DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF STANDARDS AND

ACCREDITATION IN NURSING EDUCATION

PROGRAMS
Role of INC, State Registration Nursing Council, Boards
and University
Role of Professional associations and unions
INTRODUCTION
Nursing education is the professional education for the preparation
of Nurses to enable them to render professional nursing care to people of
all ages, in all phases of health and illness in a variety of settings.
Education should impart scientific and uptodate knowledge in the area of
medical, social, behavioural and biological sciences.
Nursing education should prepare nurses as good leaders to provide
qualitative care.
NURSING EDUCATION IN INDIA
The Nursing Council Act came into existence in 1948 to constitute
a council of nurses who would safeguard the quality of nursing education
in the country. The mandate was to establish and maintain uniform
standards of nursing education. Today, the Indian Nursing Council is a
statutory body that regulates nursing education in the country through
prescription, inspection, examination, certification and maintaining its
stand for a uniform syllabus at each level of nursing education. They have
also ensured easier measures for equivalence, exchange and practice for
nurses in any part of the country. On the other hand, the strive for
maintenance of a uniform standard and-pattern of nursing education has
curbed creative development and experiments for expansion of nursing
into newer horizons of caring and function.
Rajesh Kumar Sharma, Asst Professor, HCN, SRHU, Dehradun

Types of Nursing Programs

ADMISSION TERMS & CONDITION FOR SCHOOL /
COLLEGE OF NURSING

No.

Nursing
Progra
ms

Auxiliary
Nurse &
Midwife

General
Nursing &
Midwifery

B. Sc (Basic)

Eligibility Criteria

Training
Examination
Duration

Registration

10 Pass

1 and 1/2 years

Nursing
Examination
Board

R.ANM

10+2 Class pass with

aggregate of 40%

3 and 1/2 years

Nursing
Examination
Board

R.N & R.M

10+2 Class Pass with 45%

aggregate in PCBE

4 years

University

R.N & R.M

University

Additional
Qualification

2 years

University

Additional
Qualification

Regular

B.Sc (Post
Basic)

10+2 + GNM
Distance
10+2 GNM + 2year Exp.

M. Sc.

2 years

B.Sc. Nursing / B.Sc. Hons.

Nursing / Post Basic B.Sc.
Nursing with minimum of
55% aggregate marks.

3 years

one year of experience after

Basic B.Sc. or Post Basic
B.Sc. Nursing.

M. Phil

M. Sc.

1 year (Full time)

2 years (part time)

University

Additional
Qualification

Ph D

M. Sc./ M. Phil

3-5 years

University

Additional
Qualification

Post Basic
Specialty
Diploma
Courses

R.N & R.M

one year of clinical
experience

One Year

Board or
University

Additional
Qualifications

Rajesh Kumar Sharma, Asst Professor, HCN, SRHU, Dehradun

M.Sc.
Any organization under the Central Government, State
Government, Local body or a Private or Public Trust, Mission,
Voluntary registered under Society Registration Act or a Company
registered under companys act wishes to open a M.Sc. Nursing
programme, should obtain the No Objection/Essentiality certificate
from the State Government.
If the institution is recognized for B.Sc. (N) programme and if
one batch has passed out after found suitable by INC, then the
institution will be exempted from NOC/Essentiality certificate for
M.Sc.(N) programe from the State Government.
The Indian Nursing council on receipt of the proposal from the
Institution to start nursing program, will undertake the first
inspection to assess suitability with regard to physical
infrastructure, clinical facility and teaching faculty in order to give
permission to start the programme.
After the receipt of the permission to start the nursing programme
from Indian Nursing Council, the institution shall obtain the
approval from the State Nursing Council and University.
Institution will admit the students only after taking approval of
State Nursing Council and University.
The Indian Nursing Council will conduct inspection every year till
the first batch completes the programme. Permission will be given
year by year till the first batch completes.
If the institution is recognized for B.Sc. (N) programme and if one
batch has passed out after found suitable by INC, then the
institution will be exempted from NOC/Essentiality certificate for
M.Sc.(N) programe from the State Government.
Super Speciality Hospital* can start M.Sc.(N) programme,
however they have to get NOC/Essentiality certificate from
respective State Government to start the M.Sc. (N) programme.
*Super Speciality Hospital are eligible to start M.Sc.(N) provided they have
respective speciality beds

Upgradation from School to College

Any "School of Nursing" can upgrade to "College of Nursing"
provided one batch of students have passed out after found
suitable by INC. Further on up-gradation institution has to stop
GNM Programs.
Rajesh Kumar Sharma, Asst Professor, HCN, SRHU, Dehradun

 Documents to be submitted to INC for Upgradation:

o

Decision of the management committee to upgrade school of

nursing to college of nursing.

Consent letter of the university to which the college needs

affiliation.

Regulation of M.Sc.

M.Sc. (N)

If parent hospital is super-specialty hospital like cardio-thoracic

hospital/cancer with annual intake 10 M.Sc(N) in cardio thoracic/cancer
o
o
o

Professor cum coordinator 1

Reader / Associate Professor 1
Lecturer 2

The above faculty shall perform dual role.

M.Sc. (N)
Annual intake of 60 students in B.Sc.(N) and 25 students for M.Sc.
(N) programme.
o
o
o
o
o

Professor-cum-Principal
Professor-cum-Vice Principal
Reader / Associate Professor
Lecturer
Tutor / Clinical Instructor

-1
-1
-5
-8
- 19
--------------Total - 34

One in each specialty and all the M.Sc(N) qualified teaching

faculty will participate in all collegiate programmes.

