B.Sc. Nursing (Post Basic)

BSc Nursing (Post Basic) is a two-year duration undergraduate course in nursing. Nurses are healthcare professionals who often work in hospitals or outpatient facilities to provide hands-on care to patients by monitoring their medical condition, administering medications, maintaining records and communicating with doctors.

In post basic BSc Nursing (also referred to as PBBSc), candidates are provided with a holistic mixture of classroom lectures and hands-on training. Admission to the course is usually done based on candidates’ performance in the written entrance exam conducted at the university/ institute level. However, some institutions also provide direct admission to candidates based on merit.

Given below is all you need to know about the BSc Nursing (Post Basic) course in terms of the required skillset, eligibility criteria, course curriculum, job prospects and more.

To fulfil eligibility criteria for BSc Nursing (Post Basic) candidates should meet the parameters mentioned below:

• Candidates should clear Class 12 from a recognised board preferably in the Science stream
• Candidates should be registered as Registered Nurses and Registered Midwives (RNRM)
• Candidates should possess a three-year diploma in General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM)
• Candidates should have a minimum of two years of experience in the profession (after registration as RNRM) 
• Male candidates who have not done midwifery in GNM should possess a certificate in any of the nursing courses of 6-9 months duration prescribed by the Indian Nursing Council instead of midwifery

Note: The eligibility criteria mentioned above are basic and might vary from institute to institute.

Candidates looking to pursue their career in nursing should possess the skills and traits mentioned below:

Subjects that are typically taught in two-year Post Basic BSc Nursing course include the following:

Nurses play a significant role in the field of healthcare. Candidates with a degree in PBBSc can find decent jobs in government and private hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, rehabilitation centres, community health centres, NGOs, etc. However, to avail better career opportunities, candidates are advised to obtain a master’s degree in MSc Nursing after completing the course.  

Some of the popular job profiles that BSc Nursing (Post Basic) students can take up include:

• Chief Nursing Officer: One of the major responsibilities of a chief nursing officer (CNO) is to maintain clinical and patient-care standards. This means that a CNO needs to ensure that patients are safe in the hospital and are receiving appropriate medical care.
• Psychosocial Rehabilitation Specialist: A psychosocial rehabilitation specialist treats patients suffering from some emotional or mental disorders. Treatment of such patients usually addresses relationships with family and friends.
• Critical Care Nurse: A critical care nurse is responsible for taking care of seriously ill or injured patients. Such a nurse assesses patients’ medical condition, performs diagnostic tests and assists doctors with the required medical procedures.
• Nurse Instructor: A nurse instructor is responsible for planning, development and instruction of nursing courses for a medical program.
• Paramedic Nurse: Responsibilities of a paramedic nurse include driving and staffing ambulances, responding to emergency 999 calls, helping patients in getting emergency treatment, etc.
• Nurse Manager: A nurse manager is a professional who evaluates the performance of staff nurses, provides them mentoring, contributes to their professional development, interviews and hires nurses, etc.
• Community Health Specialist: A community health specialist or a health educator helps develop as well as implement programmes that inform the public about various health-related issues.
• Nursing Assistant: A nursing assistant is a trained professional who provides basic care to patients and helps them in daily activities such as bathing.