Establishing Policy Foundations and Regulatory Systems to Enhance Nursing Practice in the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

In 2009, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) established a Nursing and Midwifery Council with a mandate to develop standards for the registration and regulation of nursing and midwifery and to strengthen the nursing and midwifery workforce. Priorities included workforce Emiratization and the development of regulatory standards to support advanced and speciality nursing practice and new models of care—particularly for the management of noncommunicable diseases. This article provides background, context for, and best practice inputs to the effort to provide one unified framework of nursing regulation and licensure across the whole of the UAE. This article is intended for nurse leaders, policy makers, and regulators who are reviewing or developing nursing regulatory processes and advancing nursing workforce capacity building activities; and nurse educators and nurses wishing to work in the UAE.

Internationally qualified nurse communication—A qualitative cross country study

“…Accordingly, there is ongoing investment in improving successful completion of national licensing examinations for local nurses (Brownie, Williams, et al, 2015), including development of specialty skills (Brownie, Hunter, Aqtash, & Day, 2015).…”

“…There is an accompanying emphasis on professional and research‐driven practice (Al‐Yateem et al, ), though some regulatory, social and institutional barriers remain to providing advanced specialist RN services (Brehens, ). Accordingly, there is ongoing investment in improving successful completion of national licensing examinations for local nurses (Brownie, Williams, et al, ), including development of specialty skills (Brownie, Hunter, Aqtash, & Day, ).…”

Developing nursing research in the United Arab Emirates: a narrative review

“…The challenges in developing regulatory processes, frameworks and workforce capacity in the UAE are fully outlined elsewhere (Brownie et al. ). Somewhat understandably, the UAE NMC has initially focused on regulation, education and specialization, with nursing research only now emerging as an important area of development.…”

“…The UAE Nursing and Midwifery Council was established by Cabinet Decree in 2009 to regulate the nursing and midwifery professions and to advance the professions whilst protecting and promoting the health and safety of the citizens and residents of the UAE (UAE NMC establishment Cabinet Decree number 10, 2009). The challenges in developing regulatory processes, frameworks and workforce capacity in the UAE are fully outlined elsewhere (Brownie et al 2015). Somewhat understandably, the UAE NMC has initially focused on regulation, education and specialization, with nursing research only now emerging as an important area of development.…”

Research priorities for specialized nursing practice in the United Arab Emirates

“…Over the past year, the UAE Nursing and Midwifery Council has strengthened the membership and activity of its research committee, a significant step in implementing the Council's goal of enhancing the status and contributions of nursing across the UAE (Brownie et al 2015). The nursing profession is an important contributor in achieving such health service aspirations.…”