ABOUT NURSING FIELD
Nursing is a noble profession. It is an important part of healthcare sector. Nurses are healthcare professionals who are capable of taking care of patients suffering from various diseases, assisting Doctors in surgery and treatment. In this article, you will be reading about nursing courses available in India, course details, eligibility criteria, career prospects and job opportunities available after completing the course.
Nursing is a job oriented medical course. Healthcare sector is one such area, which is recession proof. No matter what’s the economic status of a nation- Developing or Developed- there is always a demand for healthcare services. Nurses are an integral part of medical profession. Along with qualified Doctors, Nurses are also in huge demand everywhere.
NURSING CAREER OPPORTUNITY IN ABROAD
Especially in case of developed countries, where the recommended ratio of nurses per 1000 patients is high, demand for qualified Indian nurses is high. In case of such countries, the output (nursing graduates passing from colleges) is far less than the demand. Due to this reason, such countries regularly recruit nursing professionals from India.
INC (Indian Nursing Council) is the authority/statutory body that regulates and takes care of nursing education in India. Whichever nursing school you choose, make sure that it has been recognized by the INC.
NURSING COURSES AVAILABLE IN INDIA
Nursing courses are available in Degree, Diploma and Certification formats in India. UG (Undergraduate) and PG (Post Graduate) courses are the two main types available. Using the PG courses, one may specialize in disciplines within the medical profession.
- B.Sc. in Nursing (Basic)– 4 years long Bachelor’s Degree course
- B.Sc. in Nursing (Post Basic) 2 years long Bachelor’s Degree
- course (3 years long in distance education mode)
- GNM (Diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery)– 3.5 years long program
- ANM (Diploma in Auxiliary Nursing and Midwifery) 2 years long program
- M.Sc. in Nursing– 2 years long PG Degree program
- M.Phil. in Nursing– 1 year long advanced program (2 years in part time format)
- PhD in Nursing– 3 to 5 years long advanced program
Benefits of studying Nursing
The main advantage is job scope. The health care industry is a booming one, showing no signs of slowing down. That has how the nursing field been developing in the past few decades.
After completing diploma course in Nursing/B Sc (followed by M Sc) in nursing, graduates may easily land job in Government hospitals, nursing homes or private clinics. It all depends on the aptitude of the student.
Nursing degree can help you to work abroad!
Now a days nursing is one such profession that can help you emigrate abroad and work there. In developed countries like Canada, USA, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia have been facing shortage, when it comes to qualified nurses. The number of nurse graduates in these countries is quite less than the actual demand of nurses.
At the same time, healthcare is a sector that these developed countries take up seriously. In a bid to bridge the gap of demand and supply in case of qualified nurses, they have opened doors for qualified nurses from countries like India!
In case of countries like Australia and New Zealand, they have relaxed the emigration process in case of nurses! Nurses are even allowed to bring with them their family members and spouse also! Visa processing in case of nursing professionals is given priority!
The salary is the best part when it comes to working as a nurse abroad. In the previous section about ‘disadvantages’ associated with nursing, I told you how in India, nurses are paid paltry sums as compensation. But in case of the above mentioned developed countries, I can say that they very well know the worth of a qualified nurse!
Compensation, pay packs and perks are much attractive in case of nurses working abroad. Foreign exchange rates play a big role. Nurses working in countries like Canada and USA can earn as much as 40-50 Lakhs INR a year! Similar are the figures in case of countries like UK, Middle Eastern nations and New Zealand!
How to become a RN (registered nurse) abroad
The beginning is to complete graduation in nursing. One may go for B Sc (can follow it up with an M Sc) in nursing or go for Diploma courses associated with nursing. Even male students can take up these courses!
To work abroad, an Indian nurse has to successfully complete the ‘bridging program’ or the ‘adaptation program’ of that particular country abroad. This has to be followed by registering as a nurse in that country via the Nursing Registration Council.
An adaptation/bridging course is nothing, but a sort of assessment. The practical and medical knowledge of the candidate is analyzed, with the help of these courses. The course varies from country to country. This is because of the fact that the nursing methods, diseases, healthcare policies etc varies from country to country.
Highest salary paying country to nursing professional
United States
The salary for a registered nurse is $67, 490 and above average income in the US. Nurses at higher levels of their career earn over $94,000 annually. California is the highest paying salary. The lowest income for nurses is around $45,000.
Canada
Canada has a well-funded universal health care system, and nurses enjoy excellent compensation. The salary range is between $48,000 and $55,000 which is the world highest. Experienced nurses earn $65000 upwards.
Australia
Average entry level nursing salary in Australia starts at $28 per hour. The annual salary rises to as high as $60,000 for nurses with experience of over ten years and working in the top hospitals.
United Kingdom
Pay for nurses working in the UK earns a salary that enables them to live a comfortable life especially for those in higher levels. Nurses at entry level position start to earn around 30,000 USD per year. This amount increases to as high as $43,000 annually when someone starts obtaining experience. To deserve this amount, you must be a nurse with a degree and passed an assessment by the nursing and midwifery council.
