For the first time in the UAE, specialized nursing residency programs have been introduced to assist nurses in achieving clinical specialization. The National Institute for Health Specialties (NIHS) has greenlit three programs: a residency for recent graduates, a critical care program for adults, and a mental health nursing care program. These initiatives have been supported by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap) and various health and academic bodies in the country. Hospitals are now able to apply for these programs this year. This initiative is designed to empower nursing staff, especially Emiratis, to progress in their careers and specialize, in line with the UAE's leadership's vision to foster a healthier, more prosperous, and happier society, and to contribute to national healthcare objectives.
The launch of these residency programs aligns with the goals of the National Strategy for Nursing and Midwifery (Roadmap 2022–2026), aimed at enhancing the governance of nursing and midwifery professions. The strategy focuses on refining professional regulatory policies and practices, contributing to development goals, ensuring patient safety, managing the nursing and midwifery workforce, and supporting research and practices that meet the country's health needs and priorities. Dr. Mohammed Salim Al Olama, Undersecretary of Mohap, underscored the significance of the nursing profession, emphasizing that competent Emirati nurses will improve community quality of life and deliver exceptional healthcare services. He also highlighted the importance of investing in the nursing specialization system and educational infrastructure to enable UAE nationals to provide high-quality care.
Experts in nursing have urged Emirati nurses to seize the opportunity of these new residencies to advance their careers. Dr. Sumaya Mohamed Al Balushi, Head of the National Committee for Nursing and Midwifery at Mohap and Director of the Nursing Administration at the Emirates Health Services, encouraged all nursing cadres, particularly the youth, to take advantage of these programs and actively promote this strategic approach. Dr. Sumaya also emphasized the importance of nursing specializations, noting that studies have shown their effectiveness in optimizing resource use, reducing environmental and climate impacts in the health sector, and achieving inclusive health coverage. Additionally, Mohap has outlined the requirements for licensing in the specialization system, focusing on providing clinical training within the educational qualifications required for nursing specialist licensing and updating the list of approved nursing specializations.
Nurses in the UAE can specialize in various fields including 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.
