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‘Nursing workforce working endlessly with dedication’

“Though we face a number of challenges, nursing services in the country are not poor. All nurses are dedicated and working hard to provide the healthcare services to people,” she said while referring to an article published in Khaleej Times on Monday that mentioned an assessment report highlighting the need for improvement in the ministry’s healthcare facilities and workforce in order to meet international standards.

The department’s mission is to improve quality of nursing care in a cost effective manner. According to the department’s annual report 2009, the department aims to make nursing recognisable as a profession in its own right, providing quality care and playing a major role in health promotion, disease prevention and patient care.

The profession also faces an image crisis that prevents Emiratis from working as nurses and midwives. Earlier this year, the UAE Nursing and Midwifery Council was set up to address the critical shortage of nurses and midwives in the country and to encourage more young Emiratis to join the profession.

“The department is encouraging the professional development of Emirati nurses and midwives within the UAE,” said Dr Fatima. The department also supports fresh nursing graduates.

As of November 2009, there were 290 Emirati nurses working in the ministry’s facilities and districts with 97 working in Sharjah, 91 in Ras Al Khaimah and 71 in Fujairah.

Besides, 10 Emiratis had the opportunity to travel outside for international conferences and professional development, according to the annual report.

In 2009, 110 nurses graduated from the institutes of nursing out of which 36 were Emiratis. Approximately 60 new graduates have already been appointed at the ministry’s facilities. 
 asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com

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