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EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION AND PROFESSIONAL ADVANCEMENT IN

NURSING

Educational preparation

Introduction

The nursing education in India is going through a major transitional period during
which the aims of leaders in the nursing profession as far as ahead of what is actually taking
place. This gap is a serious problem which will only be solved. Nurse education consists in
the theorical and practical training provided to nurses with the purpose to prepare them for
their duties as nursing care professionals. This education is provided to nursing students by
experienced nurses and other medical professionals who have qualified or experienced for
educational tasks.

Definition of education

The word Education is derived from a Latin word “educare” which means to “lead
out”

According to John Dewey “education is the development of all those capacities in the
individual which enable him to control his environment and fulfill his responsibilities”

Definition of nursing education

Nursing education refers to formal learning and training in the science of nursing.
This includes the functions and duties in the physical care of patients, and a combination of
different disciplines that both accelerates the patient's return to health and helps maintain it.

Aims of nursing education

The aims of nursing education are discussed in the Indian nursing council year book
1988-89, they are

 All nursing institute are needed to attach to a medical college and all the ANM
schools need to attach to the district hospital.
 There should be an authority in the selection of nursing students.
 Selection of students should base upon appropriate tests.
 Nursing institutions should have independent budgets and teaching facilities.
 Continuing education programmes must be provided to nursing staff on a regular
basis.
 All nursing institutions should follow the Recommendations from INC.
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Various nursing education programmes

Auxiliary nurse midwife/ health worker

The first course was started at St. Mary’s Hospital Punjab, 1951. The ANM course gives
training for the aspirants on how to take care of health related problem in rural areas
especially children, mothers and old age people. The ANM course is of 18 months duration
course. The eligibility for admission in the ANM course is 10th certificate. There are 75 ANM
schools in Karnataka.

Curriculum for anm programme

The subjects include in the anm course training are

Fundamentals of nursing

Medical surgical nursing

Child health nursing

Maternity nursing

Community health nursing including nutrition

Scope of anm course

With an increase in health consciousness the quality of health services has also improved.
Well trained, specialized nurses are being recruited by health organizations all over the
country. Students of nursing have job prospects in government or private hospitals, nursing
homes, clinics, old age homes, orphanages, industries, military services, schools and various
other places.

Diploma in nursing

As per INC norms the diploma of nursing course is three and a half years. Previously
it was 3 year course and now it is changed to three and a half years, three years course and six
months internship, either in administration side or in practical side. The GNM programme
prepares the nurses to function as the members of the health team, and helps to hold the
nurses in the first level position in hospital and other places. The eligibility for admission is
10+2 in any group either in science group or in any other group. The duration of the course is
3 and a half year course. The controlling bodies of the GNM courses are INC, state nursing
council and the state board of nursing.
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The curriculum of GNM programme includes

First year GNM nursing

Subject Theory hours Practical hours

Biological science 120 ----
Anatomy and physiology 90 ----
Microbiology 30 ----
Behavioral science 60 ----
Psychology 40 ----
Sociology 20 ----
Fundamentals of nursing 215 300
Nursing foundations 175
First aid 20
Personal hygiene 20
Community health nursing 150 60
Community health nursing I 80
Environmental hygiene 20
Nutrition 3
Health education and communication 30

Second year GNM nursing

Subject Theory hours Practical

hours
Medical surgical nursing I 140 325
Medical surgical nursing II 120 400
Mental health nursing 70 120
Compute 30 45
r
education

Third year GNM nursing

Subject Theory hours Practical

hours
Maternity and gynecological nursing 120 325
Child health nursing 70 120
Community health nursing II 100 120
Internship

 Education methods and media for teaching - 40

 Introduction to research - 40
 Professional trends and adjustments - 40
 Administration and ward management - 45
 Health economics - 20
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Scope of GNM nursing

In GNM course the scope of nurse to work is that helps to work the nurses to work
comprehensibly. 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.

Higher education- degree and advanced courses

The advance degree courses help to teach or supervise in a variety of professional

work situation.

