Career Advising

Gulf Medical University > College of Nursing > Career Advising

AY 2023-24

Specializations and Career tracks in Nursing

Introduction

As Students pursue their Nursing Education, and are exposed to various specializations in Nursing, especially when they near the end of their student period, numerous queries about their future will loom large in their minds. Keeping this in view, the College of Nursing planned a session on specializations and career tracks in nursing. The aim was to provide comprehensive insights into various nursing roles, educational pathways, and career opportunities, helping students align their interests and strengths with the right specialization for a fulfilling and successful nursing career. Ms. Mariam Mohammed Rashid AlBlooshi who is the Nursing Director of Dubai Health was invited to speak on this topic as it was perceived that she will be able to provide valuable insight to the students with her experience and due to the virtue of her position as a Leader.

Session Objectives

Identify Personal Interests and Strengths
Explore Specialization Options
Understand Educational Requirements for different specializations.
Gain Insight into Career Prospects
Develop a Personalized Career Plan

Description of the Career Advising Session

The session started with Ms. Mariam asking questions to students the reason for choosing Nursing. After she collected the responses of the students, she started the topic by sharing her experience. After the brief foray into the topic, Ms. Mariam, opened the floor for an open discussion, as she wanted to learn the interest of the students and to answer the queries that the students had. This gave an opportunity to the students to clear their personal doubts and to get information from Ms. Mariam. The students were active in asking questions on a wide variety of areas, and one student even asked Ms. Mariam to share her own experiences as a new nurse. This helped students gain insight into what they could expect as they step into their own careers.

Discussion and Reflection

The career advising session was one of great interest and relevance to the students.

Students had many questions to the speaker Ms. Mariam, like “My question is Can we specialize in Mental health nursing in UAE”, ‘if you don’t mind telling us about the difficulties that you have been through your journey”.

One student asked about the residency program which Ms. Mariam had shared during the session, for which Ms. Mariam was able to explain the residency program which is in its inception phase and what students can expect in future.

Students expressed interest to have more discussion on the recruitment process, what skills to prepare for, portfolio building etc. as they near the completion of the program. The session was interactive and fruitful.

Conclusion

Ms. Mariam delivered a resounding talk on this very important and felt need of students. She further went on to say that she would like to talk about other topics in future like the recruitment process and how the students should build themselves up during the student period etc. in the coming future.

“Testing gives you a snapshot, Portfolio gives you a movie.” Said Dr. Helen Barrett, international researcher, and consultant.

For students, digital portfolios foster independence while fuelling reflection, creativity, and authentic lifelong learning. To this end, a career advising session on E-portfolio for students of BSN program was conducted on 7^th November 2023 between 3 to 4 pm in LH 4. The primary objective of the career advising session was to guide and educate students of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year on the importance of creating an electronic portfolio (E-portfolio) and to provide them with practical steps on how to develop and utilize it effectively.

The session began promptly at 4:00 PM in LH 4 with Prof. Sherief Khalifa, Vice Chancellor Quality and Institutional Effectiveness and Dean College of Pharmacy addressing the students. He underlined the central role of an E-portfolio in showcasing the students’ best works and achievements throughout their academic journey. Prof. Khalifa highlighted the significance of having a well-organized portfolio as a powerful tool for career development and professional advancement.

Following Prof. Sherief’s introduction, Dr. Ibrahim Elsayed, Director of Quality Assurance & Institutional Effectiveness and Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences took the floor to provide detailed guidance on the step-by-step process of creating an E-portfolio. Dr. Elsayed commenced by explaining the initial steps, starting from the creation of a OneDrive account. He emphasized the importance of using OneDrive for securely storing the students’ work, ensuring accessibility and collaboration.

Dr. Ibrahim then elaborated on the subsequent stages of the process, guiding students on how to access the E-portfolio on the QA and IE portal. He demonstrated the process of uploading relevant evidence, which may include reports, reflection notes, videos showcasing the students’ academic and extracurricular accomplishments.

