Specialised nursing residency programmes have been launched to help nurses attain clinical specialisation

Specialised nursing residency courses have been introduced in the United Arab Emirates to assist nurses in achieving clinical specialisation. Three such programs—a residency for recent graduates, an adult critical care programme, and a nursing care for mental health program—have been authorised by the National Institute for Health Specialties (NIHS). 

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap) and other national health and academic bodies endorsed the projects. Hospitals can start applying for them this year. This will help nursing staff—especially those from the United Arab Emirates—to progress in their careers and pursue specialisation. This is in with national aims in the area providing top-notch healthcare and is in line with the UAE leadership's directions to create a happier, healthier, and more successful population.

The implementation of these residency courses is consistent with the goals of the National Strategy for Nursing and Midwifery (Roadmap 2022–2026), which aims to improve the professions' governance.

The strategy intends to enhance the professional regulatory policies and practices, as well as help accomplish development objectives, guarantee patient safety, oversee the workforce of nurses and midwives, and promote evidence-based research and practices that are suited to the nation's health needs and priorities.

The prerequisites for obtaining a licence under the specialisation system have been outlined by Mohap. This will primarily concentrate on updating the list of permitted nursing specialisations and provide clinical training within the educational requirements needed for nursing specialty licencing.

In the UAE, nurses can pursue specialisations in the following areas: Nurses specialising in adult health care, anaesthesia, cardiovascular care, nursing informatics, intensive care, community health care, diabetes care, emergency care, infection control, maternal health, neonatal intensive care, oncology, palliative care, paediatrics, neonatal intensive care, wound care, and so on.