Teacher Student Ratio = 1 : 10 for M.Sc.(N) programme.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE OF TEACHERS OF
COLLEGE OF NURSING

Sr. No.
1

Post

Qualification & Experience

Professor-cum- - Masters Degree in Nursing

Principal
- 14 years experience after M.Sc. (N) in College
of Nursing .
- 3 years experience in administration (Years of
experience is relaxable if suitable candidate

Rajesh Kumar Sharma, Asst Professor, HCN, SRHU, Dehradun

is not available) (If a candidate is not

available, minimum 5 years of experience in
college of nursing, with an aggregate of 14
years teaching experience)
Desirable : Independent published work of high standard /
doctorate degree / M.Phil.
2

Professor-cumVice Principal

- Masters Degree in Nursing

- 14 years experience after M.Sc. (N) in College
of Nursing .
- 3 years experience in administration (Years of
experience is relaxable if suitable candidate
is not available) (If a candidate is not
available, minimum 5 years of experience in
college of nursing, with an aggregate of 14
years teaching experience)

Desirable : Independent published work of high standard /

doctorate degree / M.Phil.
3

Reader / Associate - Master Degree in Nursing.

Professor
- 10 years experience after M.Sc.(N) in a
College of Nursing. (If a candidate is not
available, 5 years of experience in College
of Nursing with an aggregates of 10 years
teaching experience.

Desirable : Independent published work of high standard /doctorate

degree / M.Phil.
4

Lecturer

- Master Degree in Nursing.

- 3 years teaching experience after M.Sc. (N)

Note: Qualifications & Experience of Nursing Teaching faculty

relaxed till 2012 & placed under Annexure I
External /Guest faculty may be arranged for the selected units in different subjects as required

NOTE:

No part time nursing faculty will be counted for calculating total

no. of faculty required for a college.

Rajesh Kumar Sharma, Asst Professor, HCN, SRHU, Dehradun

Irrespective of number of admissions, all faculty positions

(Professor to Lecturer) must be filled.

For M.Sc.(N) programme appropriate number of M.Sc. faculty in

each speciality be appointed subject to the condition that total
number of teaching faculty ceiling is maintained.

All nursing teachers must possess a basic university or equivalent

qualification as laid down in the schedules of the Indian Nursing
Council Act, 1947. They shall be registered under the State Nursing
Registration Act.

Nursing faculty in nursing college except tutor/clinical instructors

must possess the requisite recognized postgraduate qualification in
nursing subjects.

Holders of equivalent postgraduate qualifications, which may be

approved by the Indian Nursing Council from time to time, may be
considered to have the requisite recognized postgraduate
qualification in the subject concerned.

All teachers of nursing other than Principal and Vice-Principal

should spend at least 4 hours in the clinical area for clinical
teaching and/or supervision of care every day.

ACCREDITATION IN NURSING
Accreditation is a certification of the academic quality of an
institution of higher learning. Some countries have independent/private
organizations that oversee the educational accreditation process, while
other countries accredit through a government agency. Some countries
require accreditation and others consider it voluntary. In either case
accreditation denotes academic quality and schools that lack recognized
accreditation often claim accreditation from unrecognized sources.
Unrecognized accreditations are meaningless to the academic community.
What is the objective of accreditation?
Accreditation is a voluntary, privately managed process of peer
evaluation of post-secondary education institutions and
programs.
Being accredited imparts to the public, potential students,
educational institutions, government agencies, lenders, and
others that the institution or program meets an established
standard of quality.
In order for students, programs, or institutions to be eligible for
federal support under the Higher Education Act of 1965 or the
Rajesh Kumar Sharma, Asst Professor, HCN, SRHU, Dehradun

Nurse Education Act (Title VIII of the Public Health Service

Act), a program or institution must be accredited by an agency
recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) and be
recognized in the published list of accrediting agencies. Thus,
accrediting agencies play a critically important role as
gatekeepers for access to federal funds.
There are two types of accreditation: institutional (as performed
by various regional agencies, and by the National League for
Nursing (NLN) for schools, such as hospital. diploma programs,
not within a higher education institution), and specialized or
programmatic (such as performed by NLN and specialty
nursing organizations for nursing schools within higher
education institutions).
All regional accrediting bodies have had, for a number of years,
recognition status from the DOE. Baccalaureate and graduatedegree nursing programs already meet DOE criteria due to their
position within regionally accredited institutions.
How is nursing education currently accredited?
A variety of organizations currently conduct specialized
accreditation of nursing education, including the National League for
Nursing (for all levels of nursing education, including practical, hospital
diploma, as well as associate-, baccalaureate-, and masters-degree
programs), the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (for nurse
anesthesia education), the American College of Nurse-Midwives (for
preaccreditation and accreditation of nurse-midwifery programs), and the
American Nurses Association (for continuing education). In addition,
programs in institutions of higher education are reviewed by regional
accrediting agencies, as well as by state agencies such as boards of
education or state boards of nursing charged with approval of nursing
education programs.
Moreover, a variety of other nursing organizations have expressed
interest in creating additional accreditation review processes for oversight
of graduate-level nursing education, such as nurse practitioner programs.
India
Accreditation for universities in India are required by law unless it
was created through an act of Parliament. Without accreditation It is
emphasized that these fake institutions have no legal entity to call
themselves as University/Vishwvidyalaya and to award degree which
are not treated as valid for academic/employment purposes.
Rajesh Kumar Sharma, Asst Professor, HCN, SRHU, Dehradun

Accreditation for higher learning is overseen by autonomous

institutions established by the University Grants Commission:
All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) including the
National Board of Accreditation (NBA)
Distance Education Council (DEC)
Indian Council for Agriculture Research (ICAR)
Bar Council of India (BCI)
National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE)
Rehabilitation Council of India (RCI)
Medical Council of India (MCI)
Pharmacy Council of India (PCI)
Indian Nursing Council (INC)
Dentist Council of India (DCI)
Central Council of Homeopathy (CCH)
Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM)
Board of Theological Education of the Senate of Serampore
College (BTESSC)
Government Approvable Of Nursing Programs
In most states, the approval accrediting activities for nursing
programs are carried out through the state board of nursing.
After registration laws were passed. State boards of nursing
began to emerge for the purpose of licensing nurses and
protecting the public. Inspectors from the boards began making
program visits for approval. Through the ANA, the Council of
State Boards of Nursing was created to have a common forum
for those who had the responsibility to regulate the practice of
nursing in each state. In 1978, the National Council of State
Boards of Nursing, Inc. (NCSBN) was formed to replace the
ANA Council. NCSBN provided greater independence of the
regulatory authorities from the professional organization.
When a new nursing program is to be initiated, it must provide
preliminary information to the appropriate state government
department while in the planning phase, often in the form of a
feasibility study or a self study or both. The nursing program
must be approved prior to admitting students to assure
Rajesh Kumar Sharma, Asst Professor, HCN, SRHU, Dehradun

