The role and value of nurses in care provision: Views and expectations of Emirati Nationals in the western region of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Abstract

Background: Reliable health user information is needed to effectively organize nursing services and deliver quality patientcentered care. Nurse leaders of Al Gharbia Health Services (AGHS) noted that although budget data and general workforce information were readily available, detailed information about patient experiences, views, and expectations was lacking. Objective: This study aimed to obtain preliminary data regarding health and nursing service expectations of Emirati nationals in the remote western region of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: This study used qualitative descriptive methodology. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of Emirati families who had recently accessed AGHS. Interviews focused on service user understanding and expectations of the role of nurses, nursing services, and the health service overall. Results: Emirati nationals' views and expectations regarding nurses' role and function in the healthcare team were highlighted. Participants' expectations and the attributes they valued were distributed across two distinct areas: clinical competence and the "softer" skills of compassion, caring, and respect. Conclusions: These findings facilitate understanding of the expectations of Emirati health service users. Importantly, the results counter regional perceptions of nursing under-valued as a servant role across the UAE and broader Gulf Cooperation Council region. The findings may inform a range of activities including: a large-scale survey regarding the views and expectations of Emirati health service users; pre-service nursing education and nursing in-service development; and the recruitment of Emirati nationals to the nursing profession. Further investigation regarding perceptions and valuing of nursing within the Emirati community is warranted.

Internationally qualified nurse communication—A qualitative cross country study

“…Such Western views did mirror the Oceania study, where NZ nurses reported their perception of a “tick‐box mentality” in IQNs (e.g., 024). As Brownie, Rossiter, Hamad, and Aqtash () pointed out, sometimes the role of nursing as a science can supersede the art of caring, which to some nurses was a clear compromise to quality care. However, this task‐oriented focus may relate to significant cultural and organisational differences in the role of registered nurses in some countries, with nurses overseeing clinical interventions for a large patient group and family members providing all fundamental cares (Tregunno, Peters, Campbell, & Gordon, ; Tuttas, ).…”

“…As Brownie, Rossiter, Hamad, and Aqtash (2017) pointed out, sometimes the role of nursing as a science can supersede the art of caring, which to some nurses was a clear compromise to quality care.…”

Managing the theory‐practice gap in nursing education and practice: Hearing the voices of nursing students in the United Arab Emirates

“…Over the last decade, undergraduate nursing education in the UAE has progressed to align with the UAE vision for quality healthcare and graduate nurses with baccalaureate qualifications to meet the demand for knowledgeable nursing professionals (Brownie et al, 2015). These programmes were challenged by the poor local image of nursing as a profession, although this perception is improving (Brownie et al, 2017). Other challenges included the slow development and adoption of international advances, the limited number of nursing faculty members in advanced specialized practice and the quality of clinical practice sites being inadequate to meet students' learning needs (Al‐Yateem et al, 2020a, 2020b).…”

Nursing in the United Arab Emirates: Current challenges and opportunities

“…producing competent nurses who can practise globally) (Mckinnon, Mcnelis, Leon, Whitlow, & Fitzpatrick, 2019; Mcnelis & Mckinnon, 2019; Palmer & Miles, 2019) and the role of technology in education (Broadbent, 2017; Thomas, West, & Borup, 2017). UAE‐based discussions regarding these aspects are still in the early stages, and they remain to be achieved in nursing education (Al‐Yateem et al, 2019; Brownie, Hunter, Aqtash, & Day, 2015; Brownie, Rossiter, Hamad, & Aqtash, 2017; El‐Haddad, 2006; Gomez, 2010; Johnson, 1992; Kronfol & Athique, 1986; McCreaddie et al, 2018; Nematollahi & Isaac, 2012; Torres‐Alzate, 2019). This suggests the road map for the UAE nursing education system needs to be strengthened.…”

“…A major contributor to this low admission rate was the poor local image of nursing and hesitation to regard nursing as an education and career option. However, there is growing evidence that this perception is changing (Brownie et al, 2017; El‐Haddad, 2006).…”