Dr. Sumaya Mohamed AlBlooshi
Head of the National Committee for Nursing and Midwifery Affairs at the Ministry of Health and Prevention.
- How has the nursing and midwifery profession evolved in the UAE over the past decade (Including Challenges faced), and what factors have contributed to its growth and development?
The nursing profession in UAE has evolved dramatically over the past decade while the midwifery profession is continuing to grow. The Establishment of the Emirates Nursing Association (ENA) in 2003 supported the UAE’s membership in International bodies including the International Council of Nurses (ICN) and the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM). The Nursing and Midwifery qualifications and experience required for licensure and practice under the title of Registered Nurse (RN), or Registered Midwife (RM) are published in the Unified Healthcare Professional Qualification Requirements (PQR) document as one means to ensure that the public safety is protected at all times.Another milestone is the launch of the initiative to enhance the attractiveness of the Nursing Profession in the UAE as one of the initiatives originating from the ministerial retreat in 2015. This resulted in a sustainable increase in the number of UAE youth of both genders, enrolling in the Bachelor programs in nursing and joining the nursing workforce upon graduation.Another milestone is the development of the National Strategy for Nursing and Midwifery (2022 – 2026) as a five-year framework for action linked to the UAE Centennial 2071 that outlines a roadmap for strengthening the nursing and midwifery profession in the UAE and corresponds to the identified challenges in line with national, regional and international best practices and recommendations. It focuses on human capital development, specialized and advanced nursing and midwifery care services establishment, research support, and quality standards implementation.This aligns with the pillar of the diversified knowledge economy and supports achieving future-focused government from a nursing and midwifery angle. This was done in conjunction with the UAE joining the International NursingNow campaign run in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Council of Nurses (ICN).The National Committee for Nursing and Midwifery was formed by ministerial decree (283) for the year 2020 as the responsible body for the implementation of the National Strategy for Nursing and Midwifery (2022 – 2026) with representatives from national stakeholders across the UAE. With the following achievements the development of the competency-based UAE Professional Practice Framework for BSN Graduates in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and academic institutions, the development of the Workforce projection models and all documents related to the management of the nursing and midwifery workforce, the development of draft Scope of Practice documents and the development of the Specialization Model.We have recently launched the national initiative “Nebras – My Journey in the World of Nursing and Midwifery Research”. The development and initiation of a Bachelor in Midwifery program in the UAE is an important step for the profession’s growth and advancement. It provides a focal point to start the journey of becoming a registered midwife and providing obstetric care to the UAE community. Increased visibility of nurses’ role in the healthcare sector during the COVID-19 pandemic was highly evident.
Several factors contributed to the growth and development of the nursing and midwifery profession in the UAE. The most important factor is the support and empowerment of UAE leadership with a steady futuristic vision and clear directions and expectations. Another factor is the national collaboration between all stakeholders from different sectors believing in one vision for nursing and midwifery professions and striving to make the UAE the best country in the world in which high-quality evidence-based informed healthcare is offered to the community and visitors.
- In your opinion, what are the essential skills and competencies that nurses and midwives should possess to provide exceptional care and leadership in today’s healthcare landscape?The most effective nurse and midwife at all specialization levels should have solid clinical knowledge, experience and professional competencies in the general aspects of the profession and the specialized area of practice.This should be obtained through academic preparation and on-the-job experience within a positive and empowering work environment. Also, it should be sustained through an efficient and effective institutional competency management system and implementation of various professional development strategies.The nurse and midwife should be involved and knowledgeable about national, regional, and international trends and best practices for health in general and nursing and midwifery care and practices specifically. Nurses and midwives will only gain value-added experience if they practice in organizations that are managed and operated within excellence and best practices frameworks.
- Are there any specific research areas or topics within nursing and midwifery that you believe need more attention or further exploration?Nursing and midwifery research advancement that responds to national health priorities and informs policy development and practice is one of the strategic objectives of the National Strategy for Nursing and Midwifery (2022 – 2026).We need more clinically focused research studies that inform nursing and midwifery practices and care delivery as well as demonstrate the impact of such care in the overall healthcare system, and studies in academic nursing and midwifery to inform excellence in the education system.Finally, we encourage researchers to conduct studies that align with the strategic directions outlined in the National Strategy for Nursing and Midwifery (2022 – 2026).