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

ADN programs are offered by community and junior colleges. Associate Degrees take
from two to three years to complete, and focus more on practical and technical skills than
theory. Once qualified, associate degree graduates can become Registered Nurses in less time
that completing a BSN program. Some ADN graduates feel restricted when applying for
senior level positions. There are bridging programs available to upgrade your ADNs to a
Bachelor's Degree program (BSN). A BSN can open more doors in a nurse’s career than an
ADN.

An Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) is an entry-level tertiary education nursing

degree. In the United States, this type of degree is usually awarded by community colleges or
similar nursing schools. Some four year colleges also offer this degree. Students awarded an
Associate of Science in Nursing are qualified to sit for the NCLEX-RN and apply for
licensure as a Registered Nurse. Some hospital-based nursing schools that granted diplomas
altered their curriculum to offer associate degrees. Many nursing schools offering a bachelor's
degree have "fast-track" programs to enable practicing nurses with an associate's degree to
earn a bachelor's degree in approximately two years. In some institutions this is called
"Bridging."

Degree courses

Baccalaureate degree programmes may be either basic or post certificate. These are
offered in a number of institutions.

Basic bachelor degree in nursing

It was established in 1946 by RAK (Rajkumari Amit Kaur) college of nursing in New Delhi
and CMC Vellore. This is a four year course in nursing. BSN programs are offered by
colleges and universities, and most courses take four years to complete. When starting out
student nurses should choose their courses carefully. Some advancement opportunities are
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only available to nurses with Bachelor degrees such as administrative positions. At present
1375 colleges have been recognized by the Indian nursing counsel to conduct the course
under several universities in India.

Eligibility for admission

A candidate seeking admission should have:

 Passed the two year pre- university exam or equivalent as recognized by the
concerned university, with science subjects, viz; physics, chemistry biology and
English [PCBE].
 Obtained at least 50% of the total marks in science subjects, in SC/ST minimum
marks of 45%.
 Completed 17 years of age at the time admission.
 Candidate must be medically fit.

The curriculum of bachelor programme includes

Ist year BSc nursing

Subject Theory hours Practical hours

English 60 -
Anatomy 60 -
Physiology 60 -
Nutrition 60 -
Biochemistry 30 -
Nursing foundations 465 450
Psychology 60 -
Microbiology 60 -
Computer 45 -
Kannada 30 -

IIND year BSc nursing

Subject Theory Practical

Sociology 60 -
Pharmacology 45 -
Pathology 30 -
Genetics 15 -
Medical surgical nursing 210 720
Community health nursing 90 135
Communication and education 60+30 -
technology

IIIrd year BSc nursing

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Subject Theory hours Practical hours

Medical surgical nursing 120 270
Child health nursing 90 270
Mental health nursing 90 270
Maternity and gynecological nursing 180 -

IVth year BSc nursing

Subject Theory hours Practical hours

Maternity and gynecological nursing - 180
Community health nursing 90 135
Nursing research 45 -
Management and education 90 -

The controlling bodies are INC, state nursing council, and affiliated university, in
Karnataka it is Rajiv Gandhi University of health sciences.

Scope of basic Bsc nursing programme

The scope of BSc nurses is that they can work comprehensibly in the clinical setting as well
as in the administration setting. They have better opportunity to work in the home country as
well as in the abroad countries.

The post certificate bachelor degree programme

The post certificate bachelor degree programme in nursing begun in 1963 at Kerala
University. The criterion for admission in post certificate course is two year experience after
a diploma course and should be a registered nurse. Previously the nurse required to have
several years of experience after completion of nursing course. This requirement is
eliminated from basic education plan. This is a two year course.

Eligibility for admission

A candidate seeking admission should have:

 Hold a certificate in general nursing

 Be a registered nurse
 Have minimum of two years experience
 Have passed pre – university exam in the arts, science/commerce or its equivalent
which is recognized the university.
 Be medically fit
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 Have a good personal and professional record. Have a working knowledge of

English.

Duration of course

2 academic years

Scope of the course

The scope of post certificate BSc nursing course is they can work both administrative and
clinical setting. They also can apply for the senior level positions along with graduate nurses
they will not feel restricted.