prospective students that the program will provide the

preparation they seek. Each state also has a designated time
frame to renew its approval of existing nursing programs. This
often involves a comprehensive evaluation study, done by the
program/school, that is submitted to the stat.
Representatives of the state approval authority then visit the
program. In some jurisdictions, a school that has received
national accreditation from the National League for Nursing
Accreditation Commission (NLNAC) or the Commission on
Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is not required to be
further reviewed for state approval).
RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR ACCREDITATION
A. CONFIDENTIALITY OF ACCREDITATION INFORMATION
All data, observations, conversations, conclusions, reports, and
minutes relating to accrediting activities are CONFIDENTIAL.
Acceptance of an invitation to be a visitor constitutes a contractual
agreement to safeguard the confidentiality of accrediting data.
B. TYPES OF ACCREDITATION
The Board shall grant to a state nursing degree program one of the
following types of accreditation:
1. Initial Accreditation
a. Granted when the program is in compliance with all standards
for a new program. Permission is granted to admit students and
the next review is in the final semester of the first class in
conjunction with the initial national review.
b. Denied when the program does not meet all standards for a new
program. The program may reapply at any time.
2. Continuing Accreditation
a. Full Accreditation. All standards are met. The next review is in
conjunction with the next national visit.
b. Full Accreditation with Recommendations. The program meets all
but one or two standards. A performance improvement plan must
be submitted within three months. The program must be in
compliance within one year.
c. Accreditation with a statement of warning. The program does not
meet three or more standards OR the performance improvement
plan has not resulted in compliance with standards. A follow up
focused visit is scheduled within two years.
Rajesh Kumar Sharma, Asst Professor, HCN, SRHU, Dehradun

3. Withdrawal of Accreditation.
If the program is not in compliance within the time frame allowed in
the Statement of Warning, accreditation will be withdrawn.
STANDARDS FOR ACCREDITATION
All state standards must be met by all programs of nursing in
Mississippi in order to be fully accredited.
a. Administrative Organization
An organizational chart depicts the relationship of the nursing
unit to the parent institution,
Minimum requirements for administrators are:
o Associate degree - Masters in nursing from a regionally
accredited institution and a minimum of one year of clinical
experience.
o Baccalaureate and higher degree - Doctorate with one
graduate degree in nursing from a regionally acrcdite4
institution and a minimum of one year of clinical experience.
It is preferred that second level administrators (i.e.
Associate/Assistant Dean/Director) hold a Doctorate with
one graduate degree in nursing.
o All - unencumbered current license to practice in Mississippi
OR a valid license from another Compact state AND
satisfactory criminal history background check.
The administrator, with faculty involvement, has authority and
responsibility for the following:
o Preparation and administration of the budget;
o Screening and recommending candidates for faculty
appointments, retention, and promotion and tenure; and
o All administrative and leadership activities of the position.
Nursing personnel policies are not illegally discriminatory, are
written, accessible, and the same as for other faculty and staff.
Position
descriptions
delineate
qualifications
and
responsibilities of nursing administration, faculty and staff.
b. Educational Programs
Rajesh Kumar Sharma, Asst Professor, HCN, SRHU, Dehradun

10

 All programs must maintain national accreditation by an

approved accrediting agency.
All programs must have:
o A written statement of philosophy that reflects the beliefs of
the faculty, is reviewed and revised as needed, and reflects
the mission of the parent institution.
o Anticipated outcomes that are consistent with the mission of
the parent institution.
o A program of learning that reflects the philosophy and
outcomes, is developed by the faculty and program
administrator, is organized so that knowledge and skills are
progressively developed, and meets the requirements of the
parent institution for graduation.
o Provision to grant credit for prior learning, consistent with
the parent institutions mission and the philosophy of the
unit in nursing.
o A general education component that contributes to the
achievement of program outcomes.
o Written agreements with all health care facilities that must:
ensure faculty responsibility for students and the
selection of their learning experiences
contain termination clauses, and
be periodically reviewed and revised as necessary.
Each course must have:
o Written measurable objectives.
o Learning experiences and instructional methods that fulfill
the objectives.
o Evolution methods and tools that measure achievement of
classroom and clinical objectives.
Undergraduate student-to-faculty ratios must be:
o No more than 15 to I for total enrollment.
o No more than 10 to 1 for clinical laboratory courses.
o No more than 15 to I for final semester clinical capstone
courses where students work one on one with a qualified
preceptor.
Rajesh Kumar Sharma, Asst Professor, HCN, SRHU, Dehradun

11

Associate Degree
The relationship between nursing and liberal arts/general
education courses is consistent with that of the parent institution
with a balanced distribution of no more than 60 percent of the
total number of credit hours allocated to nursing courses.
Baccalaureate
The relationship between nursing and liberal arts/general
education courses is consistent with that of the parent
institution. The majority of the course work in nursing is at the
upper (junior/senior) level.
Graduate
The graduate curriculum builds on the knowledge and
competencies of baccalaureate education in nursing and
provides for attainment of advanced knowledge of nursing and
related theories and application to advanced nursing practice.
C. FACULTY AND/OR STAFF
Faculty
All faculty in nursing programs must have a masters or higher
degree with a major in nursing, and a minimum of one year of
clinical experience as a registered nurse.
Exceptions may be granted by the Boards Director of Nursing education
within the following parameters:
Exception faculty must be continuously enrolled in a graduate
degree nursing program.
The maximum time allowed to complete the graduate program
is three years.
The maximum time allowed to complete the graduate program
is three years.
The majority of faculty in graduate nursing programs must have
earned doctorates in nursing or a related field from regionally accredited
institutions.
Faculty without a masters in nursing may teach non-nursing
courses (i.e., computer, statistics) in nursing programs where these
courses are not otherwise offered at the institution.
Exceptions made prior to the effective date of these standards will
continue employment as exceptions.
Rajesh Kumar Sharma, Asst Professor, HCN, SRHU, Dehradun

