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Internship Guidelines 2021 by Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council



The Pakistan Nursing Council (now called the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council or PN&MC) has introduced internship guidelines 2021 for undergraduate nursing students who have completed four years of college. The internship program must be completed in a PNC recognized hospital, which will offer PNC-specified clinical experiences. During this program, students will have a combination of practical and theoretical experiences that will enable them to acquire competency and experience to perform as an independent nurse. Successful completion of the internship period will result in an internship certificate, and students will be eligible to appear in the licensing examination.  Below are some frequently asked questions and answers from these guidelines.

What is the nursing internship program in Pakistan?

The nursing internship program is a one-year program for nursing students in Pakistan, which is taken after the successful completion of a four-year undergraduate nursing program. The internship program is designed to provide the necessary practical and theoretical experiences to develop competent and professional nurses.

What is the duration of the nursing internship program?

The nursing internship program is of one-year duration after the completion of the fourth year of the BSN program.

What is the goal of the internship program?

The goal of the internship program is to provide opportunities that support the development of a competent and professional nurse. It assists in the transition of the new nurse into a specialty area of practice by integrating the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they have acquired in nursing school and with additional competence in nursing practice in different settings before practicing independently.

What are the objectives of the internship program?

The objectives of the internship program are as follows: 

  • To provide novice nurses with the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to the clinical setting by encouraging them to function as a member of the multidisciplinary health care team.
  • To make a smooth transition from advanced beginner to a competent professional nurse in the clinical environment. 
  • To develop effective decision-making and critical thinking skills related to clinical judgment and performance. 
  • To provide clinical nursing leadership at the point of care. 
  • To strengthen a commitment to nursing as a professional career choice.
  • To link research-based evidence to practice outcomes and then incorporate these principles into the care provided. 
  • To impact on growth and empowerment of new graduates.
  • To bridge the gap between theory and practice and smooth the journey from student nurse to professional nurse and become an independent practitioner.
  • To increase the retention rate and reduce turnover. 
  • To assist the nurse interns to increase their ability in analytical assessment of the situation leading to effective decision making for problem-solving. 
  • To assist the nurse intern to further develop and use of her written and verbal communication skills in the field of human relations with patients' families and allied health disciplines and the community at large. 
  • To collaborate with other members of the health team to reach health  goals. 
  • To initiate change to improve nursing in the assigned area. 
  • To apply advanced technology to improve the quality of care. 
  • To teach patients, families and when needed significant others and other members of the team.
  • To participate in planned teaching activities as seminars conferences, round, etc.
  • To seek opportunities for continuous growth as a person, a citizen, and a professional nurse.
  • To appreciate that the program is beneficial for the organization as well as for nurse interns. 

What is the role of preceptorship in the nursing internship program?

Preceptorship is vital for new graduates. Preceptors assist interns to adjust in a new role development, learn new competencies and achieve job satisfaction, build confidence, provide one to one teaching and learning environment, and prepare novices for safe, competent, and ethical practices. Preceptors evaluate students and provide constructive critical feedback for improvement. 

What are the preceptor requirements for the nursing internship program?

Preceptors must have either a two-year post-RN Bachelor or a four-year Generic Bachelor of Science in Nursing or MSN. Preceptors must also have experience in the following:

  • Generic BScN with at least 3 years of experience 
  • Post RN BScN with at least 2 years of experience 

What is the role of the educational institution in the internship process?

The educational institution is responsible for designing and implementing the curriculum for the internship program. They provide guidance to students and faculty during the internship, and evaluate the students' performance throughout the program.

What is the role of the teaching hospital in the internship process?

 The teaching hospital provides the facilities and resources necessary for the students to complete their clinical rotations. They also assign preceptors to guide the students and ensure they receive the necessary training and support during their clinical experience.

What is the role of the nursing college in-charge for the internship? 

The nursing college in-charge is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the internship program, ensuring that it aligns with the curriculum and goals of the nursing program. They also provide guidance and support to the students during their clinical rotations. 

What is the role of the head nurse/unit manager in the internship process?

The head nurse/unit manager serves as the primary supervisor for the student interns during their clinical rotations. They provide guidance and support to the students, as well as evaluate their performance and provide feedback to the nursing college in-charge.

What is the role of the PNC in the internship process? 

The Pakistan Nursing Council (PNC) is responsible for regulating and overseeing the nursing profession in Pakistan. Their role in the internship process is to ensure that the program meets the necessary standards and requirements set forth by the council, and that the students receive the necessary training and support to become competent nurses. 

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