By-Yashi Asthana
Growth prospects for an M.Sc. in Nursing specializing in Geriatric Care are immense, especially within the rapidly expanding elderly care sector. This specialization offers significant opportunities across various sectors, highlighting its potential for career and industry growth.
As Indian Nursing Council made an announcement last year regarding the introduction of of PG Program in Geriatric Care For the nursing graduates (B.S.c Nursing only) who wants to learn and enhance their knowledge to help golden age citizens. So here are the growth prospects for the nursing colleges and other allied fields and basic requirements for this program for the nursing graduates.
How Nursing Colleges will get benefitted?
Nursing Colleges
- Attracts students focused on career-oriented, specialized nursing education.
- Positions the institution as a pioneer in advanced nursing education.
Minimum requirements to start the Nurse Practitioner in Geriatric Nursing (NPGN) Program
The institution must take full responsibility for the NPGN program and its students, ensuring the program aligns with the Council’s standards. It should also meet the following requirements:
Institutions seeking to start the Nurse Practitioner in Geriatric Nursing (NPGN) program must obtain an Essentiality Certificate or Government Order from the respective State.
However, the following institutions are exempt from this requirement:
i) Institutions or universities already offering B.Sc. Nursing or M.Sc. Nursing programs and deemed suitable by the Council under Sections 13 and 14 of the Act.
ii. Institutions or universities that offer MBBS or DNB programs.
Hospital
The institution must be linked to a parent hospital or a tertiary care center with at least 200 beds.
It is preferable for the parent hospital to have an attached medical college or nursing college.
Physical and Learning Resources at the Hospital/College
A dedicated classroom or conference room within the clinical area.
A skills lab for simulated learning, located in either the hospital or the college.
Library and computer facilities with access to online journals
E-learning facilities.
Affiliation with Old Age Homes
The hospital can have affiliation to old age homes.
Staffing for Geriatric Unit a. Every geriatric ward should have a Charge Nurse preferably with B.Sc. Nursing or M.Sc. Nursing qualification;
The nurse patient ratio should be 1:4 as per the Council norms;
Provision of additional 45% staff towards leave reserve;
The geriatric unit must have a geriatric physician, social worker/counsellor, physiotherapist and an occupational therapist;
Doctor patient ratio can be 1:10.
Other Fields open for growth:
1. Nursing Homes & Assisted Living Facilities
Specialized geriatric nurses elevate the quality of care.
Enable the creation of premium service packages for elderly patients requiring expert attention.
2. Hospitals with Geriatric Departments
Improved patient outcomes through employment of specialized geriatric care professionals.
Opens opportunities to expand into geriatric rehabilitation and long-term care services.
3. Health Technology Companies
Potential partnerships with developers of elderly-focused devices such as fall detectors, health monitors, and assistive technologies.
4. Pharmaceutical Companies
Geriatric expertise aids in understanding elderly-specific medication needs.
Supports clinical trials and research on treatments for age-related conditions.
5. Insurance Companies
Development of customized healthcare insurance plans tailored for senior citizens.
6. Elderly Daycare Centers
Attracts families seeking high-quality daytime care for elderly relatives.
Specialized geriatric services enhance trust and satisfaction.
7. Nursing Colleges
Attracts students focused on career-oriented, specialized nursing education.
Positions the institution as a pioneer in advanced nursing education.
8. Promoters
Meeting Market Demand: Addresses the growing need for elderly care professionals.
Higher Enrollment: Boosts student interest due to lucrative job prospects.
Healthcare Collaborations: Opportunities for partnerships with hospitals, care homes, and NGOs.
Additional Revenue: Certification courses and workshops create alternative income streams.
Strategic Growth Opportunities
1. Develop a Specialized Workforce
Graduates from the course fulfill the increasing demand for geriatric care professionals.
Promoters can channel trained nurses into affiliated hospitals or healthcare ventures.
2. Foster Research and Development
Collaborate on innovations in geriatric care and elderly healthcare practices.
Publishing research enhances institutional visibility and attracts funding.
3. Ensure Long-Term Sustainability
With aging populations globally, investing in geriatric care ensures steady demand for professionals and services.
4. Explore Cross-Marketing Potential
Combine the promotion of geriatric care courses with related healthcare services to attract partnerships and international collaborations.
By offering an M.Sc. in Nursing in Geriatric Care, stakeholders in healthcare and education can tap into a growing market, improve service quality, and ensure long-term sustainability while addressing critical societal needs.
https://www.indiannursingcouncil.org/