12

 Faculty must implement an annual professional development plan that

includes a combination of course work, continuing education
presentations, or attendance at continuing education programs. The
plan must have been approved by the administrative head of the
program AND must total a minimum of ten contact hours per year.
All nursing faculty (full-time, part-time, and adjunct) must hold an
unencumbered license from Mississippi OR a valid license from
another Compact state AND satisfy a criminal history background
check.
Nursing faculty are responsible for:
o Development, implementation and evaluation of the program of
learning;
o Development of standards for the admission, progression and
graduation of students;
o Participation in academic advisement;
o Participation in the activities of the total. faculty of the parent
institution;
o Participation in professional and community activities.
Preceptors shall be academically/experientially prepared at or beyond
the level for which the preceptor service is rendered and shall have a
minimum of one year of experience.
D. STUDENTS
Minimal admission criteria for associate degree nursing programs are
as follows:
o An ACT composite score of 18 and a 2.0 grade point average.
o Students with less than the required ACT composite score must
have completed a minimum of 12 semester hours, including
Anatomy and Physiology, with a 2.5 grade point average before
being admitted. They must have made at least a grade of C in
Anatomy and Physiology courses.
o Students who have previously earned a baccalaureate or higher
degree may enter without an ACT by completing all the course
prerequisites to the nursing major with a grade of C or better and
having an overall grade point average of 2.5.
Minimal admission criteria for state-supported bachelor of science
nursing programs are as follows:
Rajesh Kumar Sharma, Asst Professor, HCN, SRHU, Dehradun

13

o An ACT composite score of 21. Students with the required ACT

composite score must also have at least a grade of C in each
prerequisite course and a 2.0 grade point average.
o Students with less than the required ACT composite score must
complete all the course prerequisites to the nursing major with at
least a grade of C and have an overall grade point average of 3.0.
o RN students and students enrolling for a second baccalaureate
degree may enter without an ACT by completing all the course
prerequisites to the nursing major with at least a grade of C and
having an overall grade point average of 2.5.
o Baccalaureate nursing programs in independent institutions may
establish admission criteria which support the goals and aims of
individual independent institutions.
Each school is permitted an allowance of 10 percent of the previous
falls nursing program admissions for high risk students who do not
meet the criteria.
Policies in effect for students in nursing are nondiscriminatory and are
consistent with those in effect for all students enrolled in the parent
institution; policies that differ are justified by program outcomes.
E. RESOURCES, FACILITIES, AND SERVICES
Financial support is adequate to achieve the stated outcomes for the
program.
Salaries are sufficient to recruit and retain qualified nursing faculty.
Physical facilities are adequate for the need of the program.
Secretarial and other support services are sufficient for the needs of
the program.
Learning resources and facilities are comprehensive, current and
accessible to students and faculty.
F. INTEGRITY
Information about the program to the general public, students,
employees, and others is clear, current, and accurate.
Legal limitations for licensure are printed in a current catalog.
Complaints about the program are addressed and records are
maintained and available for review.
G. EVALUATION
Rajesh Kumar Sharma, Asst Professor, HCN, SRHU, Dehradun

14

 Findings from a systematic evaluation of the unit in nursing, the

program of learning, graduates, and faculty are used for the programs
development, maintenance, and revision.
The pass rate for all first writes on the registered nurse licensure
examination (NCLEX RN), regardless of where the exam was written,
shall meet the following requirements.
o First write results for each calendar year shall be no less than 95%
of that years national average. Any program that has less than 95%
of that years national average for first writes must submit a written
plan for improvement that notes changes made and/or planned by
July 1 of the following year.
o The pass rate for first and second writes combined shall be no less
than 95% pass for each calendar year. Each year will be calculated
no later than 3 years from December31 of that year and any
graduate who has never taken NCLEX shall not be included in the
calculation.
The pass rate for the nurse practitioner certification exam shall be
100% of those who have taken the exam during the first year after
graduation.
Graduation rates shall be:
o 60% in 150% of the prescribed time for the program of study for
undergraduate programs.
o 80% of the prescribed program of study for graduate programs.
H. CHANGES IN EXISTING NURSING PROGRAMS/REPORTS
34. Educational programs must submit the following reports:
Action

Requirement

Annual Report

Complete annual report form

Change in ownership

Notification letter

Change in directors/deans

Notification letter

Markedly
curriculum

altering

the Detailed description with review by

Accreditation Committee

Adding a new teaching site

Detailed description of educational,

financial, operational, management, and
physical resources to offer program with-

Rajesh Kumar Sharma, Asst Professor, HCN, SRHU, Dehradun

15

review by Accreditation Committee

National accreditation status

Copy of notification

Decision made to discontinue The Board shall be notified in writing of

the program
the intention of the controlling institution.
If the remaining students continue in the
program,
adequate
faculty
and
educational standards shall be maintained
until the last student has completed the
program. This date shall be the official
closing date of the nursing program.
Disposition of all students permanent
transcripts and final records shall be made
in accordance with institutional policy. A
representative of the Board shall visit the
nursing program and assist in making
arrangements for proper closure and, if
necessary, for the transfer of students.
An institution desiring to reopen .an
educational unit in nursing or a nursing
program shall reapply for approval of a
newly planned program.

The Director of Nursing Education will submit a report to the Board

annually that will include:
a. Admission numbers .

f. Student to faculty ratio

b. Enrollment and graduation

g. Faculty vacancy numbers

numbers
c. NCLEX pass rates

h. Graduate enrollment by clinical

major and practice role.

d. Certification exam pass rates

i. LPN to RN enrollment

e. Graduation rates

j. RN to BSN enrollment

ROLE OF THE INDIAN NURSING COUNCIL

The Indian Nursing Council is an autonomous body under the
Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Indian
Nursing Council Act, 1947 enacted by, giving statutory powers to
Rajesh Kumar Sharma, Asst Professor, HCN, SRHU, Dehradun

16

maintain uniform standards and regulation of nursing education all over

the Country.