The curriculum for the post certificate course is

First year Bachelor of nursing (post certificate)

Subject Theory Practical

Nursing foundation 45 -
Nutrition 30 10
Biochemistry and biophysics 60 -
Psychiatry 60 15
Microbiology 60 30
Maternal nursing 60 240
Child health nursing 60 240
Medical surgical nursing 90 270
English 60 -

Second year Bachelor of nursing (post certificate)

Subject Theory Practical

Sociology 60
Community health nursing 60 240
Mental health nursing 60 240
Introduction to nsg education 60 75
Introduction to nsg administration 60 180
Introduction to research and 45 120
statistics

The controlling bodies are INC, state nursing council, and affiliated university, in
Karnataka it is Rajiv Gandhi University of health sciences.
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Continuing education programmes

Once qualified, Registered Nurses can then continue with their studies and qualify to
work in specialty areas by completing continuing education courses. Specialty areas include,
Clinical Nurse Specialists, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners,
Continuing Education may help improve a Nurse’s career advancement opportunities.
Master’s and a Doctoral Degrees in Nursing are also available for qualified nurses who wish
to further their careers.

- Certification in a specialist area is often required to apply for positions in that area.
Certification is available for the four advanced practice nursing specialties, Clinical Nurse
Specialists, Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners. National
Certification is usually achieved on completion of the educational programs and in some
states certification is required to practice that specialty.

Master of Science in nursing degrees

It was first established in1959 at RAK (Rajkumari Amit Kaur) the college of nursing
in New Delhi. This course is a two year programme of study which requires a bachelor’s
degree in nursing and at least one year experience after registration of state nursing council,
previously it was two year of experience but now it is only of one year of experience.

This course will give preparation in clinical specialization and advanced study in five
specific areas including; medical surgical nursing, obstreitical and gynecological nursing,
child health nursing, community health nursing and mental health nursing. Besides intensive
study in these specialized clinical areas this course includes a study of advanced principles of
administration and methods of research.

The eligibility criteria for admission in post graduate programme are

 Have passed BSc, nursing / post certificate BSc, nursing degree of any university
with 55 % marks.
 Have a minimum of one year of experience after obtaining BSc, nursing (basic) in
hospital or nursing educational institutions or community health setting.
 Experience not required for post Basic B.Sc nursing candidates.

Admission procedure

 Selection is based on merit

 Based on entrance test
 Selected candidates should submit the completed application forms with following
originals with two sets of photo copies.
 Tenth marks card
 B.Sc /PC – B.Sc (N ) marks cards
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 Work experience of certificate

 Transfer certificate
 Migration certificate
 Nationality proof ( for foreign nationals )
 Student visa (for foreign nationals )
 Medically fit certificate
 Passport size photo graphs
 Eligibility certificate issued by university

The curriculum in the post graduate programme includes

First year masters in science

Subject Theory Practical

Nursing education 150 150
Advance nursing practice 150 200
Nursing research and statistics 150 100
Clinical specialty I 150 650
Self study\ library 50

Second year masters in science

Subject Theory Practical

Nursing management 150 150
Nursing research ( dissertation) 300
Clinical specialty II 150 950

The controlling bodies are INC, state nursing council, and affiliated university, in
Karnataka it is Rajiv Gandhi University of health sciences.

Master of philosophy in nursing

This is a 1 year full time or 2 year part time course in nursing. In 1980 RAK College
of nursing (New Delhi) started a MPhil programme as regular and part time course.

The eligibility criteria for admission is

Candidate should submit the

o Two sets of attested photocopies of SSLC, PUC, PG certificate and mark statements
o Four recent passport size and two stamp size photos
o Prescribed fee
o Original certificates
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o Fully filled and signed application

o Guides PG/ certificate photocopies
o Guides service certificates

Duration of course

1 year full time

2 year part time

Course of study

It will be in two distinct parts

 Part – I consists of 3 courses and part – II dissertation.

