The University of Calgary in Qatar (UCQ) has said that it is focusing its message on the importance and impact of nursing education in Qatar during the “2020 International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife”.
“Our priority is educating nursing leaders in Qatar and for Qatar,” said UCQ dean Dr Deborah White. “The World Health Organisation (WHO) says that there is a global shortage of nurses and we’re experiencing that for ourselves here in this country.
“I believe that recognising the need and importance of nursing education contributes greatly to the success and development of Qatar’s healthcare system.”
According to the WHO, the “Year of the Nurse and Midwife” is a major global effort to highlight an acute shortage of these crucial health workers.
The WHO chose 2020 to celebrate the work of nurses because it is the bicentenary of the birth of the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale.
“Since the very beginning of Qatar’s healthcare system, nurses have worked in diverse settings as leaders in health promotion, prevention and delivery of acute care,” explained Dr Nabila al-Meer, deputy chief for the Continuing Care Group and Ministry of Public Health Nursing Affairs. “This leadership comes through education and experience.
“As our healthcare infrastructure continues to grow, more nurses are needed to meet expanding workforce needs.
“An accredited, culturally applicable university degree programme like the University of Calgary in Qatar is helping meet these urgent workforce needs.
“However, there are demands to introduce specialisation programmes in nursing according to priority needs.”
Dr al-Meer, also a member of the University of Calgary in Qatar Board of Trustees, was joined by UCQ officials, alumni and students at a recent event UCQ hosted for members of the local media.
“We have more than 650 alumni working throughout Qatar’s hospitals, health centres, military and companies. They are making important contributions to Qatar’s health and wellness,” said Dr JoAnne MacDonald, associate dean (Academic) at UCQ. “We offer an integrated, concept- and competency-based curriculum that supports best practice pedagogies and clinical practice experiences.
“This curriculum is uniquely tailored to meet the health needs of Qatar.
“Our programmes foster students to become theoretical, conceptual, critical and clinical thinkers.”
UCQ offers two paths to a Bachelor of Nursing degree: a four-year programme for qualified high school graduates, and a two-year programme for nurses holding diplomas in nursing from recognised institutions.
The university also offers a Master of Nursing.
This is a programme designed in collaboration with Qatar’s nursing community to further develop leaders in the profession.
Applications to UCQ’s programmes are open to Qatari nationals and residents of Qatar through April 1.
Information about programmes, the admission processes and criteria is available at www.ucalgary.edu.qa
Officials at the event hosted by UCQ.
