In a recent statement, Dr. T. Dileep, President of the Indian Nursing Council, emphasized the crucial role of nurses in facilitating healthcare. Contrary to misconceptions, Dr. Dileep highlighted that nurses are not encroaching upon doctors’ responsibilities but rather playing a vital role in collaboration with doctors to provide efficient and effective care.
Evidence of Nurses’ Impact on Mortality and Morbidity Rates
Supporting his claims, Dr. Dileep referred to the State of the World’s Nursing Report (SOWN), which reveals compelling evidence of nurses’ contribution to reducing mortality and morbidity rates, especially in intensive care units (ICUs). The report, accessible on ICN Website, showcases the invaluable role of nurses and midwives in enhancing patient outcomes in critical care settings. There is another report from WHO titled The WHO Global Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery (2021–2025) that can be a guide for nurses to understand the concept.
Nurses Practitioners Crucial Role During COVID-19
Highlighting the criticality of nurse practitioners during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Dileep shared testimonials from intensivists at Mahatma Gandhi Medical College in Mumbai and the Krishna Institute in Kharad. These experts affirmed the invaluable contribution of nurse practitioners in critical care, particularly during the challenging times of the pandemic, further solidifying the importance of nurses’ involvement in the healthcare system.
Defining the Scope of Nursing Practice
Dr. Dileep underscored the need for defining the scope of nursing practice. While the existing Indian Nursing Council (INC) Act falls short in addressing this aspect adequately, the forthcoming Nursing and Midwifery Commission will bridge this gap. The new commission aims to establish a comprehensive framework that outlines nurses’ scope of practice, empowering them legally to fulfill their expanded roles and responsibilities.
Advancing the Role of Nurses: The Significance of Advanced Nursing Practice and Scope of Practice
Dr. Dileep emphasized the future significance of Advanced Nursing Practice. With advancements in healthcare and an increasingly complex patient population, the role of nurses is evolving, requiring enhanced knowledge, skills, and responsibilities. The concept of Advanced Nursing Practice embraces these changes and envisions a future where nurses play a more expanded and autonomous role in delivering comprehensive care.
Dr. Dileep also highlighted the importance of defining the scope of nursing practice. The existing Indian Nursing Council (INC) Act does not adequately address this aspect. However, the forthcoming Nursing and Midwifery Commission will address this gap and provide a comprehensive framework for defining nurses’ scope of practice. Once the scope of practice is approved, nurses will be legally empowered to fulfill their expanded roles and responsibilities.
Recent Incident: Indian Nursing Council Exposes Fake Notification Circulating on Social Media
Deceptive Notification Sparks Controversy
The Indian Nursing Council (INC) recently faced a surge of queries regarding the credibility of a widely circulated notification known as “Notification -6 of 2023,” dated June 5, 2023. This notification, falsely featuring the INC’s letterhead and the alleged signature of the Secretary, sparked rumors claiming that B.Sc nursing students would be assigned the title of Nursing Officers, on par with MBBS junior doctors.
INC Denounces Fake Notification
In response to this misleading information, the Indian Nursing Council vehemently denies the existence of any such notification. The INC categorically states that “Notification -6 of 2023” is a completely fabricated document, including counterfeit signatures. The council urges all concerned parties to disregard the fraudulent notification and abstain from further circulation on social media or other platforms.
Taking Action and Ensuring Authenticity
The INC has initiated efforts to identify and hold accountable the individuals responsible for creating and circulating the fake notification. The council emphasizes the importance of relying on verified sources and directs individuals to visit the official website at www.indiannursingcouncil.org for accurate and authentic information.
Upholding the Integrity of the Nursing Profession
The Indian Nursing Council remains committed to upholding the integrity of the nursing profession. It reaffirms its dedication to protecting the interests of nursing students and promoting transparency in healthcare education and practice.
Fostering Trust and Reliable Information Exchange
The INC encourages open communication among the nursing community, students, and stakeholders. It urges individuals to directly reach out to the council for legitimate queries or concerns, fostering an environment of trust, professionalism, and reliable information exchange.
Safeguarding the Reputation of Nursing
By addressing the issue of fake notifications, the Indian Nursing Council aims to safeguard the reputation of the nursing profession. It aims to prevent the spread of misinformation and uphold the highest standards of quality and credibility in nursing education and practice.
Dr. T. Dileep’s statements emphasize the significant role of nurses in facilitating healthcare and collaborating with doctors to improve patient outcomes. The recent incident involving a fake notification circulating on social media highlights the importance of relying on verified sources for accurate information. The Indian Nursing Council remains committed to upholding the integrity of the nursing profession, protecting the interests of nursing students, and promoting transparency in healthcare education and practice. By addressing these issues, the council aims to ensure the highest standards of quality and credibility in nursing.