Part – I
It consists of 3 courses, one course to be selected from each of the three major groups
A, B and C.
 Group A - research methods in nursing
 Group B – major aspects of nursing
 Group C - allied disciplines
Part – II
 dissertation including viva

Scope of m.phil programme

it provides the opportunity for the nurses to work in higher level positions in the clinical side,
and in the administration side they can apply the high level positions in the college or in the
administration institutions.

PHD in nursing degree

The PHD in nursing degree was first offered in other countries but now it is offered by
universities of India. It is the very highest degree in nursing. It prepares the nurse mainly in
administration, teaching and research. Earning this degree takes as long as five years because
of the writing and research is necessary. The eligibility criteria for admission in the doctorate
programme includes

 The candidate should be post graduate in nursing with more than 50% of aggregate
marks.
 Should have research background.
 May or may not published articles in journals.
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Procedure for admission

 The post- graduate has to apply to the university, the admission committee will
scrutinize the application, if the candidates are eligible the university will send hall
ticket for entrance examination.
 Entrance test will be conducted in speciality subject and research for 50 marks each
totalling 100.
 If the candidates are qualified he/she has to select the problem and obtain the
signature of guide in respective department of university.

POST CERTIFICATE COURSES

A number of short post certificate courses are available to the nurse who wishes to
specialize in a clinical area or administration after the certificate course and several years of
experience. Specialized study is available in such areas as

o Ward administration
o Public health
o Psychiatric nursing
o Midwifery nursing
o Operating room technique and management
o Administration in nursing education and nursing service

The ward administration course: it is a 3-6 months course; it will prepare to take position as a
ward sister. This course requires 2 years of experience as a staff nurse.

Combined nursing tutor and administration course: it is a 7-9 months course; it will prepare
to teach in nursing as well as supervise clinical experience in nursing. This course requires
3years of experience as a staff nurse.

General tutor certificate course: it is a 9 month course and it will prepare to teach classes in
nursing. This course requires 3 years of experience as a staff nurse.

The nursing administration certificate course: it is a 9 months course and it will prepare to
supervise at higher levels in clinical nursing. This course requires 3years of experience as a
staff nurse.

The community health and family planning certificate course: it is a 10 month course and it
will prepare to practice and supervise in the area.

The operating theater training course: it is a 6-12 month course and it will prepare to work in
the operating room and teach the techniques there to nursing students.

The orthopedic nursing: it is a 3 month course and it will prepare to practice in the area.
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The ophthalmic nursing: it is a 10 month course and it will prepare to practice nursing related
to the area.

Coronary care nursing: it is a 6-10 month course and will help to become competent in the
practice of clinical nursing in the area.

Orientation programme in psychiatric nursing: it is a 1month course and it will give an

introduction to caring for mentally ill patient.

Midwifery tutor certificate course: it is a 9month course and it will prepare you to practice
and supervise in obstreitical nursing. This course requires 3 years of experience as a staff
nurse.

Pediatric nursing refresher certificate course: it will prepare the nurses to practice in the area.

Pediatric nursing certificate course: it is a 10 month course and it will prepare to practice and
supervise in the area.

RARE COURSES IN NURSING

Post-Masters Certificates in Nursing - Nursing Leadership & Management

Nursing Leadership and Management Certificate (post-master's) program is designed for
current nurses who already hold a master's degree in nursing or a related field. The program
provides instruction in many areas of nursing administration and management, including
healthcare finance and budgeting, human resources management, nursing and healthcare
informatics, leadership, resource alignment, and technology integration. It is a course
provided by Walden University.

Estimated Program Length:

Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits
transferred, if applicable.

Ph.D. in Health Services - Health Management and Policy

Ph.D. in Health Services program with a specialization in Health Management and Policy is
designed for students who want to learn how to administer health programs in communities
and in higher education institutions.
Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting
Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting program is designed to prepare students to
pursue entry-level positions in the ambulatory medical field. Enrolled students could gain the
technical skills, work habits, and knowledge necessary for employment in medical assisting.
Students take coursework designed to help them develop skills in performing laboratory,
administrative, and clinical procedures in a doctor's office or clinic. It is provided by Kalpan
University.
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CORE COURSES IN NURSING

Introduction to Nursing Practice Course
This core course introduces students to the field of nursing. It focuses on the history of
nursing and the theories and skills essential to the profession. Critical thinking, cultural
variation and decision making are some of the major areas addressed. Students study different
health care systems, the legal and ethical aspects of nursing and economic factors which
affect healthcare and the nursing field.