Belgium
Belgium is a small Western European famous because its Brussels the country's capital hosts European Union headquarters. Although it numbers ten on the list of countries paying highest salaries to nurses, it still pays a decent wage. Average pay for new nurses is $27,000 and may reach up to $50,500 with experience.
Luxembourg
Luxembourg is a small Western Europe country and a renowned tax haven. The country’s economy is large to support high salaries, and nurses earn an average of $60,000 in the first eight years of the career. Experienced nurses get a salary as high as $125,000. Due to good pay and working conditions, it is hard to find a nursing job in this tiny country.
Norway
Norway is an oil-rich nation with one of the highest living standards in the world. Nurses enjoy a good life as the average salary for an RN is $50,000 but may increase up to $100,000 annually for highly experienced nurses.
Denmark
Denmark is a country that experiences sub-zero temperatures but has an exciting career in the healthcare. Demand for nurses in Denmark is high, and employers hold onto their care providers by compensating them well. Nursing salary ranges between $38,000 and $50,000. Cost of living is high because the country has an incredible social welfare system and taxation of 30%.
New Zealand
New Zealand is an Island nation in the Pacific Ocean. It is a neighbor to Australia which is another country that pays nurses well. The island has a high quality of life as reflected in the average salary that floats to around $35,000 a year for the lucrative private sector. Nursing salary in New Zealand is rather competitive. It starts at $32,000 and goes up to $47,000 with experience.
Information on Nursing councils of some developed nations
CANADA AND USA
The CRNE/CPNRE and NCLEX RN are some of the Licensure exams that an Indian nurse has to pass before becoming RN in Canada or the US. Also, how well a candidate fares in English language is also checked.
AUSTRALIA
In Australia, NMBA (The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia) is a board that takes care of aspects related to nurses from abroad. An Indian nurse is required to complete a registered nurses program via Initial Registration for International Nurses. After completing it, one may easily get registered at the AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency).
UK
The main board that Indian nurses have to deal with is- NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council). ONP (Overseas Nursing Program) is also conducted to help Indian nurses get registered in UK.
IRELAND
An Bord Altranais Nursing Board is the main authority that deals with RN activities in Ireland. This authority board recommends some adaptation courses and programs for Indian nurses to get registered in Ireland. One has to complete the bridging program to proceed to registration process.
New Zealand
NZNC (New Zealand Nursing Council) is the authority in NZ. It is this board that comes up with Competency Assessment Programs for nurses from abroad. One has to pass this program to get registered as a nurse in New Zealand.
Today’s nurses can do more than ever to help you with your healthcare. The field has traditionally been dominated by women: 94% are female, while 6% are male. They may have one of three designations, according to the work they do and the province they are in:
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Registered Nurses, commonly called RNs, exist in all provinces. An RN holds a four-year baccalaureate degree in nursing from a Canadian university or its international equivalent.
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A Nurse Practitioner (NP) Holds a master’s degree or advanced diploma in nursing. All provinces and territories require these RNs to register with a regulatory body
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Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) & Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) Holds two-year practical nursing diplomas from accredited colleges. They must also complete the national licensing exam before beginning a career in healthcare
Different types of nursing jobs in abroad
| Clinical Study Observer (and Interviewer) Nurse Have you ever taken part in a clinical study for a new medication or healthcare procedure? Odds are the person looking after you is a specially trained clinical studies nurse. | Nurse Practitioner Provides comprehensive assessment of patients including diagnosing diseases, disorders and conditions. Initiates treatment including healthcare management, therapeutic interventions and prescribes medications. |
| Educator Nurse Found in hospitals, post-secondary schools and travelling around to small communities, an educator nurse teaches new techniques and processes in healthcare to others. | Occupational Health Nurse You’ll meet these nurses when applying for a job and have to take a pre-placement medical. They also run workplace healthcare programs. And assist if you injure yourself at work and need immediate treatment. |
| Geriatric and Retirement Nurse The aged need more healthcare, more often, than younger Canadians. Fortunately, geriatric nurses are uniquely qualified to deal with medical and emotional challenges of our elders. | Oncology (Cancer) Nurse Whether you are getting diagnosed or treated for cancer care, oncology nurses are with you every step of the way. They help you look after your health while managing the condition. |
| Intensive Care Nurse For the seriously ill or injured, intensive care nurses can literally be life savers. They generally provide hands on care in hospitals. Some late night and weekend shift work may be required. | Palliative Care Nurse For people who need healthcare in their final stages of living, a palliative care nurse can be a blessing. They ensure that their patients endure less suffering, and maintain quality of life, as the end nears. |
| Mental Health, Psychiatric and Addictions Nurse According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 20% of Canadians will personally experience a mental illness in their lifetime. More will have a drinking, gambling or drug addiction. Nurses who are trained in these matters provide support in clinics, hospitals and schools throughout the country. | Nurse Midwife Thinking of having a home birth? You’d do well to have a nurse midwife on hand. They can help if the mom or new baby needs on the spot healthcare assistance. |
Are you interested in studying work in nursing field abroad? Click to have a look at some of the best university for nursing courses, we work with.