Interactive Student Engagement:

During the session, Dr. Ibrahim Elsayed’s detailed explanation and hands-on demonstration resonated well with the students. His clarity and expertise in illustrating the process of uploading students’ work onto the portfolio, along with the communication channels to mentors, were particularly appreciated. Students expressed satisfaction with Dr. Ibrahim’s understanding of the process, which contributed to a positive and constructive learning atmosphere.

The session became highly interactive as students became actively engaged, expressing their curiosity, and seeking clarification on various aspects. Key questions revolved around the materials to be uploaded, guidance on what is deemed suitable, and how students would be informed about these criteria. This level of engagement signaled a genuine interest among students in understanding the practicalities and nuances of the E-portfolio creation process.

Addressing Student Queries:

Prof. Sherief Khalifa, Dr. Ibrahim Elsayed, and Prof. Selva Titus Chacko played a pivotal role in addressing the raised queries. Prof. Selva Titus clarified that the E-portfolio mapping had already been done, and semester coordinators, along with faculty members, would guide students on the courses and materials suitable for uploading under various competencies. Prof. Sherief emphasized the importance of showcasing not just theoretical knowledge but also the practical skills acquired during their academic journey.

The collaborative effort of the speakers ensured that students received comprehensive answers to their queries, fostering a deeper understanding of the E-portfolio process. The faculty’s commitment to guiding students through the intricacies of this initiative was evident, reassuring students about the support they can expect throughout the process.

Student Interest:

By the end of the session, students expressed wholehearted interest in initiating their E-portfolios. Understanding the link between the E-portfolio and their future professional career pathway, students left the session with a sense of purpose and enthusiasm to showcase their academic achievements and competencies.

Concluding Remarks:

The session concluded with Dean Prof. Selva Titus Chacko extending gratitude to Prof. Sherief Khalifa and Dr. Ibrahim Elsayed for their valuable time and expertise in conducting the session. The collaborative effort between the speakers, faculty, and students marked a successful beginning to the E-portfolio initiative within the BSN program. This session laid a strong foundation for 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd year students to embark on their E-portfolio journey with confidence and a clear understanding of its significance in shaping their professional identity.

AY 2022-23

AI Textbook: Empowering your Study With AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the buzzword, what everyone is talking about. And as with any new information or idea, it is always better to know the do’s and don’ts, the pros and cons to be safe users such as AI. Also, the students should realize the potential and how the Artificial Intelligence(AI) tools can be used for their betterment.

A career advising session for all BSN students at College of Nursing was organized on 18.4.2023, Tuesday 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm and 25.4.2023, Tuesday 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm in 2 sessions. A total of 100 students attended the session.

The session was made lively by the presenter Dr. Lubna Mahmoud Abed Abdel Jawad, with her bubbly personality and obvious passion for the topic.

A brief introduction to ‘Artificial Intelligence’(AI) and what it means was provided. Then Dr. Lubna went on to explain about the various AI tools the students could use and how the tools could be incorporated into their study life. She went on to demonstrate the relevance of an AI tool ‘figure1’, which medical students could use due to its versatility.

Dr. Lubna demonstrated how the various tools could be used and how it could enhance the students’ learning experience.

Since the students have had their own personal exposure to AI Chat GPT, the session was quite interactive. The students had doubts and queries about their assignments, and how to log in and use Chat GPT. Students were sensitized to the various other tools and their multiple questions were clarified.

Dr. Lubna also explained the legal and ethical aspects of using AI tools emphasizing on the safe use of the tools.

The students gave positive feedback stating that they found the session interesting and wanted similar sessions in the future.

AY 2021-22

Career Advising Session Etiquette and Decorum for Students

Answering to the need of the time, a career advising session was arranged for all the BSN students of College of Nursing.

To deliver the topic on ‘Etiquette and Decorum for Students’ an apt speaker, Ms. Burcu Aydin, Director of Student Affairs, GMU was invited.

The College of Nursing planned for a blended mode of delivery. Ms. Burcu met the first-year students in the class room, while students of II, and III year joined online along with faculty members in their respective classrooms. This ensured maximum participation from the students, and also increased the interaction.

Students’ involvement was ensured with questions and activities throughout the session.

