examiner formed to maintain nursing administration and standards. 1928 - Hindi Text book
for nurses developed. 1939 - helped to develop post graduation school for nurses.

Community Health Nursing:

William Rathbone formed Visiting Nurses Association at England. She emphasized on

charity free care etc. Florence Lees improved the Visiting Nurses by giving specialized
training for their work. It is influenced in India, because of terrible condition, under which
children were born recognized as cause for high mortality rate. Because untrained 'Dais' are
attending women at the time of child birth.

Dais was unwilling to train and patients will to accept the old customary methods. In 1926 -
Midwives Registration Act formed for the purpose of better training of midwives. Slowly
Community Nursing Training needs felt by the Government. In 1946 - Community Health
Nursing was integrated in Basic Nursing Programme at Delhi, Vellore and Madras.

Trained Nurses Association of Indian (TNAI)

In 1908 - TNAI formed to uphold the dignity and honor of the nursing profession. Florence
Mac Haughton was the first president of TNAI. In 1910 TNAI published journals. In 1912 -
TNAI affiliated to international Nursing Council as a 8th Association in the world. In 1917
June 16th under the Registration Act No:XXI of 1860 - TNAI got registered. In 1922 - SNA
formed.

DEVELOPMENT OF NURSING EDUCATION IN INDIA: POST-

INDEPENDENCE INTRODUCTION

On 15th August 1947 India became independent and self governing. Social changes
were taking place rapidly but an alarming absence of public health and sanitary measures
continued. The ratio of nurse to patient remained dangerously low. The opening of
nursing schools associated with college gave nursing profession a higher social and
economic status, than it had previously known. The formation of many commission and
committees, establishment of INC and tremendous work of TNAI brought about change in
nursing education post independence.

DEVELOPMENT OF NURSING EDUCATIION.

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.

TRAINED NURSES ASSOCIATION OF INDIA

TNAI helps the initiation of university level education in India. Recommendations of the
Bhore committee were implemented within year.

1. Passing of the INC act

2. Deputation of Indian nurses abroad for post basic education

The TNAI made significant achievements in the field of nursing education. It creates
awareness among nurses through Nursing journal of India and organizing continuing
education programmes. TNAI also offers scholarships to deserving candidates to take up
studies within the country and abroad.

ESTABLISHMENT OF INDIAN NURSING COUNCIL

The INC was constituted to establish a uniform standard of education for nurses, midwives,
health visitors and auxiliary nurse midwives. The INC act was passed following an
ordinance on December 31st 1947. The council was constituted in 1949.

Main proposes of the council.

1. To set standards and to regulate the nursing education of all types in the country.
2. To prescribe and specify minimum requirement for qualifying for a particular course
in nursing.
3. Advisory role in the state nursing council
4. To collaborate with state nursing councils, schools and colleges of nursing and
examination board.
 STATE REGISTRATION COUNCIL.

FUNCTIONS

• Inspect and accredit schools of nursing in their state.

• Conduct the examinations
• Prescribe rules of conduct.
• Maintain registers of nurses, midwives, ANM and health visitors in the state.

The state registration council is autonomous except they do not have power to prescribe the
syllabi for courses.

RECOMMENDATIONS OF VARIOUS COMMITTEES PERTAINING TO

NURSING EDUCATION.

The recommendations given by committees and commission provided guidelines for

improvement and growth of nursing education.

1. Health survey and development committee (Bhore committee 1946)

• Establishment of nursing college.

• Creation of an all India nursing council.

2. Shetty committee 1954

• Improvement in conditions of training of nurses.

• Minimum requirement for admission to be in accordance with regulation of the INC.

3. Health survey and planning committee (Mudaliar committee 1959-61)

• Three grades of nurses viz. The basic nurses (4yrs), auxiliary nurse midwife (2yrs) and
nurses with a degree qualification.
• For GNM minimum entrance qualification is matriculation.
• For degree course passed higher secondary or Pre University.
• Medium of instruction preferably English in General nursing.
• Degree course should be taught only in English.

4. Mukherjee committee, 1966.

• Training of nurses and ANM'S required for family planning.

5. Kartar singh committee, 1972-73

• Multipurpose health worker scheme

• Change in designation of ANM's and LHV
• Setting up of training division at the ministry of health and family welfare

6. Sarojini varadappan committee, 1990 (A high power committee on nursing and

nursing profession.)

• Two levels of nursing personnel

• Post basic BSc nursing degree to continue
• Masters in nursing programme to be increased and strengthened.
• Doctorate in nursing programme to be started in selected university.
• Continuing education and staff development for nurses.

7. Working group on nursing education and manpower, 1991.

• By 2020 the GNM programme to be phased out

• Curriculum of BSc nursing to be modified
• Staffing norm should be as per INC
• There should be deliberate plan for preparation of teachers MSc/Mphil and PhD degrees.
• Improvement in functioning of INC
• Importance of continuing education for nurses.

RECOMMENDATIONS OF FIVE YEAR PLANS

1st and 2nd five year plans (1951-1961)

• Grants from Central Government for the training of nurses, Auxiliary Nurse-
Midwives and health visitors.
 • The most significant development had been the extension of nursing and midwifery
to the rural areas.

3rd five year plan (1961-1966)

• Emphasis could be laid on education for nursing and supervision in the public
health field.

