Emirati Nurses Vying for Management Positions Should Undergo Clinical Rotation

Online, September 25, 2013 (Newswire.com) - As the number of Emiratis graduating as nurses continues to grow, it has become increasingly important that the nurses are allowed sufficient clinical time to successfully apply the theoretical concepts of nursing to clinical situations. In other words, the psycho-social and professional development process experienced through clinical rotation for nurses will further enhance the patient care gained from Emirati nurses in the UAE.

'Emirati Nurses - rise up to the call: Clinical rotation for graduate nurses, a reflective process' is one of the key topics featured at the Nursing Conference hosted during the 7th Abu Dhabi Medical Congress & Exhibition, which will be held from 27-29 October 2013 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

According to Ms Noora Abdulmajid, Nurse Educator, Dubai Hospital, Dubai Health Authority, who will be speaking on this topic, "The clinical orientation process in the beginning of every nurse's career enhances their knowledge, attitude, and skills propelling a fresh graduate from a novice to an advanced beginner. Eventually through regular practice they will develop the required expertise and clinical rotation is very crucial in planning and deciding the future of nursing for Emiratis. If we are to lead nursing in the UAE we need to understand the problems from the grassroots. Once an Emirati nurse has gained proficiency in nursing skills, he or she will acquire the capability to assess, plan and implement strategies."

Clinical rotation for nurses is a basic orientation process where every newly employed graduate is placed in a number of clinical areas that include, but are not limited to; medical, surgical, critical care, maternity, paediatric, emergency services, outpatient services, and speciality nursing units such as oncology nursing, nephrology nursing and cardiology. During the placement process the graduate nurse is exposed to patients with diverse medical needs and is required to demonstrate competence in all nursing skills.

"Getting into management positions without undergoing clinical rotation debilitates the managerial capacities of Emirati nurses. Clinical rotation is like the foundation for a skyscraper, in order to rise, the base needs to be firm," says Ms Abdulmajid.

Since the creation of the Emirates Nursing Association in 2001 the number of Emirati nurses graduating from higher education and entering into the nursing profession in the UAE has gradually increased. Recent initiatives such as the Ministry of Health's decision to allocate special sponsorship to 80 Emirati students annually to study nursing is a bid to encourage locals to be part of the profession.