Following is a letter from the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PNMC) dated December 20, 2023, outlining the criteria for the position of Professor of Nursing. The letter categorizes the qualification criteria into two sections, Category I and Category II, and provides additional requirements such as years of experience, teaching and clinical administration experience, and publications in recognized nursing journals.
In response to the concerns raised by the nursing community regarding the inclusion of MPH/MSPH degrees as part of the eligibility criteria for the post of Professor of Nursing, it is essential to examine the implications of such a decision and its alignment with the professional standards for nursing education in Pakistan.
The integration of non-nursing qualifications such as Master of Public Health (MPH) or Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) in the eligibility criteria for a nursing professorship can be a subject of debate. On one hand, public health education can complement nursing education by broadening the perspective on healthcare delivery and policy. It could provide a multidisciplinary approach to nursing education, potentially enriching the curriculum with public health principles that are increasingly relevant in today's global health landscape.
On the other hand, the core competencies required for nursing educators typically include a strong foundation in nursing theory, clinical expertise, and the application of nursing processes. Prioritizing nursing-specific qualifications ensures that the faculty possesses a deep understanding of the unique aspects of the nursing profession, which is critical for effective teaching and mentoring of future nurses.
To articulate the reservations of the nursing community regarding this decision, the following points summarize the key arguments for maintaining the professional purity of nursing education by excluding MPH/MSPH from the professorship eligibility criteria:
In response to the concerns raised by the nursing community regarding the inclusion of MPH/MSPH degrees as part of the eligibility criteria for the post of Professor of Nursing, it is essential to examine the implications of such a decision and its alignment with the professional standards for nursing education in Pakistan.
The integration of non-nursing qualifications such as Master of Public Health (MPH) or Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) in the eligibility criteria for a nursing professorship can be a subject of debate. On one hand, public health education can complement nursing education by broadening the perspective on healthcare delivery and policy. It could provide a multidisciplinary approach to nursing education, potentially enriching the curriculum with public health principles that are increasingly relevant in today's global health landscape.
On the other hand, the core competencies required for nursing educators typically include a strong foundation in nursing theory, clinical expertise, and the application of nursing processes. Prioritizing nursing-specific qualifications ensures that the faculty possesses a deep understanding of the unique aspects of the nursing profession, which is critical for effective teaching and mentoring of future nurses.
To articulate the reservations of the nursing community regarding this decision, the following points summarize the key arguments for maintaining the professional purity of nursing education by excluding MPH/MSPH from the professorship eligibility criteria:
Preservation of Professional Standards
The inclusion of MPH/MSPH degrees in the eligibility criteria for nursing professorship roles dilutes the specialized knowledge base that is crucial for nursing education. Nursing professors should possess a deep understanding of nursing theories and practices to effectively guide future practitioners.Concerns Over Educational Rigor
Many MPH/MSPH programs may not provide the rigorous, nursing-focused curriculum that is essential for developing the competencies required in nursing leadership and academia.Impact on Career Pathways
There is a concern that if MPH/MSPH degrees are considered equivalent to MSN, nursing professionals might opt for the former due to its perceived lower rigor and broader availability, which could lead to a decline in the number of MSN-qualified educators, further impacting nursing education quality.Quality Assurance in Nursing Education
The varying quality of MPH/MSPH programs, especially in institutions where the level of academic rigor does not meet the high standards expected for nursing education, could result in professors who are less prepared to tackle the specific challenges of nursing education and mentorship.Professional Identity
Nursing is a distinct profession with its own set of skills, ethical considerations, and practice standards. Allowing those without a nursing background to educate future nurses may erode the professional identity.Long-term Implications
The decision to include non-nursing qualifications has long-term implications for the nursing profession in Pakistan. It sets a precedent that may influence the future direction of nursing education and the profession's standards.
The concerns of the nursing community likely stem from the desire to maintain the integrity and quality of nursing education, ensuring that educators have a specialized background in nursing. It raises questions about the equivalency of qualifications and whether non-nursing degrees can adequately prepare individuals for the complexities of nursing education and leadership roles within the profession.
The concerns of the nursing community likely stem from the desire to maintain the integrity and quality of nursing education, ensuring that educators have a specialized background in nursing. It raises questions about the equivalency of qualifications and whether non-nursing degrees can adequately prepare individuals for the complexities of nursing education and leadership roles within the profession.
I am glad to have look at the Letter issued by PN&MC Criteria for Nursing Professor, it is good for the educator's getting Master Degree in Public Health. Globally focusing on public Health, Community Health & Primary Prevention. But Unfortunately in our country we are hijacked by one an others. Our Public Health Schools Midwifery Schools are hijacked by Other Caderas,but we are Silent, we don't prefer if our Nurse get higher Education. I Strongly suggest that may kindly made management Cader in Nursing profession as our Doctors have.
ReplyDeleteA way of capacity building as nurse health policy makers and strengthen nursing profession.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this discussion. It’s not a point of debate if MPH is relevant or irrelevant. I am curious to know how MPH is relevant to Public Health if so, why not other health related disciplines such as psychology, psychiatry, community health etc. by considering MPH for professor in nursing, the other related disciplines I mentioned a few above will have their voice to be considered as equal to be a professor. How nursing would defend that? What’s your criteria for relevancy and irrelevancy? If you accept all equivalent professionals to be a professor, then doctors also have health related degrees, should they be considered? Following this trend, nursing profession will loose its own unique identity for sure. I’m looking for answers for all the questions that I asked above. Nursing is unique and irreplaceable. Star Brohi
ReplyDelete