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Showing posts from May, 2023

Legacy of Ms Ulmia Mughal and IND

An organized & impressive International Nurses Day (IND). Event was attended by the most senior and incumbent nursing leaders from across the Health Sciences Universities of Sindh, Midwifery Schools & Nursing Colleges & senior leaders. The presence of Secretary Rehabilitation Government of Sindh and Director Nursing Sindh gave it an official look at prestgious Scout Club, Karachi. IND celebrations included traditional Nightingalian Lamp Lighting and while speakers admired the founder of Ilmia Institute محترمہ علمیہ مغل who kept in herself alive the Nightingalian Spirit throughout her larger than life career as Director/Controller Nursing Sindh Her supreme services were reflected when Govt of Pakistan awarded her Pride of Performance State Award.  Her living legacy is rightly preserved and progressed by Ms Afshan , Mr. Jawaid Shaikh, M. Ismail and the Team of Ilmia Institute of Nursing, Karachi. Shabbir Hussain Jathial Ex DGN Sindh

Nurses Day: More Than Just Greetings and Good Wishes

Recently, the world celebrated International Nurses Day (IND), a day set aside by the International Council of Nurses (ICN) to honor these incredible individuals. However, in Pakistan, it seems the spirit of the day isn't fully embraced.  The ICN's vision for IND isn't just about sending congratulatory messages or showering nurses with flowers. The crux of this day is to highlight the significance of nursing as a profession and advocate for the rights, respect, and recognition that nurses deserve.  Let's be clear: Pakistani nurses are among the most dedicated and hardworking healthcare professionals globally. They often work tirelessly under challenging conditions, performing long shifts, sometimes up to 12 hours or more without any additional compensation. Despite the strenuous routine, they are expected to be present and proactive even in the most difficult situations - be it a strike, violent protest, or a pandemic-induced lockdown.  Regrettably, the working conditio

Urgent Requirement of Female Nurses in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The Government of Pakistan, Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis & Human Resource Development, and the Overseas Employment Corporation (OEC)  have announced an urgent requirement for female nurses in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).   This opportunity is a chance for you to advance in your professional journey. Working overseas offers significant benefits, including exposure to international healthcare practices, enhanced professional growth, and of course, a better financial package.  The Job Position  Dr. Salman Al Habib Medical Group in KSA, is urgently seeking the services of female staff nurses from Pakistan. The eligibility criteria include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing / Post RN (16 years education) , or a Diploma in General Nursing & Midwifery . Applicants should have a minimum of one year of experience in any department and should not be over 40 years of age. Applicants should be fluent in spoken and written English. The salary range offered is 3800 to 4500 SAR, wit

2024 Admissions Guide: Shifa College of Nursing Programs and Eligibility Criteria

Shifa College of Nursing, a renowned constituent college of Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University (STMU) in Islamabad, is now accepting applications for the Spring 2024 session. Offering a range of nursing programs, Shifa College of Nursing provides an outstanding educational experience for aspiring healthcare professionals. In this blog post, we'll walk you through the details of the various programs offered, eligibility criteria, important dates, and everything else you need to know to embark on your nursing journey.    PhD in Nursing Program (Minimum 3 years Maximum 8 years) Eligibility Criteria for PhD  To be considered for the PhD in Nursing program at Shifa College of Nursing, potential candidates must meet the following prerequisites: The candidate must have completed a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or an MSN equivalent program for foreign students, such as the Nurse Practitioner program. Candidates should have achieved a minimum CGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 i

Empowering Nursing Professionals: The Inspiring Journey of Sobia Idrees

The remarkable accomplishments of professionals who make significant strides in their sector are truly deserving of recognition and celebration. One such inspirational figure is Sobia Idrees, a Pakistani nurse who has not only excelled in her career but also emerging as an internationally renowned educator. In this blog post, we will explore Sobia's incredible journey and her numerous achievements that have garnered her accolades and praise from all around the globe.   Sobia Idrees - A dedicated nurse and inspiring educator As a nursing student at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad (PIMS), Sobia Idrees' career in nursing began. She was able to advance fast through the ranks, first becoming a charge nurse at PIMS and then becoming a nursing educator thanks to her unrelenting commitment to her career. Sobia pursued and successfully completed her Master of Science in Nursing  (MSN) degree with excellent honours from the prestigious Aga Khan University School o

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

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.

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

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

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

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