Copyright 2013 by UAE Nursing and Midwifery Council. All rights reserved

Transcription

1 UAENURS I NGANDMI DWI F E RY E DUCAT I ONS T ANDARDS 2013

2 Copyright 2013 by UAE Nursing and Midwifery Council. All rights reserved The UAE NMC considers this document its intellectual property and has the exclusive rights to decide to publish the work in its entirety or parts thereof as well as choose the form of publication. Reproduction of any part is limited to non-commercial purposes. Therefore, any reproduction, modification (including translation), storage in retrieval system or retransmission, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical or otherwise), for reasons other than the above, is not allowed without prior written permission. Written permission to reproduce the document or any part thereof (beyond this limited permission) must be obtained from the UAE NMC. If such permission is given, it will also be subject to acknowledging in relevant details the author's name and interest in the material. Inquiries to be directed to: UAE Nursing and Midwifery Council Website:

3 Contents Foreword... 3 Preface... 4 Acknowledgements... 5 Introduction... 6 Nursing and Midwifery Definitions as Basis for Education Standards... 7 Standard 1: Nursing and Midwifery Program Graduates... 9 Standard 2: Nursing and Midwifery Program Organization Standard 3: Nursing and Midwifery Program Curriculum Standard 4: Nursing and Midwifery Program Faculty Standard 5: Nursing and Midwifery Program Admissions Standard 6: Nursing and Midwifery Program Retention References UAE Nursing and Midwifery Council 2

4 Foreword The UAE Nursing and Midwifery Council was established by Cabinet decree in 2009, under the direction of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai. The establishment of the Council reflects the government s commitment to nursing and midwifery with the knowledge that high quality nursing and midwifery care is essential for the health and well-being of the people of the UAE. The Council s mandate to regulate nursing and midwifery, promote and advance nursing and midwifery services and protect and promote the health and safety of the public based on the highest standards establishes the Council as an important regulatory and strategy setting body for nursing and midwifery. The Council board is focused on addressing nursing and midwifery from the perspectives of practice, licensure, education, and research. Standing Scientific Committees composed of stakeholder members from across the UAE are actively engaged in developing and implementing standards in all of these areas. It gives me great pleasure to introduce this report from the Council UAE Nursing and Midwifery Education Standards, the work of the Scientific Committee for Education. This report outlines standards to be used as the basis for nursing and midwifery education in the UAE. The standards set forth in this document are in line with leading international nursing and midwifery education accreditation bodies and emphasize the importance of technical and emotional competence, critical decision-making, collaboration, and leadership. These standards also emphasize the need for socializing nurses and midwives to engage in careers dedicated to the health of the public and to lifelong learning as a foundation for achieving excellence in their own practice. I am deeply grateful to the Council Board and the Scientific Committee for Education for making this report a reality; these standards are essential to unifying quality in nursing and midwifery education across the UAE and will serve as an important foundation for healthcare in the country. Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein President of the UAE Nursing and Midwifery Council UAE Nursing and Midwifery Council 3

5 Preface The UAE Nursing and Midwifery Council, as the national regulatory body for nursing and midwifery, is mandated to promote and protect the health of the public by establishing unified standards for regulation, education and practice. Recognizing the importance of building a workforce of nurses and midwives educated in the UAE, the Council Board has set education standards and accreditation among its top priorities. This report presents standards for nursing and midwifery educational programs in the UAE. These standards serve as the foundation for nursing and midwifery education program accreditation, a system of educational review that will be conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Higher Education and Research and other relevant organizations. We are grateful to the dedicated members of the Scientific Committee for Education and to all of the many contributors to this work. With this report we will be able to establish a coordinated approach toward advancing nursing and midwifery education in the UAE. The real Asset of any advanced nation is its people, especially the educated ones, and the prosperity and success of the people are measured by the standard of their education. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan The late president of the UAE UAE Nursing and Midwifery Council 4