4th five year plan (1969-1974)

• The programme of expansion of facilities for the training of nurses and para-medical
personnel will be related broadly to the requirements of these categories of
personnel in connection with medical, public health and family planning
programmes.
• The expected increase in number of nurses to 61000 and auxiliary nurse-midwives to
34000

5th five year plan (1974-1979)

• The Government of India and the Indian Nursing Council proposed to take various
measures to integrate psychiatric nursing in the basic nursing curriculum throughout
the country.

6th five year plan (1980-1985)

• Full financial assistance was provided to the states to train Para-medical

professionals including nurses and ANMs.

8th five year plan (1992-1997)

• District and regional level training institutions were strengthened for providing
continuing education for all categories of nursing staffs.

10th five year plan (2002-2007)

• Under graduate and post graduate training reoriented to enable student nurses to
become competent professionals.
• The ANM training schools reopened in the government sector to meet the shortage
in some states.

11th five year plan (2007-2012)

• It is proposed to open new ANM and GNM Schools in the country during the XIth
Plan period.
• It is also proposed to establish 4 Regional Colleges of Excellence with state of art
facilities to improve the quality of Nursing Education in the country.
• A provision of Rs. 319 crores has been proposed for XIth Plan for the strengthening of
Nursing Education in the country.
Evolution of Nursing Education in India

We can summarize the history of nursing education in India as follows:

1871 - School of nursing started in general hospital Madras.

1886 - School of nursing in a full-fledged form was started in J.J. hospital, Bombay.

1892 - Many hospitals in Bombay started nursing associations which were intended to
provide additional facilities for the training of local nurses.

1908 - TNAI established.

1909 - Bombay presidency nursing association was formed.

1910 - United board of examination for nurses was organized.

1913 - South India Board was organized.

1926 - First nurses’ registration act passed in Madras.

1935 - Madras and Bombay nursing councils were established.

1942 - ANM programme started.

1943 - School of Nursing at RAK College, New Delhi.

Diploma programme in nursing administration started in New Delhi.

1946 - Four year B.Sc nursing programme started in RAK college and CMC, Vellore.

1947 - INC act was passed.

1949 - INC was established.

1959 - M.Sc. Nursing started in RAK college.

1963 - Post basic B.Sc programme started in various institutions

1968 - M.Sc. nursing at CMC, Vellore

1972 - Basic degree programme started in Kerala

1985 - M.Sc. nursing stated in CMC Ludhiana.

1985 - IGNOU established.

1986 - Curriculum change for GNM programme from three and a half years to three
years.
M.Phil programme started in RAK, Delhi.

1987 - M.Sc. Nursing started in Kerala

Separate directorate of nursing was created in Karnataka State.

1988 - M.Sc. Nursing at NIMHANS

1992 - Ph.D in RAK College, New Delhi

Post basic programme started under IGNOU

1994 - M.Sc. nursing at Mahe, Manipal

Basic B.Sc. programme under school of Medical education in Mahatma Gandhi

University, Kottayam.

1996 - M.Phil and Ph.D at Mahe, Manipal.

2001 - Ph.D at NIMHANS

2004 – Curriculum changes for GNM programme from three years to three and a half
years.

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

1. Multi Purpose 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 and post basic 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.

Basic General Nursing and Midwifery Education

a. Training of Dais (Birth Attendant)

The Dai training continued past independence. The goal was to train one Dai in each
village and ultimate goal was to train the entire practicing Dais in country

Duration of training was 30 days. No age limit was prescribed, training include theory and
practice, more emphasis on field practice. This training was done at sub centre and
equipments provided by UNICEF.

b. Auxiliary Nurse Midwife

In 1950 Indian Nursing Council came out with some important decisions relating to future
patterns of nursing training in India. One of the important decisions was that there should
be only two standard of training nursing and midwifery, subsequently the curriculum for
these courses was prescribed.

The first course was started at St. Mary’s Hospital Punjab; 1951.The entrance qualification
was up to 7/8 years of schooling. The period of training was 2 years which include a 9
month of midwifery and 3 months of community experience.

In 1977, as a result of the decision to prepare multipurpose health worker&

vocationalization of higher secondary education, curriculum was revised a designed to have
1.5 year of vocationalized ANM programme and six months of general education. The
entrance qualification was raised from 7th passed to matriculation passed.

Under multipurpose scheme promotional avenue was opened to senior ANMS for
undergoing six months promotional training for which course was prescribed by INC.
Lady Health Visitor Course

Training of LHV course continued post independence. The syllabus prepared and
prescribed by INC in 1951.The entrance qualification was matriculation. The duration was
two and a half years which subsequently reduced to 2 years.

GENERAL NURSING AND MIDWIFERY

The general nursing and midwifery course is conducted in 477 centres 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 undertake 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 necessary 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
share 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
lifelong learning process. It seeks to render appropriate behavioral changes in students in
order to facilitate their development, which assists 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 lifelong 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, paediatric nursing obstetric and
gynaecological 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, Rajiv 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 lifelong 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

Current Educational Patterns in Nursing

1. Non University Programme

• Basic - ANM-GNM
• Advance-Post-Certificate diploma

2. University Programme

• Basic- BSc(N)
• Post-Basic BSc(Regular)
• Post-Basic BSc(N).IGNOU
• Advance:MSc (Nursing)
• M. phil
• Ph.D.

Trends in nursing education changes from basic general nursing service to doctorate
education in nursing.