RGUHS Nursing Students Hit By Ill-Conceived System

A mere 25% first year nursing students in Karnataka clear the examinations, statistics compiled by the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) shows. This because medical subjects are taught by medical college teachers, whose expectations nursing students are unable to meet!

The statistics show that there has been no improvement in the average results in the last five years, except in 2006, when the overall pass percentage shot up to 41.82%. "In 2006, there were some discrepancies in the question paper and as a result we had to award 10 marks to each candidate," said Dr S Sacchidanand, registrar (evaluation), RGUHS.

Second and third year nursing results, are however, better compared to first year.

Elaborating on the results, he said in the first year students have to write six papers, which includes three medical papers -- anatomy, biochemistry and physiology. "The medical subjects are taught by medical college teachers, who set and evaluate the paper. Naturally, the expectations of these teachers is higher. When the students fail to meet the expectations they are awarded less marks or even failed.''

The criteria to clear the exam is a minimum 40% marks in each paper and 50% in internal assessment, with an aggregate of 50% . "For instance, if a student has secured 35% in theory and has secured minimum eligibility or even higher marks in other areas, he will still be declared fail," Sacchidanand said.

Sacchidanand said poor results have a direct bearing on the students' future as most of them take educational loans to pursue the course. "If they fail in the first year exams, the loan is denied to them. Also, there is the possibility that student might get discouraged and discontinue studies. Already, we are seeing a decline in admissions __ less than 50% __ which may get affected further," he said.

RGUHS is now contemplating training nursing teachers to handle medical subjects.

After the first year results were announced, the nursing colleges wrote to the university regarding the low pass percentage. "This year, we have revised the curriculum and examination system. Some kind of resistance was expected. However, the results has been more or less same compared to previous years," Dr S Ramananda Shetty, vice-chancellor, RGUHS told The Times of India.

The university only declares results and "it's the teachers who set the papers and value the answer scripts," he added.

The university has held discussions with the chairman (Board of Studies (BoS) and dean of faculty over the issue. "Whatever is possible from the university we will consider it," the VC has said.

Poor showing

Year------Results

2003-----27.17%

2004---28.57%

2005-----20%

2006-----41.82%

2007-----30.13%

2008---24.19%

SOURCE