6 Acknowledgements The Council sincerely appreciates the concerted efforts of all involved in making this publication possible expressing special gratitude to: HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, President of the UAE NMC, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; for her infinite guidance and support for the nursing and midwifery professions. H.E. UAE Minister of Health. The UAE NMC Board members. All members of the Scientific Committee for Education who represent key constituents, including the Health Authority, Abu Dhabi, Dubai Health Authority, SEHA, Dubai Healthcare City, University of Sharjah, Fatima College of Health Sciences, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Higher colleges of technology and the Institutes of Nursing. The World Health Organization (WHO) for the ongoing support throughout the development of this document, particularly the expert advice and guidance from Ms. Fadwa Affara, - Nurse Consultant for Nursing and Midwifery Education and Regulation. All nursing colleagues and UAE NMC staff who participated in the development, validation and revision of this document. All institutions and individuals who contributed to the development of this document. This document establishes a nation-wide direction for the educational institutions, practice and regulatory entities to invest in building the capacity required to raise the quality of education of UAE nursing and midwifery programs in line with international education trends and standards. UAE Nursing and Midwifery Council 5

7 Introduction The UAE is undergoing rapid and dramatic advancements in the healthcare sector fueled by population growth and the changing demands of the population for healthcare services. In response, the UAE Nursing and Midwifery Council convened the Scientific Committee for Education and commissioned the development of a strategy to expand educational programs to prepare more nurses and midwives to serve the UAE population s needs. The Committee was also charged with developing an accreditation process, in partnership with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MOHESR). The accreditation process will ensure all programs in the UAE meet unified standards. These standards were developed by representatives from all stakeholder organizations who collectively brought expertise about nursing and midwifery education, practice, research, and regulation from local, regional and international perspectives. The Committee selected a standards framework developed by the World Health Organization (WHO,2009) as its foundation and referenced standards for Midwifery Education established by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM, 2010). The education standards were also completed in harmony with the nursing and midwifery UAE Scope of Practice for Registered Nurses and Midwives and Regulation (UAE NMC, 2012). These standards identify desired outcomes and attributes for graduates, with competencies required for successful transition from education to employment. Standards also specify program requirements for organization, curriculum development, partnerships, learning environment, faculty qualifications and support, program admissions and student support. Standards will be implemented and reviewed on a regular basis to ensure they keep pace with changes in education philosophy and trends both within the UAE and the region, as well as internationally. It is the intent of the Council, collaborating with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research ( MOHESR) and other relevant stakeholders, to work with universities to assure the highest level of quality for nursing and midwifery programs in the UAE. The Council believes achieving success in this goal is essential to building a cadre of expert nurses and midwives to care for the people of the UAE. UAE Nursing and Midwifery Council 6

8 Nursing and Midwifery Definitions as Basis for Education Standards The UAE Nursing and Midwifery Council defined the role of and scope of practice for nurses and midwives practicing in the UAE. Role definitions and scopes were developed by the Council s Scientific Committee for Practice and published in the following documents. The scope of practice is the range of roles, functions, responsibilities and activities which a registered nurse and midwife are educated for, competent in and accountable for and authorized to perform. It defines the accountability and limits or boundaries of professional practice. Definition of Nursing A registered Nurse is a self-regulated healthcare professional who works autonomously and in collaboration with other healthcare providers within a determined scope of practice. Nursing encompasses autonomous and collaborative care of individuals of all ages, families, groups and communities, sick or well and in all settings. Nursing includes the promotion of health, prevention of illness, and the care of ill, disabled and dying people. Advocacy, promotion of a safe environment, research, participation in shaping health policy and in patient and health systems management, and education are also key nursing roles. (ICN,2010). Definition of Midwifery A midwife is a person who, having been regularly admitted to a midwifery educational program, duly recognized in the country in which it is located, has successfully completed the prescribed course of studies in midwifery and has acquired the requisite qualifications to be registered and/or legally licensed to practice midwifery. The midwife is recognized as a responsible and accountable professional who works in partnership with women to give the necessary support, care and advice during pregnancy, labor and the post-partum period, to conduct births on the midwife s own responsibility and to provide care for the newborn and the infant. This care includes preventative measures, the promotion of normal birth, the detection of complications in mother and child, the accessing of medical care or other appropriate assistance and the carrying out of emergency measures. The midwife has an important task in health counseling and education, not only for the woman, but also within the family and the community. This work should involve antenatal education and preparation for parenthood and may extend to women s health, sexual or reproductive health and child care. A midwife may practice in any setting including the community, hospitals, clinics or health units. Reference: (Adopted at the International Confederation of Midwives Council (ICMC) meeting in Brisbane, Australia, on 19 July, 2005 and as defined and recognized by the ICMC meeting in Durban in South Africa, June 23rd 2011) UAE Nursing and Midwifery Council 7