Aims and Objectives of Indian Nursing Council:

To regulate the training policies and programmes in the field of
Nursing.
To bring about standardization of training courses.
To prescribe minimum standards of education and training of
various Nursing programmes.
To regulate these standards in all training institutions uniformly
throughout the country.
To recognise institutions / Organisations / Universities imparting
Masters Degree/ Bachelors Degree / P.G. Diploma / Diploma /
Certificate Courses in the field of Nursing.
To Recognize Degree/Diploma/Certificate awarded by Foreign
Universities/Institutions on reciprocal basis.
To promote research in Nursing.
To maintain Indian Nurses Register for registration of Nursing
Personnel.
Training Programmes.
Indian Nursing Council is responsible for the corporate governance
of Nurses and the Nursing profession. This includes the issue of
discipline, the promotion of health and health care, proposing and
commenting on planned legislation, as well as proactively advising,
alerting and offering comment to the Govt. on matters affecting the
Nursing profession.
Indian Nursing Council prime responsibility is to set the norms and
standards for education, training, research and practice with in the ambit
of the relevant legislative framework. In this regard, the following issues
are considered critical.
An ongoing review of curriculum in response to national
priorities.
An ongoing review of the education system with a focus on
community based education.
Rajesh Kumar Sharma, Asst Professor, HCN, SRHU, Dehradun

17

 Integrated education with a focus on problem - based learning to

promote critical thinking.
Competency based education.
An ongoing review of the performance of work of Nursing
professionals with in the ambit of the service delivery principles.
Protection of the rights and dignity of people.
ROLE OF INC FOR NURSES
Additional responsibilities were given to the INC when the initial
Indian Nursing Council Act of 1947 was amended in 1957.
The INC was then asked to provide for Registration of Foreign
Nurses and for the maintenance of the Indian Nurses Registers.
This Register contains the names of all Nurses, Midwives,
auxillary nurse midwives and para-nursing workers who are
enrolled on all state registers.
The INC authorized State Nurses Registration Councils and
Examining Boards to issue qualifying certificates. This
recognition is given, however, only after those bodies have been
recognized by their State Governments.
The Indian Nursing Council has been given heavy responsibilities
for Nursing Practice and Nursing education, but it has not been
able to exert enough power to support high standards in nursing.
Private diploma and degree programmes which have no approval
of the Indian Nursing Council (or) state councils are growing in
Number.
At the same time, many untrained and unlicensed Nursing
personnel are used to staff there institutions.
There is a desperate need for Nursing practice Act which would
control Nursing Practice and education and provide soft and
skilled Nursing care to the public.
You may not necessarily participate in the activities of the INC
but you should know the function and authority of this body
because of it unique role in the Nursing profession in India.
INDIAN NURSING COUNCIL ACT - 1947
Act Objective: An Act to constitute an Indian Nursing Council. Where
As it is expedient to constitute an Indian Nursing Council in order to
establish a uniform standard of training for nurses, midwives and health
visitors; ACT YEAR: 1947-48.
Rajesh Kumar Sharma, Asst Professor, HCN, SRHU, Dehradun

18

STATE REGISTRATION COUNCILS

Registration councils have now been established in all states.
Nursing schools in the union Territories are affiliated to Nursing Councils
in adjacent to state.

Functions
1. Inspect and accredit schools of Nursing in their state
2. Conduct the examination
3. Prescribe rules of conduct
4. Maintain register of Nurses, midwives, ANM and Health visitors in
the state.
5. The state registration councils are autonomous except they do not
have power to prescribe the syllabus for courses.
The procedure of registration is usually initiated by the nursing
administration of y our institution you are qualified to register when you
have completed the recognized programme of nursing education and
passed the qualifying examination.
The examining authority will issue a diploma to you which must
then be sent with copies and a property filled out application from to the
register for the stat e nurses registration council in you state. This is
usually done by your nursing administration who also you for the
required fees.
Registration is necessary for active nursing practice either here or
aboard. This is done through your state Nurses Registration council. It
provides you with legal protection and protect the patient from poor
nursing care.
It is very important for you to be able to complete an application
form for registration accurately and without omissions. It is wise to get
assistance from a senior colleague it you need it.
REGISTRATION OF NURSES AND MIDWIFE (LICENSING)
A license is a legal document that permits a person to offer her or
his skills and knowledge to the public in a particular jurisdiction, where
such practice could be unlawful without a license. The purpose of
Nursing license is to protect society from unskilled and in competent
person who would be practice Nursing.

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Respective State Nursing Council has the responsibility to issue

license and to ensure maintenance of standards as laid down by Indian
Nursing Council.
INSTITUTIONAL POLICIES AND REGULATION
Policy is defined as the principles and values that govern actions
directed towards given ends, policy statement set forth a plan direction, or
goal for action, policies may be laws, regulations or guidelines that
govern behaviour in Government or Agency.
The rules and regulations pertaining to the rights and duties of
personnel are for different positions. The rules and regulations of an
office/institution ensures accountability.
ROLE OF INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL FOR NURSES
The International Council of Nurses
The International Council of Nurses, founded in 1899 by Mrs.
Bedford Fenwick. It is a federation of Non Political and self
Governing National Nurses Association.
The head quarters are in Geneva, Switzerland.
Purposes
To provide a means through which the National Associations can
share their interests in the promotion of health and care of the sick.
Great emphasis has been placed upon non discrimination
Objectives
To promote the development of strong National Nurses Association
To assist National Nurses associations to improve the standards of
Nursing and the competence of Nurse.
To assist National Nurses Association to improve the states of
Nurses within their countries.
To serve as the authoritive voice for nurses and nursing
internationally
Role of International Council of Nurses
ICN is the global voice of Nursing. Among its many activities and
accomplishments are the publication of the code for Nurses, the
world wide accepted definition of a Nurse and the Nurses
Dilemma, a book of Ethics

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 It also makes policy statements on health and social issues and

offers a great variety of seminar and the statements aimed at
maintaining and improving the status of the Nurse and the standard
of Nursing around the world.
The Guidelines for National Nurses Associations in the Indian
Nursing year book, 1988 89 is one example of how the council
works to improve Nursing education and practice.
ICN (Council of National) Representation which is made up of the
ICN Honorary officers and President, of the National member
Association

Council meets atleast every other year and once every face year at the
time of ICN congress

Work at the headquarters is carried on by a staff or clerical and expert

nursing advisor personnel
Publications
The ICN publishes the International Nursing Review on a
quarterly basis.
The News letter, which is published ten times a year, give new of
the ICN and the National member Associations.
Membership
Membership in the ICN though the TNAI offices various benefit to
you as an individual Nurse. A limited Number of Nursing students may
have their expenses paid in order to attend the congresses as observes.
Benefit
Among benefits to the graduate Nurse are attendance of
international congresses (or) conferences.
The ICN exchange of privilege programme, professional advice
(or) assistance through ICN Headquarters and use of the ICN information
centre.
Nurses may receive publications about development in Nursing
and Nursing education around the world.

