Skip to main content

HEC Equivalence Issues | Recomendations Proposed by Dr Rafat Jan in 2017

ISSUES ALONG WITH RECOMMENDATION OF NURSING EDUCATION AND ITS EQUIVALENCY WITH HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION (HEC)

THE PAKISTAN NURSING COUNCIL 

The PAKISTAN NURSING COUNCIL (PNC) is an autonomous, regulatory body constituted under the Pakistan Nursing Council Act (1952, 1973) and empowered to register (license) Nurses, Midwives, Lady Health Visitors (LHVs) and Nursing Auxiliaries to practice in Pakistan. PNC was established in 1948.

PAKISTAN NURSING COUNCIL 

Pakistan Nursing Council is a significant participant in the health care delivery system in the country and dedicated to provide support for the professional development and competencies of those who study Nursing, Lady Health Visitors and Midwifery.

The aims of PNC also include monitoring for implementation of national standards in Nursing, Health Visitors and Midwifery education and practice by providing Registration, infrastructure and arranging continue educational opportunities for registered members.

FUNCTIONS OF THE PNC

  • PNC sets the curriculum for the education of Nurses, Midwives, LHVs and Nursing Auxiliaries.
  • PNC inspects educational institutions for approval based on established standards.
  • PNC provides registration (license) to practice.
  • PNC maintains standards of education and practice.
  • PNC plays an advisory role for the overall benefits of Nurses, Midwives, LHVs and Nursing Auxiliaries in the country.
  • PNC maintains an advisory role for the Federal and Provincial Government regarding nursing education and nursing services.
  • PNC communicates policy decisions regarding nursing education and the welfare of nurses, taken in Council meetings, to Governments, Nursing Institutions, NEBs and Armed Forces Nursing Services for implementation.
  • PNC prescribes penalties for fraudulent registration by intention of pretense, and removes persons from the Register for professional misconduct. 

NURSING EDUCATION PROGRAMMS 

Background

There is currently a General Nursing diploma program in Pakistan. In early days before 2007, PNC encouraged the people in the field of nursing having Matric with Science/Arts/O-Level and allowed to enter into the General Nursing diploma; the nurse midwife is a Registered Nurse (RN) as well as a Registered Midwife (RM) for females. In case of male candidates, one year specialty diploma in lieu of midwifery was offered. Later on, PNC also allowed specialty diploma to both male and female candidates. After, 2007, only those candidates were permitted in the diploma program, who have Matric with Science. Furthermore, the diploma program is planned to be phased out after year 2018. The Nurse Midwife mainly serve in the hospital setting. 

In 2004, PNC announced the transitional program of Master in Nursing (03 Years) for the Govt. senior nurses having Diploma in Nursing & Midwifery along with one year teaching administration and ward administration plus at least 10 years’ working experience. The transitional MSN has been closed after introducing Post RN BSN (02 Year Program).

Later on, Post RN BSN (2 years) has been introduced for the diploma graduates in Nursing & Midwifery so that the education of the nurses could be enhanced to Bachelor Degree level and professional nurses should be educated as per International standards. 

Based on the ICN standards and skillful educated nurses, PNC announced the Generic BSN (04 Year) for the interested candidates having FSC Pre- Medical and Master in Nursing (02 Year) for the nursing graduates to get/enhanced their education at the Master level.

There are currently following Educational categories in Pakistan, including: 

Diploma Programs

1. Diploma in Nursing (3 Year Program)

2. Diploma in Midwifery (1 Year Program) for male any post basic specialty.

Degree Programs

1. Generic Bachelor of Nursing (GBSN) (4 Year Program)

2. Post RN BSN (2 Year Program)

3. Bachelor in Midwifery BSM (2 year Program)

4. Master in Nursing MSN (2 Years)


Internationally, nurses have been developed through 3 years diploma and many countries offered one year midwifery program. Western countries including USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand as well as Eastern Mediterranean Regional Countries; follows similar trends. As health care became complex day by day and advancement of career of nurses, it is inevitable for the nursing and midwifery professionals to grow via higher education. The barriers for equivalence of degree only jeopardize the education then employment.  

