Midwifery Nursing – Overview and Opportunities
Midwifery nursing is a specialized branch that focuses on caring for women throughout their pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum phases.
This field extends to other aspects of women’s reproductive health, including gynaecology, family planning, and menopause care. Midwives, as healthcare professionals, are integral in providing comprehensive care during these critical stages.
In many countries, midwife nurses form a substantial portion of the healthcare workforce, often serving as patients’ first point of contact.
Their roles are pivotal, as they provide direct care and lead in health interventions at both the frontline and managerial levels. The quality of their care significantly influences patient outcomes.
Career Path in Midwifery Nursing
Midwifery nursing offers a rewarding career for those passionate about women’s health. It’s a field that demands both collaborative and independent care, addressing the unique needs of women across different life stages.
This profession is typically pursued by female students and is dedicated to promoting and maintaining women’s reproductive health.
Their responsibilities encompass a wide range of healthcare activities, from health promotion and disease prevention to treatment and rehabilitation, all aimed at achieving their patients’ best possible health outcomes.
There are various educational paths for those interested in pursuing a career in midwifery nursing, including diploma-level courses such as ANM (Auxiliary Nursing Midwifery) and GNM (General Nursing Midwifery).
Types of Midwifery Nursing Courses
ANM (Auxiliary Nursing Midwifery):
Duration: Two years.
Focus: Primarily on the healthcare industry, including setting up operation theatres, equipment management, record keeping, and medication administration.
Eligibility: Candidates must have passed their Class 12 exams with a minimum of 50% marks. They should be under 18 years old.
Career Opportunities: Graduates can pursue roles such as Clinical Nurse Specialist, Legal Nurse Consultant, Forensic Nurse, or Traveling Nurse. The average salary ranges from INR 2 LPA to INR 5 LPA.
GNM (General Nursing Midwifery):
Duration: Three years and six months, including a six-month internship.
Focus: Imparts skills related to patient care and clinical treatment.
Eligibility: The program is open to students who have completed Class 12, with a preference for those who studied biology in the 11th and 12th grades. Admission is typically through state-level entrance exams.
Career Opportunities: Graduates are well-prepared for various nursing roles in hospitals, clinics, and community health settings.
Why Choose Midwifery Nursing?
Midwifery nursing is not just a career; it’s a calling for those who wish to make a meaningful impact on women’s health. Midwife nurses are:
- Often the unsung heroes in healthcare.
- Playing crucial roles in emergencies.
- Disease prevention.
- Primary care.
Their work is essential in ensuring that women receive the best possible care during some of the most significant moments of their lives.
What Is GNM?
General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) is a three-and-a-half-year diploma program for clinical nursing students. The course includes a six-month internship at some institutions, and the diploma is awarded upon completion.
To enrol in the GNM nursing course, individuals must have completed their 12th grade in the Science stream. The curriculum focuses on providing care to sick or injured individuals to aid in their recovery.
Admission to GNM programs is typically through state-level entrance exams such as WBJEE ANM-GNM, Maharashtra GNM, and Kerala GNM. For more information on the course content, you can refer to the GNM syllabus.
GNM nursing courses are usually offered in traditional classroom settings, as distance learning options are limited. Renowned institutions offering this program include Christian Medical College—Vellore, St. John’s Medical College—Bangalore, Jamia Hamdard University—New Delhi, SRM Institute of Science and Technology—Chennai, and Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology—Bhubaneswar.
Program fees range from INR 30,000 to INR 1 LPA. Upon completing the GNM nursing course, graduates can pursue various career opportunities, such as Clinical Nurse Specialists, Forensic Nurses, Legal Nurse Consultants, Government/Private Hospital Practitioners, and Traveling Nurses, with competitive salary packages.
GNM Eligibility Criteria
The general eligibility criteria for GNM nursing programs include:
I completed 12th grade in English, achieving a minimum of 40% overall and 40% in English. The qualification must be from a recognized board. Candidates from State Open Schools and the National Institute of Open Schools (NIOS) are also eligible.
Completion of 12th grade with PCM/B (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology) and English, or a 40% aggregate in a vocational ANM course from a recognized institute.
She is completing 12th grade with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology, and English, with a 40% aggregate in the Vocational Stream-Healthcare Science from a recognized board.
Registration as an ANM with qualifying marks is also required.
Note: Eligibility criteria are merit-based for all courses unless officially updated and may vary.
Midwifery Nursing Job Roles
Midwifery nursing offers various lucrative and challenging career opportunities. While financial stability is important, dedication and enthusiasm are essential for success. Here are some prominent roles:
Nursing Officer: Oversees and supports nursing staff in hospitals and clinics, combining medical and business skills for effective operations.
