Nursing is considered one of the most successful and respected careers in the medical field. Wherever you go, you will find a large number of hospitals. Due to increasing public awareness, better understanding of health, and the need for treatment of various diseases, people are compelled to visit hospitals. In hospitals, after the doctor examines the patient and prescribes medicines, the entire responsibility of patient care largely lies with the nursing staff.

Nursing professionals play a major role in patient care, such as taking care of patients, managing emergency cases, and handling all tasks related to patients. For this reason, the nursing profession is viewed with great respect all over the world. Their dedication toward patients and vulnerable people is highly commendable. After doctors, nursing staff are the most trusted professionals for any sick person.

In recent years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, people witnessed the work and dedication of nursing staff closely and experienced their commitment firsthand. Even today, there is a severe shortage of nursing staff in India. The demand can be understood from the fact that although there are more than 33 lakh registered nurses in India, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the country requires an additional 43 lakh nurses (as per 2024 estimates).

WHO recommends having 3 nurses per 1,000 population, whereas India currently has only about 2 nurses per 1,000 people. Moreover, most nurses work in urban hospitals, and rural areas face an even greater shortage. Many trained Indian nurses also migrate abroad, especially to European and Gulf countries.

Therefore, it is clear that the demand for nursing professionals will increase significantly in the coming years, making nursing courses an excellent career option.

For admission to the GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery) course, candidates must have passed 12th grade from any recognized board with 40–50% marks in any stream. English is compulsory in the 12th standard, and preference is given to candidates with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB).

The minimum age for admission is 17 years, and the maximum age for the general category is 35 years. Reserved category candidates are given relaxation of up to 5% in marks and age. There is no upper age limit for registered ANM degree holders. The duration of the GNM course is 3 years, followed by a 6-month internship.

Some of the major entrance examinations for GNM admission include the UP GNM Entrance Exam, WBJEE ANM/GNM, MPGNST/PNST, and various state-level nursing entrance examinations. Many colleges also offer admission based on a merit list prepared using 12th-grade marks.

The major subjects taught in the GNM course include Bioscience, Behavioral Science, Community Health Nursing, Nursing Foundation, Mental Health Nursing, Child Health Nursing, Pharmacology (study of the effects of medicines on the human body), Midwifery and Gynecological Nursing, and Professional Trends.

A trained nurse is expected to show qualities such as enthusiasm for public health and welfare, caring for patients during and after delivery, and providing proper care to mothers during pregnancy.

After completing GNM, numerous government job opportunities become available, such as Nursing Officer, Staff Nurse, Forensic Nurse, and Community Health Worker.

There are also vast opportunities in the private sector, including roles as Home Nurse, Nurse in Private Hospitals, and positions in old-age homes. Additionally, there is significant demand for nurses as teachers in nursing schools.