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This helps the Nurse become aware of being professionally related to

international organizations such as the united Nations and World Health
Organisation.
ICNS ROLE IN REGULATION INCLUDES:
1. Convening regular international meetings of National Nurses
Association leaders, government Chief Nurses, and national
nursing regulatory authorities to address key issues in regulation.
2. Monitoring and analysing nursing regulation and regulatory forces
and trends worldwide.
3. Providing regular opportunities for interaction among individuals,
groups and organisations who have an interest in or are responsible
for regulating nursing. (e.g. conferences, network and web based
activities)
4. Providing national nurses associations and others with the tools
(e.g. information, guidelines, international standards, competencies
and frameworks) to enable them to remain up-to-date on regulatory
matters
5. Providing nursing and other key stakeholders with advice and
consultation to undertake reforms and to respond to changes having
an impact on professional regulation.
6. Liaising with international institutions addressing issues of
regulation.
7. Influencing/negotiating regulatory reform in the best interest of the
public and the profession.
8. Establishing accreditation, certification and endorsement services
in selected areas.
9. Collaborating with other groups and interested parties on
regulatory activities and issues of common interest.
10.Setting directions for the ongoing development of nursing
regulation worldwide.
11.Promoting data collection in order to provide an evidence base for
regulatory policies and practices.
NURSING EDUCATION BOARDS
Graduate nurses may also go aboard for higher education.
Developed countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States,
Canada and Australia, provide opportunities for nurses from foreign
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countries to continue their nursing education. Post certificate and post

graduate courses are available as well as advanced courses in specific
clinical areas such as orthopaedic or psychiatric nursing. Nursing research
is studied more intensively on the level of the Masters or Doctorates
Degrees.
It is necessary to make detailed arrangements if you wish to study
aboard. You should be sure, first of all that your enquiries and application
are sent only to approved colleges or and intuitions in the foreign country.
A full transcript of you general and professional education will be needed.
Even with this you may be asked to take certain courses of study in the
foreign country to make up for any deficiencies in you education from
their stand point.
Personal references will be necessary. Both your sponsoring
organization and the university or school to which you are going will ask
for evidence of good health and your ability to study.
The higher degree in nursing from abroad can be very useful to the
nursing profession here. It brings in new ideas based upon broad
experience and education as well as highly developed research.
Study abroad is very expensive. If is wise to check the Rupee
money exchange of the country to which you wish to go. Travel, tuition
and living expenses require large amounts of money which usually must
be readily available as cash rather than credit payments.
ROLE OF PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND UNIONS
THE TRAINED NURSES' ASSOCIATION OF INDIA (TNAI)
It is a national professional association of nurses.
The present name and organization were established in 1922 but its
history of developments goes back to 1905.
The TNAI had its beginning in the Association of Nursing
superintendents which was founded at Lucknow in 1905.
Purposes
Upholding the dignity and honour of the Nursing Profession
Promoting a sense of esprit de corps among all Nurses
Enabling members to take counsel together on matters relating to
their profession.

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Other nurses gradually became members of the Association of

Nursing Superintendents until a decision was made to establish a Trained
Nurses Association in 1908.
The Association was inaugurated in 1909.
There was organizations operated under the same leadership until
1910 when the Trained Nurses Association elected its own officers.
In 1922, the two organizations were brought together as the
trained Nurses Association of India.
The organization of the TNAI makes it possible for all Nurses to
participate at some level.
Beginning with the local unit, which is usually made up of
personnel in a specific institutions.
The level of organization moves to the district.
o District level
o State level
o National level
Members of the TNAI are usually most active on the level of the
local unit. Activities and conferences, however, are planned
regularly by the state branches and provide opportunities for
valuable professional participation and development of the
individuals member.
Some state branches of the TNAI have full time secretaries.
Active members have an opportunity to participate on the state
level also through service on the executive committee of the state
branch.
The interest group is one way in which the individual nurse can
participate. It centers its activities on a specific area of practice in
Nursing.
This is done on a state level with groups for such areas as nursing
education, Nursing administration, Public health and Psychiatric
Nursing.
The Governing body of the TNAI is the council which is assisted
by standing committees for economic welfare, Nursing Research and
finance.

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A full time salaried secretary was first appointed in 1935. A

salaried assistant secretary, who also serves as the advisor to the Student
Nurses Association, was appointed in 1983.
Aims
The aims of the TNAI center upon needs of the individual
members and problems in the Nursing Profession as a whole.
It include upgrading, development and standardization of Nursing
education.
It aims to improve the living and working condition for nurses in
India, and registration for qualified nurses
Activities
It was active helping to set up basic Nursing curricula when it first
organized
It has promoted the development of courses in higher education for
nurses.
This includes all of the colleges of Nursing active today
The TNAI gives scholarships for Nurses who wish to go on for
advanced study either here (or) aboard. It has also stimulated action
to organize the State Nurses and midwives Registration councils.
It helped to remove discrimination against male nurses and
initiated much needed study and improvement of economic
conditions for Nurses.
The TNAI opposes strikes unless all other means of negotiating
have failed to bring about satisfactory working condition.
EMBLEM OF TNAI

