For the first time in the UAE, the National Institute for Health Specialties (NIHS) has approved three specialized nursing programs, including: Residency program for fresh nursing graduates, Residency program in critical care for adults, Residency program in nursing care for mental health.
The programs were endorsed in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Prevention and various health and academic authorities in the country. They were facilitated through the Advisory Committee for Nursing and Midwifery and the scientific nursing committees of the Institute. NIHS looks forward to hospitals starting to apply for these programs during this year.
The notable achievement is part of a broader effort to establish a system of specialization within the nursing profession. It aims to empower nursing staff, particularly Emiratis, to advance their careers and move towards clinical specialization. This aligns with the directives of the UAE's wise leadership to build a healthier, more prosperous, and happier society, while also contributing to achieving national goals in the field of leading health care.
The accreditation also comes in line with the objectives of the National Strategy for Nursing and Midwifery (Roadmap 2022 – 2026), launched by the Ministry in collaboration with partners. The strategy aims to enhance the governance of nursing and midwifery professions through professional regulatory policies and practices, and to contribute to achieving sustainable development goals, ensuring patient safety, managing the nursing and midwifery workforce, and supporting evidence-based research and practices tailored to meet the country's health needs and priorities.
Enhancing Emirati Nursing Competencies
HE Dr Mohammed Salim Al Olama, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health and Prevention, emphasized the importance of the nursing profession and its key role in the sustainability of the health sector, which contributes to providing comprehensive, integrated and sustainable healthcare based on the country's future vision. He stressed that the existence of Emirati competencies will enhance the quality of life for the community and provide outstanding healthcare services.
His Excellency pointed out the importance of optimal investment in building the nursing specialisation system and providing an educational structure that enables the graduation of national competencies to provide high-quality care services in line with international best practices, and the Ministry's strategy to govern a world-leading health system based on innovation, proactivity, flexibility, and alignment with the country's future vision and priorities.
Investing in Emirati Cadres
For her part, Dr Sumaya Mohamed Al Balushi, Head of the National Committee for Nursing and Midwifery at the Ministry, Head of the Advisory Committee for Nursing and Midwifery of the UAE Board and Director of the Nursing Administration at the Emirates Health Services, stressed that this achievement reflects the country's commitment towards optimal investment in national nursing cadres and paving the way for them to improve their professional performance and enhance their competencies, enabling them to provide specialized nursing care services based on the best international standards and practices, to achieve quality care and safety of the patients and the inclusiveness of the health system.
Dr. Sumaya said: "This achievement is a critical step towards building an integrated and sustainable system that supports specialization in the nursing profession, which studies have proven its effectiveness in enabling the health system to optimize the use of resources, reduce impacts on the environment and climate in the health sector, and contribute to achieving inclusive health coverage."
Dr. Al Balushi pointed out that this achievement is in line with the objectives of the National Nursing and Midwifery Strategy (2022-2026) and called on all nursing cadres, especially the youth, to benefit from these programs and actively participate in promoting this strategic approach.
Enhancing the capacities of the health sector workforce in the country:
H.E. Mohammed Al Houqani, Secretary General of the National Institute for Health Specialties (NIHS), lauded the fruitful cooperation between the Institute and the National Committee for Nursing and Midwifery in formulating accreditation standards in accordance with international best practices.
He also stressed the importance of specialized training in creating training opportunities for nursing staffs to ensure a professional career for nurses, which undoubtedly contributes to the advancement of health care.
His Excellency stressed that the Institute plays a key role as a national institution tasked with leading and organizing the professional development of the health sector cadres, with a specific focus on specialized training.
Updating the List of Approved Nursing Specialties
The launch also coincides with the alignment of the requirements of the practice licensing standards in support of the specialization system of the nursing and midwifery professions. This support is provided through focusing on providing clinical training within the educational qualifications required for nursing specialist licensing and updating the list of approved nursing specializations.
In accordance with the update, these specializations now include Adult Health Care Nurse, Anesthesia Nurse, Cardiovascular Care Nurse, Nursing Informatics Nurse, Community Health Care Nurse, Intensive Care Nurse, Diabetes Care Nurse, Emergency Nurse, Infection Control Nurse, Maternal Health Nurse, Neonatal Nurse, Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse, Oncology Nurse, Palliative Care Nurse, Pediatric Nurse, Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse, and Wound Care Nurse.