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MScN at Aga Khan University: Frequently Asked Questions

The Aga Khan University School of Nursing and Midwifery (AKUSONAM) in Pakistan is a pioneer in advanced nursing education, being the first to introduce the Master of Science in Nursing (MScN) programme in the country. This prestigious programme is designed to enhance nursing practices with an in-depth curriculum focusing on leadership, research, and clinical expertise, reinforcing AKUSONAM's legacy of excellence and innovation in nursing education. Here are some of the frequently asked questions:  Q: Who is eligible to apply for the MScN programme at AKU? A: Applicants must have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) or Post-RN BScN degree, attested by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, possess a minimum of two years of experience as a Registered Nurse, and maintain a valid registration with the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PNMC) or equivalent. Q: Is the MScN programme at AKU compatible with a full-time job? A: Yes, the programme is designed with flexib

Nurses Urgently Required for Kuwait

The Ministry of Health (MoH) in Kuwait has announced an urgent requirement for medical professionals, specifically targeting the recruitment of Staff Nurses. This opportunity comes as a beacon for those in the nursing field looking to expand their careers internationally, particularly in the vibrant and culturally rich environment of Kuwait.   Qualifications and Experience Required For the position of Staff Nurse, the Ministry of Health in Kuwait is looking for candidates who possess a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with 16 years of education or a Post RN qualification. Additionally, a minimum of 2 years of experience in the nursing field is required. It's important to note that these vacancies are open exclusively to female candidates who are not more than 35 years of age. Application Process Interested applicants are encouraged to apply through the Overseas Employment Corporation's (OEC) official job portal. The OEC, established in 1976, is a government organizat

MSN and BSN Admissions in Sohail University

Sohail University announces the opening of admissions for their esteemed Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs, approved by PNMC. Sohail University is located on Shaheed-e-Millat Road in Karachi, Pakistan. This institution is known for offering a wide range of academic programs, including those in health sciences, basic and applied sciences, social sciences, management, and information sciences.  The MSN program seeks applicants with a BSN or equivalent, a valid NTS-GAT/GRE score, a university interview, and a PNC license, plus one year of professional experience.  The BSN program welcomes FSc-Pre-medical graduates with 50% marks or more. Prospective students can contact the university directly or apply online. Visit www.sohailuniversity.edu.pk for more information.   

New Nurses Uniform by Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (January 2024)

The Pakistan Nursing & Midwifery Council (PNMC) has introduced a new uniform dress code for nurses working in clinical settings across the country. The announcement, in an official letter from the PNMC dated January 31, 2024, stated guidance about professional attire of nursing staff in Pakistan. The new dress code approved during the 6th session of the council held from January 15-17, 2024, under the leadership of Ms. Farzana Zulfiger, President of PNMC, specifies new uniforms for male and female nurses. Female nurses are to wear a dark blue shalwar kameez with a nameplate, accompanied by a white coat and a blue scarf/dupatta. Male nurses are required to wear dark blue scrubs along with a nameplate. Category Uniform Female Nurses Dark blue shalwar kameez with nameplate, white coat or blue scarf/dupatta Male Nurses Dark blue scrubs with nameplate Health Departments across Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber P

Free Online Seminar Alert: Exploring the Distinct Nature of Nursing Ethics

Attention all Pakistani nursing professionals and students!  A not-to-be-missed online seminar titled "Nursing Ethics as a Distinct Entity within Bioethics: Implications for Clinical Ethics Practice" is being offered, focusing on the unique aspects of nursing ethics. Hosted by Professor Bryan Pilkington from the Department of Medical Sciences at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, USA, this seminar will delve into why nursing ethics should be considered distinct from bioethics and other professional ethics, highlighting its deeply ingrained relational emphasis. The presentation is based on his paper published in Nursing Ethics,  available here   Scheduled for Wednesday, 14th February 2024, from 0800-0900 PST (1100-1200 EST, 1600-1700 GMT), this seminar promises to be an enriching experience, offering profound insights into the ethical dimensions of nursing. Based on Professor Pilkington's research published in the Nursing Ethics journal, the presentation will explore

Inquiry Report PIMS Nursing Admissions Scandal: Recommends Removal of ED and Dean