9 Practice is an essential determinant for education standards. Programs must prepare graduates to effectively and efficiently care for the patients they serve and to work within their practice settings. Role definitions and scopes of practice served as the basis for the educational standards, outlined below. UAE Nursing and Midwifery Council 8

10 Standard 1: Nursing and Midwifery Program Graduates 1.0 Program graduates 1.1 Outcomes Upon completion of the Nursing or Midwifery program, graduates: Are prepared to practice according to the United Arab Emirates Nursing and Midwifery Council (UAE NMC) scopes of practice, competencies and code of conduct for registered nurses and midwives Have achieved the goals, objectives, and stated outcomes of the program Meet the standards for professional licensure/registration as established by UAE NMC Have earned credits that are recognized, by UAE regulatory bodies and relevant international bodies, support and meet admission standards for entry into advanced education programs Recognize the value of maintaining and sustaining a relationship with professional associations, contributing to the advancement of profession and themselves Are prepared to pursue lifelong learning opportunities and apply the principles of continuing education and continuing professional development Will demonstrate sound understanding of the determinants of health Will demonstrate information technology literacy Will be awarded a professional degree 1.2 Program graduate attributes and competencies Graduates: Demonstrate the attributes required to support their practice according to the UAE NMC scopes of practice for registered nurses and midwives Demonstrate accountability for own actions, decision making, and outcomes of care Demonstrate consistent use of critical and analytical thinking in their practice Demonstrate commitment to practicing within an ethical framework and a socio-cultural context. UAE Nursing and Midwifery Council 9

11 1.2.5 Demonstrate commitment to functioning in accordance with legislative, regulatory and policy guidelines relevant to practice Demonstrate a community service orientation by engaging in health promotion and disease prevention activities with clients, families, community and society Are dedicated to consistently providing skilled, evidence based, safe, holistic and culturally sensitive nursing care to clients, families, community and society, in collaboration with concerned clients and other healthcare professionals in a variety of healthcare settings Exhibit leadership qualities and manage care safely, efficiently and ethically Are dedicated to consistently engaging in professional, therapeutic and interpersonal relationships with clients and families Assume responsibility for own professional development through lifelong learning to ensure continued competence in practice Demonstrate commitment to the enhancement of nursing and midwifery Demonstrate commitment to the development of other members of the healthcare team, as well as clients, families, community and society Are committed to continuous quality improvement in their own practice and support their organization to continuously improve quality and efficiency in meeting healthcare needs of the public. UAE Nursing and Midwifery Council 10

12 Standard 2: Nursing and Midwifery Program Organization 2.0 Program organization 2.1 Governance Nursing and Midwifery Educational Institutions: Clearly define and disseminate their vision, mission, and goals Involve faculty members, students, and relevant community partners in the governance of the program and in the ongoing plans and strategies to improve program quality Clearly define expected educational and clinical outcomes of the educational program Provide input to policy formulation by parent institution to ensure those policies support the mission, goals and outcomes of nursing and midwifery education programs Adhere to the policies of the parent institutions Implement systematic and continuous evaluation of all curriculum components to ensure curriculum quality is in keeping with appropriate UAE and international higher education standards Involve students, graduates, educators, researchers, and other stakeholders in the implementation of continuous program evaluation Establish well identified roles for theoretical and clinical faculty, clinical supervisors, mentors, and preceptors. 2.2 Accreditation Nursing and Midwifery Educational Programs Must be accredited under academic/ professional standards( National Qualifications Authority and MOHESR Implement the standards required for higher education accreditation Are integral components of the parent institution; their mission reflects the governing organization s core values and is congruent with its strategic goals and objectives Meet internal standards, recognized accreditation and/or governing body requirements Implement standards for accreditation established by the UAE Nursing and Midwifery Council. UAE Nursing and Midwifery Council 11