Therefore, on behalf of nurses and midwives community the Pakistan Nursing Council presents following challenges and recommendations for HEC officials consideration. We hope that there will be an amicable solution between 2 regulatory bodies.




Topics

Comments

  1. Anonymous18 February 2019 at 21:36

    I like the helpful information you provide in your articles.
    I'll bookmark your blog and check again here regularly.
    I'm quite sure I will learn lots of new stuff right here!
    Best of luck for the next!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Give your Comments here... اپنی رائے کا اظہار یہاں کریں۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔۔

Most Liked Blog Posts from PKN

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 eli...
5 comments
Read more

MSN Admission Eligibility Criteria by PNC

Through a notification issued on 3rd September 2019, Pakistan Nursing Council has revised the eligibility criteria for admission in the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programme throughout the country. PNC Letter issued on 3rd September 2019 Letter Number: PNC Admin/ 2019/2954-57 Dated: Sptember 3, 2019 In compliance of the decision taken against Agenda Item No. 01 of Academic Committee meeting of Pakistan Nursing Council held on 14t 16th May, 2018 and Agenda Item No. 05 of the 25 Session of Pakistan Nursing Council held under the chair of Ms. Afshan Nazly, President, PNC on 30 -31st July, 2019 the following Admission Criteria of 02 years MSN Degree is hereby revised as below: Category-I 10 years' schooling (Matric) 3 years General Nursing Diploma registered with PNC 01 year Midwifery Diploma or any other Post Basic Specialty Diploma registered with PNC 01 year experience as RN for admission in Post RN BSN Degree 2 Years' Post RN BSN Degree Program as sp...
Post a Comment
Read more

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 u...
3 comments
Read more

JPMC Offers Honorary House Job for BS Nursing Graduates

Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi, invites applications for a one-year honorary house job position from graduates of BS Nursing. The application deadline is May 22, 2024, with interviews scheduled for May 30, 2024. Application forms can be obtained from the Accounts Section for Rs. 1000/-. For more details, visit www.jpmc.edu.pk.   #NursingCareers #JPMC #ProfessionalOpportunity #internship #BSN
Post a Comment
Read more

PNC Guidelines for Creating an Optimal Learning Environment for Nursing Students

If you're interested in pursuing a degree in nursing or establishing a new nursing educational institution, it's important to understand the guidelines and requirements set forth by the Pakistan Nursing Council (PNC). In 2019, the PNC issued a document outlining the minimum criteria for establishing new nursing educational institutions for degree programs. In this post, we'll focus on the section of the document that provides guidelines for creating a positive learning environment for nursing students. Academic Atmosphere The PNC requires that nursing institutions create an environment that fosters the intellectual challenge and spirit of inquiry appropriate to a community of scholars. This means that the institution should provide opportunities for nursing students to participate in research and other scholarly activities. The faculty should encourage and support student participation in these activities. Behavior & Discipline Institutions are responsible for ensuring...
Post a Comment
Read more

Goals and Outcomes of the Post-RN BS Nursing Program in Pakistan

In an effort to advance the nursing profession in Pakistan, the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PNMC) has outlined specific goals and expected outcomes for the Post-RN BS Nursing program . This program is designed for registered nurses, aiming to enhance their knowledge and skills to meet the complex demands of the 21st-century healthcare environment.  Program Goals: The overarching goal of the Post-RN BS nursing program is to prepare nurses who are not only competent and well-educated but also deeply aware of the professional, religious, cultural, legal, and ethical frameworks within which they operate. This preparation is crucial for providing high-quality and safe care, effectively addressing the multifaceted challenges presented by modern healthcare settings.  Expected Outcomes:  Upon completion of the two-year Post RN BS nursing program, graduates are expected to achieve the following outcomes:  Integrative Cognitive Abilities Graduates will demonstrate...
Post a Comment
Read more

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...
Post a Comment
Read more

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
2 comments
Read more

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, prefe...
Post a Comment
Read more

Government Jobs for Nurses in KPK

Nursing Director BPS-18 Male and Charge Nurse BPS-16  Female Government Jobs at Qazi Hussain Ahmed Medical Complex Nowshera KPK.
Post a Comment
Read more