Nurse
Also called: Staff nurse, Nursing officer
Provides constant care to patients in hospitals, clinics, homes and communities.
What the work is
Nurses look after patients around the clock: giving medicines, monitoring health, assisting in surgery, caring for newborns and the elderly, and teaching families. Specialisations include critical care, operating theatre, paediatrics, oncology and community health.
Routes include B.Sc Nursing (4 years), GNM (3 years) and post-basic and M.Sc Nursing. Indian nurses are in demand in India and abroad, especially in the UK, Gulf countries, Australia and Canada.
A typical week
- Monitor and record patients' health
- Give medicines and treatments
- Assist doctors in procedures
- Support and educate patients and families
It suits people who
- Are caring and patient
- Stay calm in emergencies
- Are fine with shift work
Your path to get there
School (Class 8-10)
- Choose Science with Biology (PCB)GNM accepts some other streams
Class 11-12
- Write NEET-UG or state and institute nursing entrances (for example AIIMS B.Sc Nursing)
College or fresher
- Complete B.Sc Nursing and register with the state nursing council
- For abroad: language tests (IELTS or OET) and licensing exams
Working or switching
- GNM nurses upgrade through Post-Basic B.Sc Nursing
- Healthcare workers can return through refresher courses and re-registration with their council.
- Hospitals often have flexible shifts and part-time roles for returning nurses and doctors.
Exams and certifications
| Name | What it is for | When |
|---|---|---|
| NEET-UG and state nursing entrances ↗ | B.Sc Nursing admission | Once a year |
| AIIMS Nursing entrance ↗ | Nursing at AIIMS | Once a year |
| IELTS or OET, NCLEX | Working abroad | When planning to move |
Exam names, eligibility and dates change. Always check the official website for this year's notice.
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