Majid Alhammadi
School Nursing in the United Arab Emirates: A study assessing the school nurse role amongst nurses, students, and teachers, in government schools, across the seven emirates.
The progression of nursing over the years has brought about greater career opportunities as a result of the advancement and specialisation of nursing practice roles (Al-Yateem et al. 2020). School nursing is a nursing speciality aimed to protect students’ health, handle acute and/or chronic conditions, while promoting general well-being and providing a safe learning environment (Role of the School Nurse in Providing School Health Services, 2016).
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), following a history of the reliance on general practice nurses, the school nurse scope of practice has been implemented within educational settings (Al-Yateem et al. 2016). As the implementation of the school nurse role within UAE is novel and has not been previously researched, the assessment of the school nurse role in governmental educational settings may be immensely insightful. Moreover, as three health authorities govern school nursing services across the seven Emirates of the UAE, further exploration of the role within each Emirate may offer a deeper understanding on the current nursing role, image and overall satisfaction of school nursing services.
Funded by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK)
What is your ideal Research outcome?
To establish an understanding of the school nursing role to further develop the speciality, in addition to improving the image of nursing through heightened awareness of the role amongst high school students and teachers.
Supervisors
Dr Breidge Boyle and Professor Kevin Brazil
Why did you choose this PhD and why at Queen’s?
Because of the reputation of Queen’s University Belfast, being a leading university in nursing and evidence based research
I am from the United Arab Emirates. Previously, I have studied a Master’s of Science in Managing Care in Perioperative and Anaesthesia Practice at Cardiff University
How have you been supported at Queen’s?
Masterclasses, Impact seminars, regular supervisory meetings.
In what ways have you developed at Queen’s?
I have only been at Queen’s for the past couple of months, and I cherish the support given by the school staff, especially in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Can you describe the postgraduate community in the School and at Queen’s?
I will be able to hopefully in a couple of months when I do come into campus and have the full experience.
Where do you hope your PhD will lead?
I hope the PhD opens up doors for more nursing evidence based research within the UAE, and to be able to lead in leadership positions to enhance the image of nursing in the country, ultimately addressing the severe national nursing workforce
Anything else you would like to add or advice to new PGR students?
Whatever your mind can conceive, the body will achieve. Set a plan, follow it with all your heart, and be flexible in your everyday life.