Pathophysiology Course

This core nursing course instructs students about the effect of illness in an otherwise well-
functioning human body. Students study common illnesses and the patterns of disease, in
order to understand the processes of illness and healing. Students also learn about ways in
which nurses may affect change in an ill person. Emphasis is placed on understanding the
commonalities in a variety of diseases.

Pharmacology Course
This course focuses on drug therapy and how it relates to the nursing profession. Students
learn about commonly used therapeutic drugs, how drugs affect bodily systems and the
effects of commonly prescribed drugs. Ethical and legal aspects of prescription medications
are also addressed.

Health Assessment Course

Students learn to assess the entire patient, including the physiological and psychosocial
components. Basic health assessment skills are taught, including assessment of the
respiratory, cardiac, abdominal, lymphatic and musculoskeletal systems. Students learn how
to gather data for patient health histories and check the health of the ears, eyes, nose and
throat of a patient. Focus is on the service diverse populations, the promotion of healthy
behaviors and common health risks.

PROFESSIONAL ADVANCEMENT IN NURSING

Introduction

A profession is defined as an occupation with ethical components that is devoted to

the promotion of human and social welfare. The services offered by profession are based on
specialized knowledge and skills that have been developed in a scientific and learned manner.

1. A profession is a form of employment especially one that is respected in society as

honorable and is possible only for an educated person and after training in some
special branch of knowledge.
2. A profession has its own body of knowledge based on social and scientific principles.
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3. The members of a profession utilize this knowledge to identify and solve problems.
4. A profession has service aim as well as academic and theoretical aim. The services
offered by a profession are in response to the needs of the society and are fundamental
to the promotion of human and social welfare.
5. A profession constantly enlarges its body of knowledge through research inorder to
improve its services to the society.
6. A profession determines the qualifications necessary for those who enter into the
practice.
7. A profession has a code of ethics.
8. A profession recognizes its responsibilities to develop educational programmes in
cooperation with the educational instititutions inorder to offer specialized study and
practice required to learn the methods of service and develop skills for the better
service of the society.

Professional nurse

Professional nurse is a graduate of a recognized nursing school who has met the
requirements for a registered nurse in a state in which she licensed to practice.

Professional nursing roles

 Caregiver: a nurse meets the clients holistic health care needs to promote health and
the healing process. The nurse provides treatment for specific diseases and applies
measures to restore the emotional and social wellbeing of the client.
 Advocate: a nurse protects the clients from kind of injuries. The nurse assists the
clients in expressing their rights whenever necessary. The nurse also works to
preserve the clients legal and human rights in times of health and illness and during
the process of dying.
 Critical thinker: nurse uses decision-making and critical thinking skills in
conjunction with the nursing process.
 Teacher: the nurse provides her clients, their families and other members of the
society with information about health, treatment or therapy and life style changes.
 Communicator: for effective nursing practice, open and consistent communication is
vital.
 Manager: nurse manages and coordinates and client care supervises and guides the
client in rehabilitative activities related to daily living. She can also be an effective
manager at various levels of administration.
 Researcher: nurse participates in research works related to health care. A nurse
researcher usually conducts studies and investigates problems to improve client’s
health and nursing care.
 Rehabilitator: nurse ensures that the client returns to maximal state of functioning.

Professional advancement roles

Clinical nurse 1: this role is reserved for the new grade or nurse with less than 12 months
experience. The nurse will utilize this time to learn the institution and nursing practice.
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Clinical nurse 2: this role is considered the minimum role for all nurses at UMMC who have
greater than 12 months experience. The nurse will be competent in the skills or knowledge
required and fully participates in unit governance.

