The healthcare industry in Dubai is greatly enhanced by the presence of nurses, who are present in a variety of contexts.
A large number of expatriates from different nations work as nurses in Dubai, which improves the quality of healthcare available to residents. Following registration, it becomes the responsibility of the healthcare facility where a medical professional is hired to activate their license. This step, crucial for practice, is stipulated by the regulations of the UAE.
In response to the pandemic, the UAE implemented reforms, granting frontline workers eligibility for the Golden Visa and facilitating residency for up to a decade. Additionally, regulatory bodies like the Ministry of Health and Prevention, supported by entities such as the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi and local health authorities, revised requirements, eliminating the previous mandatory two-year work experience for certain nursing roles. This adjustment aimed to streamline the employment process for nurses.
For expatriates aspiring to become nurses in Dubai, understanding the educational and licensing prerequisites is essential. Different nursing roles entail specific educational criteria. For instance, registered nurses necessitate a bachelor's degree in nursing from accredited institutions, while assistant nurses require a diploma of no less than 18 months. Similarly, nurse practitioners must fulfill rigorous educational requirements, including clinical master's or doctoral degrees in nursing or equivalent qualifications.
Experience prerequisites vary across nursing specialties. The revised regulations in Dubai have removed the previous experience requirements for registered and assistant nurses. However, school nurses must possess two years of relevant experience with specific exposure to pediatrics, ICU, or emergency departments. Nurse practitioners and specialty nurses are mandated to demonstrate post-qualification experience corresponding to their respective roles.
Beyond academic and experiential qualifications, applicants must meet additional criteria. Graduates from recognized national or international institutions are preferred, with accreditation from the UAE's Ministry of Education for those studying domestically. Furthermore, completion of clinical training, typically six months, in an approved healthcare facility is mandatory for certain applicants.
The licensing process, overseen by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), involves several steps, including self-assessment, application submission, and fee payment. Successful completion leads to registration with the Dubai Medical Registry, marking the official recognition of one's nursing qualifications. Subsequently, healthcare facilities where professionals are hired undertake the activation of their licenses, enabling them to practice within Dubai's healthcare system.