Registered Nurse Anaesthetist (CRNA): Administers anaesthesia and monitors patients undergoing or recovering from anaesthesia.
Head Nurse: Manages a nursing department, overseeing staff and establishing care standards and guidelines.
Critical Care Nurse: This person provides specialized care in intensive care units, emergency departments, and other critical care areas.
Nurse Scientist: Conducts research, experiments, and data analysis, often contributing to academic journals and practical research in hospitals.
Medical-Surgical Assistant: Assists doctors and surgeons during medical procedures, including surgery.
Midwife: Specializes in caring for women during pregnancy, labour, and childbirth.
Healthcare Worker: Performs essential health checkups, ensures patient comfort, and assists with medication and dressing.
Sectors for Midwifery Nursing
GNM graduates have opportunities in various sectors to enhance their knowledge and skills. Potential employers include:
Indian Red Cross Society: A nonprofit organization focused on human life and health.
Indian Nursing Council and State Nursing Councils: Regulatory bodies ensure uniform standards and regulate nursing education.
Hospitals: Providing nursing care, including personal hygiene, medication administration, and vital sign monitoring.
Nursing Schools and Associations: Coordinating health services to reduce absenteeism and support student health.
Armed Forces: Offering medical care to soldiers and their families.
Old Age Homes: Providing palliative care and support for older people.
Dispensaries: Serving as certified medical assistants and primary healthcare workers.
Midwifery Nursing Salary
Nursing salaries can vary depending on the employer and location. However, with experience, salaries in this stable profession are likely to increase.
Midwifery Nursing Salary Overview
ANM Salary: Diploma holders in Auxiliary Nursing Midwifery (ANM) can expect to earn between ₹8,000 and ₹12,000 per month initially. With increased experience and further education, annual earnings can rise to ₹3.2 lakh and ₹7.8 lakh, depending on the employer and the hospital.
GNM Salary: Graduates of the General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM) diploma program typically start with a salary of around ₹18,000 to ₹20,000 per month. With additional experience and advanced education, their annual earnings can reach ₹3.2 lakh to ₹7.8 lakh, varying with the employer and hospital.
Midwifery Nursing Salaries by Job Profile:
- Basic Community Health Worker: ₹1,80,000 per year
- Certified Nursing Assistant: ₹2,70,000 per year
- Midwife: ₹3,60,000 per year
- Military Nurse: ₹9,00,000 per year
- Staff Nurse: ₹2,00,000 per year
- Health Care Worker: ₹1,50,000 per year
- School Nurse: ₹3,00,000 per year
- Industrial Nurse: ₹3,00,000 per year
How to Pursue a Career in Midwifery Nursing:
School-Level Preparation:
Choose the Science stream in high school with a focus on Biology. Prepare for entrance exams for nursing programs during your 10+2 years.
UG-Level Preparation:
Aim for a 70–80% GPA to secure admission into reputable nursing programs. Enroll in nursing certificate courses to gain practical experience and enhance your resume.
PG-Level Preparation:
Consider pursuing a postgraduate degree after your undergraduate studies. This will deepen your knowledge and improve your chances of obtaining higher-paying job placements.
Improve Your Skill Set:
Obtain certifications in nursing to validate your skills and knowledge. Certification programs provide essential training and legal proof of competency.
Gain Experience:
Participate in internships provided by your educational institution. These opportunities offer hands-on experience and valuable insights into various healthcare settings, potentially leading to future employment.
Top Midwifery Nursing Colleges in India:
For those seeking high-quality educations in midwifery nursing, here are some top colleges and their highest CTC (Cost to Company):
- King George’s Medical University, Lucknow: ₹9.2 LPA
- AIIMS, New Delhi: ₹1.6 LPA
- NIMS, Jaipur: ₹9.6 LPA
- Amity University, Noida: ₹14 LPA
- Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi: ₹10.2 LPA
- Government Medical College, Nagpur: ₹21.2 LPA
- KIIT, Bhubaneswar: ₹52 LPA
- Christian Medical College, Vellore: ₹7.9 LPA
- Armed Forces Medical College, Pune: ₹20 LPA
Midwifery Nursing FAQs
What is the meaning of midwifery nursing?
Midwifery nursing involves providing care and support to women throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum, focusing on maternal and infant well-being.
What is a nurse midwife?
A nurse midwife is a registered nurse with advanced training in midwifery who specializes in caring for women during pregnancy, labor, and childbirth.
What is the complete form of ANM?
ANM stands for Auxiliary Nurse Midwife.
What is the complete form of GNM?
GNM stands for General Nursing and Midwifery.
What is the difference between nursing and midwifery?
Nursing covers a broad range of healthcare responsibilities, including general patient care, while midwifery focuses explicitly on care related to pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
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