The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has introduced the ’Nebras’ initiative, a pioneering program designed to enhance the expertise of Nursing and Midwifery professionals and encourage their involvement in scientific research aligned with National health priorities.
This initiative encompasses a National program providing guidance in Nursing and Midwifery Research. Experts in Research in the Nursing and Midwifery field were invited to apply as mentors. They were selected based on a specific criterion, and attendance and completion of a three-day introductory workshop outlining the program’s requirements and expectations.
Five faculty members from the College of Nursing at GMU were selected as mentors in the ‘Nebras Program’ and attended the Introductory Workshop to familiarize themselves with the Program plan. The workshop, was held between Tuesday, November 14th, to Thursday, November 16th, 2023, at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Dubai, from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm each day.
The selected faculty members include:
- Dr. Veena M Joseph (Assistant Professor – Obstetrics and Gynaecology Nursing)
- Dr. Mary Walton (Assistant Professor – Medical Surgical Nursing)
- Dr. Beryl Juliet Sam (Assistant Professor – Child Health Nursing)
- Dr. Soney Varghese (Assistant Professor – Community Health Nursing)
- Dr. Soma Ibrahim Ali (Assistant Professor – Mental Health Nursing)
The first day commenced with an introduction to the UAE Nursing/Midwifery Research Mentorship Program ‘Nebras’ followed by three sessions focusing on the following themes:
- National & International Directions in Nursing and Midwifery Research.
- Professional Development and Career Advancement.
- Constructive and Transformational Mentorship.
The first day concluded at 4:00 pm with a wrap-up and expectations for Day 2.
Day 2 featured a continuation of the planned themes:
- Fostering Mentee Progress and Independence – Effective Communication and Feedback.
- Fostering Mentee Progress and Independence – Emotional Intelligence.
- Rewards and Challenges of Mentorship.
The day included interactive discussions and various activities for the mentors. At the end of the day, there was a meeting between Mentors and the Steering Committee to discuss expectations and ensure successful implementation of the program.
The third day took place virtually and involved the first meeting between mentors and mentees, scheduled from 11.00 am to 1.00 pm. During this session, participants discussed their research backgrounds, expectations, and ideas for research studies.