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Membership
Membership in the TNAI is obtained by application and
submission of a copy of your State Registration certificate.
You may transfer membership from the Student Nurses Association
by having a certificate e sent from the Institution in which you have
studied within six months after completing the course.
Membership fees are required
A reduced fees is offered to those who transfer memberships
directly from the SNA.
A part of these fees is used to pay affiliation fees to the
international council of Nurses.
It is possible to apply for a life membership.
Many nursing authorities required membership in the TNAI as a
condition for employment.
a) The official organ of the TNAI is The Nursing Journal of India which
is published monthly. The cost of this is included in the annual
subscription for membership in the Association. Another impressive
publication is the Indian Nursing Year Book, which has been published
five times since 1982.
This contains important reports, discussion of trends and statistics
which are available for the Nursing profession in India.
Its list of whos who has continued to grow with each publication.
The TNAI has initially planned to make this an annual publication
but found it necessary to publish it less frequently.
Your members hip in the TNAI means your personal support in the
aims and objectives of this organization. You support these
through your financial contributions and your participation in the
activities sponsored by the organization.
You are encouraged to become a member of the TNAI. If it has a
large enough membership it can yield t he power it needs to bring
about action which will improve the lives and careers of all
professional nurses as well as healthcare to the general public. It
continues to give for a majority membership of Registered
Professional Nurses.
You are professional nurse, will also benefit from membership in
the TNAI. It gives you a feeling of belonging and security because
of the Number of Nurses who are United through the organization.
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Professional activities give you ample opportunity to develop

leadership ability and professional poise, keep abreast of changes
and share and solve professional problems.
The Journal helps you to be informed of current events in Nursing
and offers opportunities to publish articles and voice you
opinions.
The TNAI can help you to apply for a career position if desired.
It is also of help economically by providing scholarship for
advanced study, railway concessions for Nursing students and staff
Nurses and a Limited income for welfare aid when necessary.
THE STUDENT NURSES ASSOCIATION
The student Nurses Association, organized in 1920.
Role of Student Nurses Association
It is associated with and under the Jurisdiction of the TNAI. In
addition to providing a means of personal and professional development
for the Nursing Student. It sense as a source of membership for the parent
organization. The Assistant secretary of the TNAI serve as advisor for the
Student Nurses Association.
Purposes and functions of the Student Nurses Association:
To help student Nurses learn how the professional organization
serves to uphold the dignity and ideas of the Nursing Profession
To promote a close rapport with other student nurses
To furnish student Nurses advice in their course in study leading
upto professional qualifications.
To encourage leadership ability and help students to gain a wide
knowledge of the nursing profession in all of its different branches
and aspects.
To increase the student nurses social contact and general
knowledge in order to help them with their total personal and
professional development.
To encourage both professional and recreational meetings games
and sports
To provide a special section in The Nursing Journal of India for
the benefit of the students.
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 To encourage students to complete for prizes in the Student Nurses

Exhibition and to attend national and regional conferences.
To help student Nurses develop a co-operative sprit with other
student nurses which will help them in future professional
relationships.
To provide a means of having a voice in what the Association
stands for and does.
Activities
Student Nurses Association to that of the TNAI, the beginning
level of organization in the local unit established in a teaching institution.
It then more on the state and national levels as in the TNAI.
Membership
Members of the local unit are led by a unit executive committee
which is made up of the president, Student Nurses Association advisor
and the remaining officers who are students. The President is a
professional nurse members of the TNAI and some only as an advisor.
The Vice President, who President at all meetings and the secretary of the
unit must be students.
State level advisors are active members of the TNAI elected by the
state branches. There is a full time secretary on the national level at the
National Head Quarters located in New Delhi. This person is also
member of the TNAI appointed by the TNAI council and part of the
National level Student Nurses Association General Committee.
Membership fees in the Student Nurses Association are minimal
and easily met by the Nursing Student. The arrangement for transfer of
membership to the TNAI has made it convenient for the new professional
nurse to establish a life membership in the parent organization at a lower
cost. This special offer for life membership is good for six months after
graduation.
Role of Student Nurses Association includes
i)

Activities of the Student Nurses Association include the Student

Nurses Association exhibit which has developed a high
standards: fund raising for the TNAI, fine arts and sports
competition and conferences

ii)

Special prizes are given for out standing achievement in specific

areas of nursing education

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iii)

Nursing students are given opportunity to contribute article to

the Nursing Journal of India through a regular section reserved
for the Student Nurses Association.

iv)

Each unit received this Journal at a reduced cost with an

allowance of one Journal for every twelve members and
maximum of six copies.

v)

Unit activities include maintaining the dairy of unit activities,

giving quarterly reports preparing articles for publication and
distributing application forms for membership in the TNAI

vi)

The Unit also celebrates national and international holidays and

plans other activities which promote the objectives of the
Student Nurses Association.

vii)

Nursing students who participate in the student Nurses

Association have a valuable opportunity to begin to develop
leadership abilities, social poise, competitive skills and an
interest in the profession as a whole. The association and its
relationship with the TNAI is also helpful to the Nursing
students in many ways. Problems in Nursing Education (is)
Problems related to living and study conditions can be shared
and solved through the united efforts of this organization and
the TNAI.

COMMON WEALTH NURSES FEDERATION

The TNAI is also affiliated with the common wealth nurses
federation which is a Nurses Association begun by the common wealth
foundations. It is made up of Nurses associations from common wealth
countries. The headquarters of the federation cue is London.
Aims
i) To promoter sharing, better communications and close relationship
between its member association.
ii) It also provide expert professional advice scholarships for advanced
study, financial assistance for professional meetings and seminars and an
office through which funds can be received and disbursed for the benefit
of Nursing in the countries which are represented.
The common wealth Nurses federation was formally organized in
1973 and operators in six regions of the world which are East, Central
and Southern Africa, Africa west, Atlantic, Australia, for east and pacific.
South Asia and Europe. Beginning with 25 member countries it is now
represented in 62 independent nations.
THE CHRISTIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION OF INDIA
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CMAI began in 1905 as a fellowship of Christian Missionary

