GNM stands for General Nursing and Midwifery. GNM is a non-medical diploma course with a span of three and a half years. GNM emphasizes teaching nursing students about the importance of community, community health care, and midwifery. GNM course can be taken after passing 10th board followed by pre-university two years in science stream. Eligibility criteria also include minimum 50% aggregate in 2nd year PUC in science stream. Few colleges offer their entrance exams to be eligible for college admission.
Nursing History
Thomas hospital of England was the first hospital to start similar nursing schools in India. Hospital of St. St. Stephen's in Delhi was the first hospital to start a nursing program for Indian women in 1867. In 1871, India established its first nursing school in Madras (Chennai) at the Government General Hospital. At that time, the number of students was only 4.
Importance of GNM
The profession of General Nurse Midwifery (GNM) is an ancient profession which is gaining importance nowadays only due to increasing population, diseases and illnesses. Above all, they play a very important role in assisting doctors in their work in operating rooms, in hospital departments, etc. It can therefore be said that they act as a doctor's hand.
They also play a very important role in educating patients and communities about various diseases and preventive measures. They educate people about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), the benefits of personal and public hygiene, etc.
Nurses also often serve in war-torn areas serving both the military and civilians. During the ongoing covid wave, many nurses have been fulfilling their social responsibilities by flying across different parts of the country and across the globe to fulfill their duties.
Due to its dedication to society and its work, GNM is considered a very respectable job in society.
Curriculum of GNM
- The GNM is a 3 academic year course followed by a 6 month internship.
- The first year includes the subjects Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, Psychology, Sociology, Basics of Nursing, First Aid, Personal Hygiene.
- The second year includes Medical-Surgical Nursing1, ENT, Communicable Diseases, Oncology, Psychiatric Nursing, Community Health Nursing, Computer Education.
- The third year includes Children's Nursing, Community Health Nursing 2, Gynecological Nursing.
- Along with the curriculum, candidates are also trained in working with computer data, enabling them to fit perfectly into their job roles.
Careers after GNM Course
After three and a half years in General Nursing and Midwifery, the candidate can also select a career as a Nursing Tutor, Staff Nurse, Community Health Care Nursing, Attendant, ICU Nurse, etc.
After completing the GNM course, the applicant is registered under the state nursing registration board. After that, the candidate can also pursue B.SC Nursing which is a bachelor degree in Nursing covering two academic years. But in the case of the distance learning programs, the duration of study increases to 3 years. A graduation in nursing opens another wide career path with a better job opportunities in India and abroad.
GNM is a course that is currently in high demand due to the ongoing covid pandemic. It is a very old profession that is mostly dominated by a women. After reading this article, you might have understood that it is also a very demanding job meant for people with a strong heart like you.
The completion of the GNM is not the end, but the beginning. A wide range of career opportunities are also available to students after graduating from GNM. So, we hope that reading this article will also help you make an informed decision about your future career.