13 2.3 Infrastructure Nursing and Midwifery Educational Institutions ensure that: The organizational structure supports the mission of the academic programs Relevant fiscal, physical, human, and clinical resources are available to facilitate the teaching learning process and foster its ongoing development System, policies, and procedures for students admission, re-admission, transfer, failure, withdrawal, appeal, and graduation are implemented Systems, policies, and procedures are in place to optimize the safety and welfare of students and faculty Budget and resource allocation are sufficient to support the programs missions and goals Budgetary control and accountability are maintained by the Program Director Student-support services are in place and meet the diverse needs of the student body. 2.4 Partnerships Nursing and Midwifery Educational Institutions: Demonstrate successful partnerships with the following entities: o o o o o o Higher education institution in which program is located or affiliated Other healthcare disciplines Clinical practice sites Clinical and professional organizations Industry and community organizations International partners Have defined policies, rules, and regulations in place towards successful implementation of partnership. UAE Nursing and Midwifery Council 12

14 Standard 3: Nursing and Midwifery Program Curriculum 3.0 Program Curriculum 3.1 Curriculum Design Nursing and Midwifery Educational Institutions Design curricula and deliver programs that take into account the workforce planning requirements, national policy and current international healthcare trends and innovations Plan and design curricula to meet national and international education criteria, and professional and regulatory requirements for practice Conduct regular program evaluations seeking input from stakeholders to ensure that programs meet the need of students, healthcare systems, clients, families, community and society Support level progression and integrate theoretical and clinical content Have realistic, comprehensive, and broad program goals that reflect the developmental nature of learners, evolve from the program's philosophy and curriculum aims, and relate to the overall needs of the population and healthcare system Base classroom and clinical education on achievement of competencies using evidencebased best practice Develop realistic and measurable competencies that align with the educational aims of the program and articulate with the level of learners Develop curricula that enable the development of clinical judgment and problem-solving skills and decision making Use recognized approaches to teaching and learning including, but not limited, to clinical simulation, self-directed learning, blended learning and embrace principles of adult learning Offer opportunities for multidisciplinary content and learning experiences. 3.2 Core Curricula: Identify learning outcomes for each level of the program Specify learning objectives and content area for all courses. UAE Nursing and Midwifery Council 13

15 3.2.3 Content is organized using a logical-developmental order and enables the graduates to meet the competencies outlined in the UAE NMC Scopes of Practice Integrate essential components of baccalaureate education: liberal education, professional values, core competencies, core knowledge, and role development consistent with the population health care needs and the U.A.E. s health care system Identify instructional strategies and educational experiences consistent with the program philosophy and with the current evidence on best teaching practices and learning Align advances of educational technology with educational experiences or instructional objectives. 3.3 Learning Environment Nursing and Midwifery Educational Institutions Use innovative, recognized approaches to teaching and learning Provide the teaching faculty with the resources and instructional material to support the achievement of the program goals Use internationally recognized faculty/student ratios applied in both the clinical learning and academic settings Provide supportive academic and clinical learning environments. 3.4 Student Assessment Nursing and Midwifery Educational Institutions Use a variety of recognized assessment approaches and reliable tools to assess knowledge, skills and attitudes as stipulated in the curriculum Align assessment approaches with program outcomes and learning objectives. 3.5 Program Evaluation Nursing and Midwifery Educational Institutions Conduct curriculum audits to determine the effectiveness of programs in meeting expected outcomes Collect quantitative and qualitative data from stakeholders, faculty, and students regarding curriculum elements and achievement of learning outcomes Produce valid and reliable data that is institutionally sanctioned to demonstrate adherence to the UAE NMC education standards. UAE Nursing and Midwifery Council 14