- 4. Can you provide an overview of the National Committee for Nursing and Midwifery and its role in advancing the nursing and midwifery professions in the UAE?The National Committee for Nursing and Midwifery (NCNM) was established by Ministerial Decree No. 283 of 2020 as a national body under the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) mandated to govern, empower, and advance the nursing and midwifery profession in the UAE. It is responsible for the implementation of the National Strategy for Nursing and Midwifery (2022 – 2026) in collaboration with relevant stakeholders and entities. It includes members representing several entities across the UAE such as the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Interior, Federal Authority of Government Human Resources (FAHR), Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, Sharjah Heath Authority, Emirates Health Services, The Medical Office, Dubai Academic Healthcare Corporation, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) and Private Healthcare companies.The responsibilities assigned to the National Committee for Nursing and Midwifery include:
- Provide national governance of nursing and midwifery professions at all levels including regulation, academia, clinical practice, and media communication.
- Develop and implement national nursing and midwifery strategic plans.
- Representation of UAE nursing and midwifery professions at national, regional, and international levels.
- Submit regulatory recommendations for nursing and midwifery as per the regulatory processes and follow up on their implementation.
- Formulate national working groups for the implementation of the national initiatives and support the national committee activities.
- Approve the national action plans and review them annually to ensure their alignment with national priorities and best regional and international practices.
- Coordinate with all stakeholders and partners for the implementation of strategic action plans.
- What are the current priorities, goals, and strategies of the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) and the National Committee for Nursing and Midwifery to enhance the nursing profession, deliver exceptional care, and meet international standards, as outlined in the National Strategy for Nursing and Midwifery (2022-2026)?
The vision when it comes to the nursing and midwifery profession in UAE is to have “Nursing and Midwifery: Excellency in Care, Efficiency in Leadership in Light of International Standards toward Pioneer and Sustainable Health for the UAE Community”.
Focus on five strategic areas as follows:- Effective Regulation, Governance and Leadership.
- Sustainable Nursing/Midwifery Workforce Management System.
- Transformative Practice, Service, and Quality Care.
- Quality and Innovative Education and Professional Development.
- Advanced Research, Evidence-Based Practice Responsive to National Health Priorities.
Active national working groups are engaged in planning and fulfilling the mandates of the National Strategy for Nursing and Midwifery (2022 – 2026). Additionally, the national media communication team which is assigned the responsibility of governing the marketing and media communication related to the nursing and midwifery profession in UAE is active and ensures that all activities are publicized.
- What strategies are in place to attract and retain talented individuals in the nursing and midwifery professions?
There are several strategies in place to attract and retain talented individuals in the nursing and midwifery professions whether nationally or at the institutional level. Supportive scholarship programs, community awareness campaigns on nursing and midwifery professions, well-structured transition-to-practice programs for new graduates, professional development, and career advancement models are some examples of those strategies. The National Strategy for Nursing and Midwifery (2022 – 2026) has incorporated several directions that focus on attracting and retaining nurses and midwives. - Can you discuss the importance of interprofessional collaboration and teamwork in providing quality patient care, and what steps are being taken to foster this collaboration?
Interprofessional collaboration and teamwork in providing quality patient care is essential and a core requirement in meeting care excellence and standards. It has been proven that where there is interprofessional collaboration, patient outcomes improve significantly.The concept should be incorporated into academic education and clinical training as we adopted it as part of the organization’s culture and governance through its policies and care delivery models and standards. This enhances the job satisfaction of all healthcare professionals.
- Can you share any notable research or innovative projects undertaken by nursing and midwifery professionals in the UAE that have led to improved patient outcomes or advancements in the field?
The introduction of specialized nursing roles has demonstrated a positive impact on patient outcomes and the health system. Examples include the introduction of the (nurse informatics) role and the (nurse clinical educator) role. - As a representative of the UAE at the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Council of Nurses (ICN), what are some global trends or best practices in nursing and midwifery that you believe can be applied effectively in the UAE context?
The Advance Nursing Practice Model is one of the regional and international models implemented in several countries across the globe. The model is supported in the literature with strong evidence of its impact on patient care, clinical outcomes, access to care, and financial benefits. - What is your message for those who are aspiring to choose a career in Nursing or Midwifery in the UAE?
Nurses and Midwives are the backbone of the healthcare system, and the profession is one of the in-demand future careers. Choosing nursing and midwifery as a career is the right choice, especially in the background of the current national directions that advance the profession and empower nurses and midwives. The Nursing/midwifery profession is very diverse, allowing many choices for future work settings and specializations. I strongly advise you to pursue this career choice.
