How GNM Students at PGI Pithoragarh are Mastering Clinical Skills
Bridging Theory and Practice: GNM 1st Year Students Master Health Assessment & Anthropometry at PGI Pithoragarh
Introduction
The journey from a student nurse to a clinical professional is paved with hands-on experience. On January 27, 2026, PGI Pithoragarh organized a vital practical session for GNM 1st-year students. This intensive workshop was designed to move beyond textbooks, allowing students to perform real-world health assessments and anthropometric measurements.
1. Comprehensive Health Assessment: A Head-to-Toe Approach
A cornerstone of nursing is the ability to observe and assess. Under the guidance of expert faculty, students practiced systematic health assessments covering:
Integumentary & Sensory: Detailed checks of the eyes, hair, and skin.
Physical Structure: Assessment of the head, neck, chest, throat, and abdomen.
Body Mechanics: Evaluating the overall alignment of the body to ensure healthy musculoskeletal development.
2. Mastering Anthropometric Measurements
Precision is key when dealing with pediatric and adult health. The students worked with different age groups to master:
Weight & Stature
Using clinical scales and stadiometers.
Circumference Metrics
Taking accurate head and chest circumferences—critical indicators of growth in pediatric nursing.
3. The Science of Clinical Math: BMI & BMR
Nursing isn’t just about physical care; it’s about data. The students were trained in calculating:
Body Mass Index (BMI)
To categorize nutritional status.
Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)
To understand the energy requirements of a patient at rest.
4. Community Health & Personal Hygiene
In addition to clinical skills, the session emphasized the role of a nurse as an educator. Students were taught the pillars of Personal Hygiene, preparing them to advocate for cleanliness and disease prevention in hospital and community settings.
The Outcome: Preparing Future Healthcare Leaders
The session concluded with a sense of accomplishment. By the end of the day, our GNM 1st-year students expressed a newfound confidence in their ability to perform these essential procedures. At PGI Pithoragarh, we believe that providing this level of clinical exposure early in the curriculum is what sets our graduates apart as “Healthcare Heroes.”
Technical Appendix: Practical Reference for Students
For our students following this blog, here is a quick recap of the formulas used during the session:
BMR = 10 × weight (kg) + 6.25 × height (cm) – 5 × age (y) + 5
For Women:
BMR = 10 × weight (kg) + 6.25 × height (cm) – 5 × age (y) – 161