16 3.6. Curriculum Partnership Nursing and Midwifery Educational Institutions Develop partnerships with other health-related disciplines Use inter-professional collaborative approaches in their classrooms and clinical learning experiences Have access to and arrangements for clinical learning settings. UAE Nursing and Midwifery Council 15

17 Standard 4: Nursing and Midwifery Program Faculty 4.0 Faculty 4.1 Academic and Clinical Faculty The nursing or midwifery program is led by a nurse or midwife who holds a graduate degree and is experienced in leadership and administration, and demonstrates knowledge and experience as an educator The core academic faculty is nurses and midwives who demonstrate knowledge, skills and attitude as educators and have a minimum of a master s degree preferably with advanced preparation and clinical competence in their specialty area Faculty who do not meet the minimum credentials should not exceed 10% of the teaching faculty. This faculty should be enrolled in graduate programs, with the expectation that they will meet requirements in a specified period of time Qualified faculty members are sufficient in number to support program goals and outcomes Adjunct/visiting lecturers hold a graduate degree or its equivalent and possess clinical and educational expertise in their specialty Faculty members participate in institutional governance, the development of curricula, student support, research, scholarship and management Faculty workloads, teaching, scholarship, service and practice are reasonable; expectations are clearly stated and documented Systematic assessment of faculty performance demonstrates competencies that are in line with program goals and outcomes Faculty outcomes demonstrate achievement of the programs mission, goals, and outcomes, and enhance program quality effectiveness Clinical faculty and preceptors hold a minimum of a university degree and possess clinical and educational expertise in their specialty area Faculty teaching in clinical settings hold required licenses, possess appropriate competencies which meet MOHESR requirements and are supported to continue their development and currency of their clinical competence through appropriate partnerships and appointments Partnerships are secured to offer students the full range of clinical experiences required to meet the curriculum and learning objectives of students as well as to expose students to a variety of qualified professionals. UAE Nursing and Midwifery Council 16

18 4.2 Professional development of faculty Nursing and Midwifery Educational Institutions have a policy and system that: Validates the updated clinical and educational expertise and competency of faculty Provides faculty with opportunities for development in teaching, scholarship, practice and external professional activity Provides time and resources for competency development for staff Rewards and provides recognition of staff in accordance with the requirements for promotion. UAE Nursing and Midwifery Council 17

19 Standard 5: Nursing and Midwifery Program Admissions 5.0 Program admission 5.1 Admission and Selection Policies Nursing and Midwifery Educational Institutions Have a transparent admission policy that specifies the process of student selection and the minimum acceptance criteria in line with the organizational mission and goals of the program Have a transparent admission and selection process that aligns with governmental strategy Have a system and policy in place that takes into account different entry points of students, recognition of their prior learning, experience and progression options toward higher education goals Have entry requirements that meet national criteria for higher education institutions including, but not limited to, completion of secondary school education. 5.2 Students are admitted who: Meet MOHESR and/or the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) standards that define admission and transfer criteria for colleges and universities in the UAE and who demonstrate proficiency in English Meet program admission requirements Have the ability to meet the institution s health and other requirements as specified by national and program policy Demonstrate the will to serve in the nursing and midwifery professions and who demonstrate the motivation to seek and master new knowledge independently. UAE Nursing and Midwifery Council 18

20 Standard 6: Nursing and Midwifery Program Retention 6. Retention Schools have student retention policies and systems in place Incentive programs are in place to support retention in nursing programs addressing such concerns as family and work responsibilities, the need for part time study and other variables Retention programs are evaluated on a regular basis to determine the effectiveness of retention strategies; modifications are made accordingly. UAE Nursing and Midwifery Council 19

21 References WHO. Global standards for the initial education of professional nurses and midwives, Geneva, World Health Organization, NANB. Standards for nursing education in New Brunswick, New Brunswick, Nurses Association of New Brunswick, 2005 Standards for licensure and accreditation, 2011, Commission for Academic Accreditation, Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, UAE. International Confederation of Midwives. Global Standards for Midwifery Education, Available at: International Council of Nurses, (2010), Definition of Nursing. UAE Nursing and Midwifery Council 20