Senior clinical nurse 1: this role aimed for the nurse who is a clinical and professional
leader at the unit level. He or she advances; evidence based practices lead unit governance
initiates and mentors others to achieve and grow in the role of professional nurse.

Senior clinical nurse 2: this role is designed for the nurse who has achieved expertise and
leadership in the clinical and professional role.

Nurse practitioner role:

A nurse practitioner (NP) is one advanced practice nurse. These nurses have received
master’s level detailed training beyond that required for RN licensure, and in a specific area
of focus.

Like clinical nurse specialists (CNSs), nurse practitioners may practice independently, or they
may work in hospitals, long-term care facilities or for various health care agencies. However,
while CNSs may function primarily as administrators, researchers, policy-makers, educators
or consultants, most NPs function primarily as clinicians.

Nurse practitioners may diagnose and treat a wide range of acute and chronic illnesses
and injuries, interpret lab results, counsel patients, develop treatment plans, as well as
prescribe medication.

Acute care nurse practitioner

An acute care nurse practitioner (ACNP) provides advanced nursing care to patients
suffering brief but severe illnesses, typically in an emergency department, ambulatory care
clinic or other short term stay facility. ACNPs diagnose and treat acute medical conditions,
working in collaboration with the physician and other members of the health care team.

Adult nurse practitioner

An adult nurse practitioner works with patients to create customized treatment plans
to help prevent illness and maintain wellness throughout a patient's adult life. The focus of
this nursing career is on the needs of a patient, families and the community. Adult nursing
professionals work in leadership roles as primary health care providers to promote
constructive health practices and disease prevention beginning in early adulthood and
continuing throughout the aging process.
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Adult nurse practitioners are trained to apply nursing theory and research to clinical
practice. As leaders in the health care environment, adult nursing specialists educate,
organize and manage the staff in their teams to respond quickly and efficiently in both routine
tasks and emergency situations. An adult nurse practitioner will treat both acute and chronic
illness, and can specialize in specific areas, such as diabetes or HIV/AIDS. An adult nurse
practitioner usually finds employment with a hospital, but opportunities are available in a
wide variety of health care settings, including long-term care facilities, health care agencies,
doctors' offices and community-based treatment centers.

Community or public health nurse

Public health nurses devote themselves to the health and well-being of the
communities they serve by educating them in beneficial health practices and disease
prevention. They identify common health problems in the community while treating patients,
and work to create intervention plans to correct or prevent the health and safety issues they
discover.

A public health nurse strives to promote prevention over treatment. By correcting

poor health practices and maintaining a safe home or work environment, patients lower risks
to their health and require fewer visits to health care facilities.

Goals of public health nursing

 To educate patients through community-based intervention programs

 To identify and correct multiple health issues such as
Improper diet
Infectious and sexually transmitted diseases
Social violence
Substance abuse
Teen pregnancy

Family nurse practitioner

A family nurse practitioner (FNP) is a nurse who performs many duties commonly
performed by a physician, often partnering with patients throughout the family life cycle.
FNPs offer education and counseling as well as tests and procedures. They focus on health
promotion and disease prevention beginning in childhood and continuing throughout the
aging process, and are trained to diagnose and develop treatment plans for acute and chronic
diseases. While they are capable of providing specialty care, family nurse practitioners often
offer a broad range of services to people of all ages.
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Geriatric nurse

Geriatric nurses care for the elderly, focusing on the development and implementation
of treatment plans for chronic illnesses, including diabetes, hypertension, respiratory
disorders and others. They also educate, support and counsel families of elderly patients who
suffer from acute and chronic conditions. They should have degree in gerontological nursing.

Geriatric nurse’s work in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and
community health centers where they provide care, compassion and friendship to their
patients. In addition, geriatric nurses deliver in-home treatment to patients who require
regular medical assistance but can care for themselves predominantly on their own.

Responsibilities of a geriatric nurse

 Assisting physicians during checkup and procedures

 Performing patient medical tests in-home or in a medical office
 Establishing a patient care plan and setting health goals
 Administering medications to patients based on a care plan
 Teaching family members about a patient's condition and how to promote self-care
skills.