Key Highlights: 1. Call for Removal of PIMS ED and Dean The inquiry committee has strongly recommended the removal of the Executive Director and Dean of PIMS from their positions, marking a significant upheaval in the institution's administration. 2. Strict Action Against Former Principal The former Principal of the College of Nursing faces strict action for her role in the admission irregularities. 3. Gender Ratio and Regional Quota Violations The inquiry uncovered a failure to maintain the 50% gender ratio and adherence to regional quotas in admissions. 4. Administrative Oversight and Lapses The investigation highlighted severe administrative lapses and oversight failures by top officials. 5. Inconsistencies in Admission Records Missing and incomplete records, particularly regarding candidates' domicile and aggregate marks, were identified. Inquiry Findings The recent inquiry into the admissions irregularities at the College of Nursing, Pakistan Institute of Medical Science

Understanding Anatomical Position and Directional Terms in Nursing

What is the Anatomical Position? The anatomical position is a standard position of the body. It is used as a reference to describe body parts and positions. In this position, a person stands upright with feet flat on the ground and close together, arms at the sides, and palms facing forward. The head is also facing forward.  Why Do We Use the Anatomical Position?  It is used to avoid confusion. Without a standard reference, describing body parts could be difficult because our bodies can move in many ways.  For example, if you say "the front of the arm," it could mean different things depending on how the arm is positioned. But in the anatomical position, it always means the same area.  What are the Main Directional Terms in Anatomy? Anterior (Front) and Posterior (Back) Anterior: In front of the body (e.g., the chest is anterior to the spine) Posterior: At the back of the body (e.g., the spine is posterior to the chest) Superior

Most Liked Blog Posts from PKN

Difference Between Post-RN BScN & Generic BSN (Updated 2023)

Are you confused about the terms BSN, BScN, Generic BSN, Post-RN, BS Nursing, and BSc Nursing? We receive many questions about these terms at PKN. This updated post will clarify these terms, especially in the context of recent changes in Pakistan. In short, the Generic BSN is a degree program for individuals who wish to join the nursing profession after 12 years of schooling, while the Post-RN BScN is a degree program for nurses who already have a three-year diploma in nursing.  Generic BSN The Generic BSN is an ideal option for those who want to enter the nursing profession in Pakistan. Previously, another option to join the nursing profession was the 3-year diploma in general nursing. However, according to the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan's policies, the diploma in nursing was phased out across Pakistan in 2018.  The Generic BSN is a 4-year degree program followed by a one-year internship. An internship involves practical nursing practice in a hospital under

PNC Eligibility Criteria for Faculty Appointment in Nursing Colleges in Pakistan

The Pakistan Nursing Council (PNC), ( now called the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council or PNMC ) is the regulatory body for nursing education and practice in Pakistan. PN&MC notified the eligibility criteria for the appointment of faculty members in nursing colleges. The PNMC's notification, which was issued in August 2015 (vide letter number F-11-PNC-admin/2015-723), outlines the minimum qualifications, experience, and publications required for nursing lecturers, assistant professors, associate professors, and professors. In this blog post, we will discuss the eligibility criteria in detail and answer some common questions about them.  Q: What are the minimum qualifications required for a Nursing Lecturer position in a college of nursing according to PNMC?  A: The minimum qualifications required for a Nursing Lecturer position in a college of nursing are: Registered Nurse and Registered Midwife with Post RN BSN degree (Two years of post-degree experience, preferably in a

New Nurses Uniform by Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (January 2024)

The Pakistan Nursing & Midwifery Council (PNMC) has introduced a new uniform dress code for nurses working in clinical settings across the country. The announcement, in an official letter from the PNMC dated January 31, 2024, stated guidance about professional attire of nursing staff in Pakistan. The new dress code approved during the 6th session of the council held from January 15-17, 2024, under the leadership of Ms. Farzana Zulfiger, President of PNMC, specifies new uniforms for male and female nurses. Female nurses are to wear a dark blue shalwar kameez with a nameplate, accompanied by a white coat and a blue scarf/dupatta. Male nurses are required to wear dark blue scrubs along with a nameplate. Category Uniform Female Nurses Dark blue shalwar kameez with nameplate, white coat or blue scarf/dupatta Male Nurses Dark blue scrubs with nameplate Health Departments across Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber P

PNC Notification about Dress Code (2017)

Update (January 2024) : The latest notification about the new dress code can be found here:  New Nurses Uniform by Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council   Pakistan Nursing Council has issued a notification about the dress code of female and male nurses as well as the student nurses. The notification has clarified the PNC's stance on the face covering of female nurses. The Pakistan Nursing Council (PNC) has embraced cultural sensitivity by allowing nursing staff and students to wear a white Dupatta for head covering, aligning with personal and religious beliefs. This decision, made in the PNC's 10th Annual Session in 2008 and notified on May 4, 2017, supports individual choice regarding face covering in clinical settings.  The dress code set by the Pakistan Nursing Council (PNC) for nursing staff and students is as follows: Female Student/Staff: White Shalwar, white shirt with half sleeves, white half coat with full sleeves (koti/jacket), and white dupatta for head-cover. In w

