FUJAIRAH // Pupils have been given a taste of life as a nurse, as Fujairah tries to inspire more to take up the profession amid a critical shortage.
The number of nurses, especially Emiratis, are in decline but demand for health care continues to rise.
“The critical nursing shortage had inspired us last year to come up with an educational programme designed especially for pupils aged between 10 to 15, for six days during their summer break,” said Wagdi Zayed, deputy chief executive of Al Sharq Healthcare Group.
“The programme was a huge success. Residents and pupils appreciated this idea and were looking forward to register again this year.”
It was Al Sharq Hospital’s second Nurse of the Future programme and ended on Sunday, with the pupils given certificates to honour their achievements.
“Private-sector hospitals and other institutions need more Emirati nurses,” said Mr Zayed.
“We intend to spread awareness among pupils to consider entering the profession by explaining the importance of being a nurse, and how would they contribute in helping patients and relieve their pain.
“We also aim to reveal the participants’ humanitarian side and break their fear of the hospital environment.
“This programme is part of our social commitment and responsibility, and we intend to organise another educational programme next year for high school students called Doctor of the Future.”
The programme consisted of useful topics that addressed the pupils’ own health and guided them through the healthcare system.
“We received a huge number of applications on the first day of registration, but unfortunately we couldn’t accept more than 40 participants due to our small training venue,” said Maha Abdalla, the programme’s organiser. “The programme is conducted with the association of the Fujairah Municipality and the Fujairah Civil Defence.
“They conducted the food safety, first aid and safety at home sessions, while the hospital is covering the rest of the sessions such as the medical terminology, normal vital signs, personal hygiene, medicines in the home and more, along with the daily hospital tour visiting the clinical departments.”
The 20 boy and 20 girls were excited to take part in the programme.
“My mother encouraged me to participate in the programme. I feel that it’s part of my personality to help people,” said Asma Al Kindi, 13.
“I learnt a lot from the first-aid session and I enjoyed the hospital tour, and made new friends.”
Hamda Saleh, 10, said: “The sessions are very useful. I now know how to clean and treat wounds, and how to take care of my own health by eating healthy food and playing sports.”
Humaid Al Kaabi, 10, particularly liked the paediatrics department.
“I saw the programme advertisement in the newspaper and I told my mother to let me participate in it,” Humaid said.
“I learnt how to deal with burns and how to do a dressing on a wound. I have a strong heart and am very brave, so I’m not afraid of blood or hospitals.
“After I saw the paediatrics department I decided to be a paediatrician to take care of small children.”
Ahmad Abdullah, 11, said: “I want to be a general physician, treating people for all kinds of diseases. I enjoyed the hospital tours and learned a lot from the sessions.”
newsdesk@thenational.ae