Home health nurse

Home health nurses provide care in the homes of their patients. Patients who need
home health nursing are usually elderly or disabled, but they may also be recovering from an
accident or suffering from a serious illness. Home health care involves assisting patients with
basic needs such as bathing and dressing, as well as more specialized care, such as wound
care, medication management and IV therapy.

Responsibilities of home health nurse

 Administering medications
 Cleaning and dressing wounds
 Monitoring patient health and needs
 Documenting symptoms and vital signs
 Instructing patients and their families on proper home care
 Supervising home health aides
 Providing encouragement and support
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Neonatal nurse specialist

Neonatal nurse specialists focus on the care of newborns. They may care for healthy
infants, but they provide focused care for premature or ill newborns, or work exclusively
with seriously ill newborns in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This nursing career
requires a high level of diligence and teamwork.

Occupational health nurse

An occupational health nurse (OHN) specializes in promoting health and safety

practices in the work place. Bringing their health care expertise and business knowledge to a
wide range of work environments, occupational health nurses deliver health and safety
programs and services that help prevent illness, injury and environmental hazards inside
organizations.

Responsibilities of occupational health nurse

 Mentoring and training co-workers

 Counseling employees on health and wellness
 Designing disease-prevention programs and ensuring compliance with government
regulations for workplace safety.

Oncology nurse

Oncology nurses provide and supervise care for cancer patients who are either
chronically or critically ill. Oncology nurse practitioners monitor their patients physical
conditions, prescribe medication and formulate symptom management strategies.

Responsibilities of oncology nurse

 Caring for patients diagnosed with cancer

 Offering education and support to patients' families
 Administering chemotherapy
 Managing chemotherapy side effects
 Assessing ongoing needs and educational deficits

Parish nursing or faith community nursing

Parish nursing is the intentional integration of the practice of nursing with the beliefs
of a religious community. A parish nurse is a registered nurse (RN) specialist who
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encourages physical and spiritual health and wholeness by developing and leading programs
within faith communities.

Responsibilities of parish nursing or faith community nursing

 Health education and teaching

 Personal health counseling for faith community members
 Coordinating with community health resources and acting as a church liaison
 Training and coordinating volunteers in support services
 Organizing health support groups
 Assessing congregational and community health needs
 Responding to health-related issues such as substance abuse, addictions and violence
within congregational families or the surrounding community

Pediatric nurse

Pediatric nurses provide preventative and acute care in all settings to children.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (PNPs) perform physical examinations, diagnose illness and
injury, and provide education and support to patients families. They often work in the
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) with pediatricians and other health care providers.
Pediatric nurses and nurse practitioners are compassionate professionals who dedicate their
careers to the health of the next generation.

Pediatric care services may include:

 Health maintenance care, including "well child" examinations

 Routine developmental screenings
 Diagnosis and treatment of common childhood illnesses
 Anticipatory guidance regarding common child health concerns
 Delivery of immunizations
 Performance of school physicals

Acute care and specialty services may include:

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 Caring for children who are acutely, chronically or critically ill

 Performing in-depth physical assessments
 Interpreting results of laboratory and diagnostic tests
 Ordering medications and performing therapeutic treatments

Psychiatric nurse

Psychiatric nurses and psychiatric nurse practitioners devote their careers to caring for
people who are suffering mental distress or mental illness. They work with individuals and
families who have psychiatric problems and disorders, such as depression, schizophrenia,
bipolar disorder, psychosis or dementia.

Responsibilities of psychiatric nurse

 Assessing mental health needs

 Developing nursing care plans
 Helping patients regain or improve their coping abilities
 Managing the therapeutic environment
 Assisting patients with self-care activities
 Administering and monitoring treatment regimens
 Crisis intervention and counseling

Woman health nurse practitioner

Women's health nurse practitioners provide comprehensive woman-focused health

care, with an emphasis on reproductive and gynecological health. Their work includes health
promotion and disease prevention, as well as management of acute and chronic health
conditions affecting women.