New PNC Challan Form

1. Download challan form from the downloads section of online.pnc.org.pk . The exact link of challan form is: http://online.pnc.org.pk/RevisedChallan.pdf 2. Submit fee in any  Habib Bank branch and get it stamped from the bank. 3. Scan the challan copy and upload it online Note: you can easily scan challan form using your cellphone which has more than 5 megapixels camera. You can use CamScanner app to scan challan form. link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.intsig.camscanner

The Florence Nightingale Pledge

Courtesy: Sabir Mehno PIMS I solemnly pledge myself before God and in the presence of this assembly to pass my life in purity and to practise my profession faithfully. I shall abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous, and shall not take or knowingly administer any harmful drug. I shall do all in my power to maintain and elevate the standard of my profession and will hold in confidence all personal matters committed to my keeping and all family affairs coming to my knowledge in the practice of my calling.

SOPs for Managing Nurses’ Monthly Duty Roster Manually

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Managing Nurses’ Duty Roster Version 3 (January 2019) Developed By: Khalil Ahmed Head Nurse, CCU, IH, PIMS, Islamabad Description: The purpose of developing these SOPs was to create uniformity and clarity in the policies regarding nurses’ duty roster. This document has brought the already practised rule into written form. The first version of the SOPs was introduced in Emergency and Accident Center, PIMS in 2014.  Further improvements have been brought in the subsequent versions. Constructive feedback would be appreciated. A sample duty roster which incorporates some of these rules is attached. SOPs Rationales 1.        Days off available in a month: 1.1.     Weekly off: A nurse will be eligible to avail weekly days off equal to the number of Sundays in a month. Because every Sunday is an official day off, therefore, all nurses are eligible to avail days off equal to the number of Su

Nursing Diploma to BSN | Facts and Rumours

by Khalil Ahmed Jatt and Dr Raisa Gul Most of the nursing education institutions, in Pakistan, have been offering 3-year General Nursing Diploma since their establishment. The 4-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) degree programme was introduced in the country in 1997 and the first cohort of BScN nurses graduated in 2001. Since then, many nursing institutions (schools or colleges) gradually switched to the degree programme, but the diploma programme was not abolished in the country. The issue of abolishing the diploma became a topic of hot discussion when the Pakistan Nursing Council (PNC) stopped the nursing institutions to enroll students in the diploma programme in January 2019.  Although most of the stakeholders are welcoming this announcement, some are raising their concerns against this move. Some rumours and misconceptions are also circulating in this regard. By distinguishing the facts from the rumours, the stakeholders can contribute towar

Join Pak Army Nursing Services (AFNS)

JOIN PAKISTAN ARMY IN ARMED FORCES NURSING SERVICE (AFNS) ENTRY 2019/2020 1.               Eligibility Conditions                Qualification / Age Type of Commission Qualification Age AFNS - BSc Nursing      (Female)   Matric with Science - 60% Marks Minimum F.Sc (Pre-medical)    - 50% Marks Minimum 17-25 years as on 31 December 2019 Trained Nurse as          Lieutenant (Female)   Nursing Diploma and Midwifery. B.Sc Generic Nursing. Post (RN) B.Sc Nursing     18-28 years as on 30 November 2019 Note for BSc Nursing : - Ø     Appearing candidates in FSc Part-II examination ( having 50% marks in 1 st year ) may apply with HOPE certificate duly signed by the Principal of concerned college/institution for attaining 50% marks.   On declaration of Part-II result, candidates should submit FSc marks sheet immediately. Note for Trained Nurse : -   Ø     A candidate should be

What is PNC Licensure Exam and Why is it Necessary?

by Khalil Ahmed Jatt, Head Nurse, PIMS, Islamabad  PNC Licensure Examination is a written test of the Generic BSc Nursing graduates that is conducted by the Pakistan Nursing Council to determine the preparedness of the graduates for nursing practice. Recently, the examination has been abolished by PNC due to some understandable reasons. Some people are of the view that PNC licensure examination for GBSN is unjust and unnecessary. Their perspective is based on the following arguments: When there are university exams then we do not need to appear for an extra exam. There is no licensure examination for the diploma holders therefore, there is no need for licensure exam for BSN graduates. Other healthcare professionals in Pakistan do not go through such examination, therefore this exam is unnecessary for BSN graduates It is not conducted internationally. PNC can not conduct a transparent examination. Many toppers failed in the licensure examination. Licensure examina