More kidney patients in the United Arab Emirates will be receiving specialist care after a new cohort of nurses qualified from a course specially designed to tackle this major healthcare issue.
De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) developed the MSc in Renal Nursing with SEHA Dialysis Services and Fresenius Medical Care to tackle the growing need for specialist care for those patients with chronic kidney disease in Abu Dhabi.
In Abu Dhabi, the number of people under 30 who need dialysis treatment is 10 times that of the UK and 20% of the population have diabetes and 14% are pre-diabetic, a key factor in the development of renal disease.
Nine nurses from Abu Dhabi flew to Leicester to collect their degrees after 18 months of hard work combining their day jobs as nurses, family life and study. Zainab Qasim Abi Raideh, Samaher Alkharabsheh, Marie Joy Bautista, Azhar Chaker, Katheryn Grace Jamilano, Maryam Mohammed, Charlyn Nambatac, Eyad Suleiman, Annie Liza Yson travelled the 7,100 kilometres to celebrate their degrees at DMU.
Professor Marie Richards, programme leader of the course said “ This is only the second cohort to graduate since the course began in 2014.” “These nurses are so inspirational, they make a huge difference. These have been absolutely outstanding results and I know they are going to be the future nurse leaders in renal care.”
“It is a real problem in Abu Dhabi. 20 per cent of population is diabetic which is a major factor in developing chronic kidney disease.”
The course has helped to raise the profile of nursing as well as improve patient care. It is also leading to better outcomes for those with the condition. Studies show that better nurse education leads to a fall in mortality.
Zainab said: “It was 24-hour busy! We have to manage work and study and for me kids as well. We are happy that we have finished this successfully after 18 months. It is an excellent achievement. We can draw on evidence-based practice to improve care.”
Charlyn said that studying had given them more confidence in their practice. She said: “We can deliver excellent quality care to our renal patients.”
“We have been empowered by our leader Professor Marie and we are very proud of ourselves.” added Katheryn.
Posted on Friday 11 August 2017