Responsibilities of woman health nurse practitioner

 Family planning services

 Well-woman care and disease prevention
 Management of sexually transmitted diseases
 Prenatal and postpartum care
 Care during perimenopause and menopause
 Care for women with cancer, HIV/AIDS and disabilities
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 Care for women with substance abuse problems

 Care for women who are suffering from abuse eg: rape
 Assessment, health education and counseling of women

Nurse midwife

A nurse-midwife is an advanced practice nurse with additional training around

delivering babies and providing prenatal and postpartum care to women. Nurse-midwives are
very involved in labor and delivery, sometimes never leaving the mother during the entire
labor process. They are trained to recognize signs and symptoms that deviate from normal
conditions and will consult with a physician who may become involved in the delivery.

Nurse anesthetist

A nurse anesthetist, or certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), is a licensed

professional nurse who provides the same anesthesia services as an anesthesiologist (MD).
After completing extensive education and training, working closely with other health care
professionals such as surgeons, dentists, podiatrists and anesthesiologists, nurse anesthetists
take care of their patients anesthesia needs before, during and after surgery or the delivery of
a baby.

Responsibilities of nurse anesthetist

o Performing a physical assessment

o Participating in preoperative teaching
o Preparing for anesthetic management
o Administering anesthesia to keep the patient pain free
o Maintaining anesthesia intraoperatively
o Overseeing recovery from anesthesia
o Following the patient's postoperative course from recovery room to patient
care unit

Professional Advancement Opportunities

Professional advancement opportunities include the following:

 Professional Recognition Program - The Professional Recognition Program at The

Western Pennsylvania Hospital provides an opportunity for nurses who demonstrate
superior knowledge and clinical nursing skills to advance to positions that capitalize
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on their expertise in delivering direct patient care.  Nurses in the position of Clinical
Nurse II who have achieved goals in a variety of areas of patient care and education,
contributed to their units, the Hospital, and their communities, and completed
challenging self-examination tasks are eligible to apply for advancement to Clinical
Nurse III.

 Professional Recognition Program Academy of Excellence - The Nursing Division

of The Western Pennsylvania Hospital acknowledges registered nurses who exhibit
excellence in both clinical and professional practice.  Academy of Excellence
appointees are awarded and recognized for their commitment to the profession of
nursing.  Those in the Academy consistently demonstrate excellence in leadership,
communication, and clinical performance.

 Certification in a Nursing Specialty - The value of certification in a nursing

specialty in influencing the delivery of safe and effective care is undeniable.  While
licensure measures entry-level competence of a new nurse, certification validates a
nurse's specialty knowledge, experience, clinical judgment, and critical thinking. 

 Nursing Research Internship Program - West Penn Hospital offers a Nursing

Research Internship to assist West Penn nurses in conducting research.  Nurses may
request more information from the chairperson of the West Penn Hospital Nursing
Research Committee.

Conclusion

The educational preparation is needed to perform professional advancement.

Professional advancement is needed to uphold the standards of nursing practice. For
advancement in profession good scientific knowledge in nursing education is needed.

Bibliography

o K P Neeraja. Text book of nursing education. 2nd ed. Jayapee publishers:2008; pp- 22-
32

o B T Basavanthappa. Text book of nursing education. 2nd ed. Jayapee publishers: 2010;
pp 148-154.

o Jean barrette. Ward management and teaching. 1st ed. CBS publisher:2003; pp 64-65.

o M N Yallanaswamy. Ward management and supervision. 3rd ed. Wesley publishers:

2002; pp 48-49.
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o Potter and Perry. Text book of fundamentals of nursing. 5th ed. Living stone
publishers: 2005;pp 240-248.

o Sr. Nancy. Principles and practices of nursing. 5th ed. CBS publishers: 2008; pp 11-
15.

o Kozheier. Foundations of nursing. 1st ed.2004: pp 211-212.

o http:// www.umn edu/nursing/plam-role htm

o http://ehow.com

o Wikipedia free encyclopedia

o http:// www. Edu.com

o www.currentnursing.com
o www.indiannursingcouncil.org