Skip to main content

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. 

Someone might be interested in this blog post? Share this with them. 

 
















Comments

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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