doctors to provide spiritual and professional sharing and support. It
gradually developed into a large organization which include other
Christian health. Professionals and health institutions. Its present name
was assumed in 1926.
Headquarters
Headquarters for the CMAI are in New Delhi with a South office in
Bangalore.
Functions
i) To provide spiritual support and a better understanding of the
healing ministry with a focus upon the Bible. It does this
through retreats and conferences.
ii) To provide professional training through formal and informal
education, publication of text books and other materials and
scholarships this text book is an example
iii) To encourage community health work through training,
advisory services and technical support.
iv) To assist and support churches and health institution with
study and training
v) To work with other agencies in an exchange of information
and development and programmes it is the official agency of
the National Council of Churches in India.
vi) To disperse health related information which will help with
health education and lead towards a more healthy and just
society.
Membership
Membership in the CMAI is open to Doctors registered Nurses and
ANM / Health workers ; all health professionals, hospital administrators
and chaplains. Students in health professional courses may also become
members but may not vote (V) hold office.
THE NURSES LEAGUE OF THE CHRISTIAN MEDICAL
ASSOCIATION
The Nurses league of the CMAI was founded in 1930 as the
Nurses. Auxiliary of the CMAI. The name was changed from Nurses
Auxiliary and Nurses League in 1965. it became affiliated to the TNAI in
1936 and promotes membership in this organization.
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The Nurses league of the CMAI was originally organized to meet

the needs felt by Christian Nurses to share common problems related to
training and registration of Nurses.
Objectives
Promote co-operation and encouragement among Christian Nurses
Promote efficiency in Nursing education and service
Encourage the highest quality of candidate to choose Nursing as a
vocation
Secure the highest standard possible in Christian Nursing education
through the Christian Schools of Nursing
And consider the special work and problems of Christian Nurses
wherever employed especially in isolated areas
The Nurses League has a full time secretary, until 1986 it published
the Christian Nurse bi monthly but now limits regular publications to a
column in the CMAI newsletter. Membership fees are required and a life
membership is available. Nursing students may become associate
member of the league membership in the Nurses League may be
requirement for certain Nursing positions under control of Christian
employing authorities.
Activities
It include National and area conference and retreats for its
members,
Development of Leadership abilities is encouraged by
participation in these meetings where professional papers and
exhibits of high quality are given.
Each meeting also allows for sharing of problems common to the
Christian Nurse.
The Nurses league has two examining boards which are
recognized by the Indian Nursing council. One is the Mid-India
Board of examiners and the other is the Board of Nursing
Education in South India. These bodies direct examinations in
general nursing and midwifery and diplomas granted by them are
accepted for Registration with the states in those areas. Another
major contribution of there boards has been continues to be the
overseeing of the preparation of text books and manuals for
Nursing education in India.

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 They have published at least nine text books, written in both the
English and Hindi languages for Nursing Education.
THE INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS
The Indian Red Cross society, discussed on pages 128 129, is
related to other Red Cross organizations around the world through
international organizations.
The first to be established was the International Committee of the
Red Cross also called the ICRC. It follows the directions of the Geneva
conventions in an effort to protect victims of armed conflict. Its head
quarters are in Geneva, Switzerland.
ROLE OF INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS
ICRC delegates visit and inspect prisons of war camps
They arrange for delivery of mail and food package to the prisoners
They also offer emergency relief by providing food and medical
supplies
A very valuable service is that of a central tracing agency which
helps to locate prisons of war and missing persons long after a
conflict is over.
Some countries prefer to call this same national organization the
Red Crescent. The international league of Red Cross and Red
Crescent Societies was formed in 1919 after World War I.
It works closely with national society during times of natural
disasters
It provides experts and seminars to help these societies improve
their administration and services.
The only national society which is not affiliated with the league is
that is Israel the Magen David Adam.
A super global body made up of the above league and national
societies is the international conference of the Red Cross which is
also based in Geneva.
This body meets only once in four years, it supports unity in the
work of all these organizations and promotes government support
of the Red Cross activities.
UNITED NATIONAL INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN
EMERGENCY FUND

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UNICEF is an agency of the United Nations. It was founded in

1946 for the purpose of helping mothers and children in countries
affected by World War II. It now offers services in all undeveloped
countries. It is financial by voluntary contributions only either from
individuals (or) Government.
ROLE OF UNICEF
Contributions of UNICEF in India have provided teaching
equipment for Nursing education, textbooks and visual aids for schools of
nursing, and training for personnel to help with the health of mothers and
children.
THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
The world health organization, commonly called the WHO, is also
a specialized agency of the United Nations. It was organized in 1948.
Purpose
Helping to achieve the highest possible level of health of all people
more than one hundred countries are members of WHO and help to
finance its broad health activities around the world.
ROLE OF WHO
The WHO has been active in Nursing education and practice in a
number of ways here in India. It has offered guidance in setting up
programmes of Nursing education and has promoted training for auxiliary
nursing personal.
The WHO promotes public health in many ways around the world.
It is currently well known for its declaration of making towards.
Health for all by 2000 A.P.. This declaration has given a
tremendous push to developing primary health care and recognizing the
very essential role of Nursing in the health care system.
CONCLUSION
So far we have discussed about the development and maintenance
of a standard and accreditation in nursing education programs, role of
INC, State Registration Nursing Councils, Boards and University, Role of
Professional Associations and Unions participation of professional
organization is of profit to you and to profession. The profession provides
a means through which united efforts can be made to elevate standards of
Nursing education and practice.
BIBLIOGRAPHY

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1. B. Sankaranarayanan B. Sindu, 2008, Learning and teaching

nursing 2nd Edition, Brainfil Publishing Company P.No.52.
2. Teaching material for Quality Assurance model Nursing I
Edition 2006. Published by Indian Nursing Council P.No.88.
3. Curriculum Developed in Nursing Education I Edition 2005
Jones and Barlett Publishers P.No.53.
4. K.P.Neeraja, Text Book of Nursing Education, I Edition 2006.
Jaypee Brothers Company P.No.48 74.
5. Professional Adjustment and Ethics for Nurses in India Ann. J.
Zwener, B.A., R.N., M.Sc 6th Edition 1995. B.I. Publications
Pvt. Ltd., 234 255.
6. Net Source.

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