Nursing is a noble profession driven by care, compassion, and service mindedness. It is an integral part of healthcare that works collaboratively to address and care for the needs and requirements of the patients and to administer treatments.

Midwifery is an extension of nursing but here the focus is on pregnant women. Midwives help women during pregnancy, delivery, and the postpartum period. They are also skilled to take care of the newborns. That which started as a traditional, community-based role, over time evolved into a profession. In India, midwifery training was integrated into the general nursing course post-independence.

What is the GNM Program?

GNM stands for General Nursing and Midwifery. It is a diploma course that spans across 3 years of academic study and 6 months of mandatory internship.

1. During the 1^st year, students learn the principles and techniques of general nursing, human anatomy, microbiology, physiology, patient care, basic medical procedures, nutrition, and hygiene.
2. In the 2^nd year, students are exposed to medical-surgical nursing, child health nursing, community health nursing, and mental health.
3. The 3^rd year involves in-depth concepts about midwifery, OPD, ICU, and Emergency care, obstetrical nursing, health education, and first aid techniques.    

The course helps students with the skills needed for providing basic life support or first aid/CPR, wound care, vital monitoring, professional instrument handling, communication and interpersonal skills, presence of mind during critical situations, emergency care, emotional resilience, infection control protocols, etc.

Eligibility, Duration, and Fees

• Candidates who have passed 10+2 with science (PCB) are preferred. Some institutes allow arts background, but with English as a subject
• A minimum pass marks of 45% is expected, but may vary by institution
• The minimum age to take up the course is 17 years
• Fees in government colleges range between Rs. 10,000 and Rs. 1,00,000 for the entire course. Private colleges charge between Rs. 1,00,000 and RS. 8,00,000 (as the entire course fees).

Salary and allowances

GNM nurses can work in government or private hospitals, nursing homes, private clinics, old age homes, childcare centres, and general healthcare centres.

Salary ranges in different settings and sectors:

• For freshers, Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 30,000 per month
• Experienced nurses can get around Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 50,000 per month
• Nurses with specialised knowledge and experience (e.g., ICU, OT, Midwife) can get paid between Rs. 40,000 and Rs. 70,000 or more per month
• Nurses working abroad can earn between Rs. 1,00,000 and Rs. 3,00,000 per month, depending on the country.
• Government jobs offer basic pay of Rs. 45,000 along with various allowances.

GNM nurses can also pursue advanced courses like B.Sc. Nursing or diplomas to enhance their qualifications and career growth.

Conclusion

The GNM Nursing course provides a gateway to a fulfilling and respectable career in healthcare. It offers strong career prospects, competitive salaries, and the satisfaction of making a positive impact on patients' lives.

Disclaimer

The blog is curated by referring to various credible sources and does not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of QS I-GAUGE. The information provided is for general informational purposes only, readers are advised to conduct their own research and seek professional advice before making any decisions.