Approximately 100 students attended the session on campus.

The session commenced with Ms. Burcu focusing on Professionalism and why it is important for Nursing students as Health care professionals.

She further specified the rules and regulations for a student in the University and the etiquettes which is expected from them at GMU. She also highlighted some of the common problems the Student Affairs Department deals on a regular basis. She encouraged the students to clarify any points discussed in her power point presentation. Ms. Burcu explained about the consequences of those who are found cheating during examinations, bullying, being disrespectful to faculty, damaging property, sexual harassment, behaving recklessly etc.

She informed the students about the stages of handling student misbehavior based on the severity of the misdemeanor, which starts with a disciplinary action committee dealing with any issue which is escalated to the University administration resulting with a verbal warning, secondly written warning, and finally serious action of suspension to dismissal from the University.

Ms. Burcu emphasized about honors list, and explained that at the time of graduation, the list of students is also cross verified to see if there has been any disciplinary action even an warning issue to him/her, which automatically makes them ineligible to be included in the honors list.

She urged the students to think before acting, reiterating that getting into trouble is not worth risking one’s own reputation, studies, career and future for a minute of momentary satisfaction.

The session ended with students asking for clarification about what may be considered as misbehavior or misdemeanor, and Ms. Burcu clarified their doubts. The students were encouraged to express their concerns with regards to any rules; one student expressed that he doesn’t think mandatory attendance is necessary for a Nursing student. Ms. Burcu explained that knowledge is acquired from classroom and from clinical sites and for a student to be a good healthcare professional and it was absolutely mandatory.

The session underlined the fact that the students have to maintain decorum be it in speech, dress code or behavior while they are in the university and in the clinical training sites.

Report on Career Advising Session for BSN Students

Understanding the need of the students, when they are placed in the clinical postings, so that they get the best out of clinical experience, the topic – Shadowing-Getting the best out of Clinical Experience by an apt speaker Ms. Al Khansa was organized on 12^th Dec 2021 using Google meet platform for all the BSN students. Ms. Al Khansa working as a Clinical Resource Nurse and New Nurse graduate coordinator in Saqr Hospital, UAE, RAK drew from her experience as a staff and as a resource nurse to explain to the students regarding Shadowing and its importance in clinical learning. Due to her invaluable insights students were able to learn and appreciate and understand how to enrich their own clinical experiences.

It was a highly interactive session, as the students asked many questions. Ms. Alkhaza explained form her own experiences both as a staff, and a new graduate orientee. She illustrated to the students regarding various situations where shadowing proved beneficial for the students.

A question answer session at the end allowed students to clarify their doubts.

Feedback of the session was also collected from all BSN students, where the student’s expressed satisfaction with the topic selection and speaker.

The survey was conducted online. 74 students responded to the survey

Emergency Nursing was a topic of interest among many students. Keeping this interest in mind, CON, invited Dr. Prema C Noronha who is working is the USA as Nurse Practitioner and who has extensive experience in emergency nursing to deliver a session on Career advising on 17^th March 2022 to all BSN students.

This was a very interesting session for the students. Students of 3^rd and 4^th year have Emergency and trauma nursing in their curriculum, and 1^st and 2^nd year students have had exposure to Emergency department, due to this reason, a multitude of questions were raised by the students.

Dr. Prema explained about the various situations that she has faced working as an Emergency nurse, and then as a team leader. She included pictures of her workplace after a trauma. She explained about the complexity of dealing with patients with multiple trauma, dealing with quick turnover, she emphasized team work, and collaboration.

The survey was conducted online. 75 students responded to the survey.

Students often express that exam is a time of stress and tension for them. To address this concern, a career advising session on how to face exams with ease was conducted. Dr. Elizabeth Jean Abraham, who has plenty of experience, including experience in GMU was invited to deliver the session. Her experience with students and exams, including the students of UAE, in particular students of GMU made her an invaluable asset in this regard.

During the session, she spoke about not only facing theory exams, but also OSCE and DOCEE which the students found to be very informative and helpful. Students from all years asked various questions.

100% students agreed that the session was relevant & had an impact to their practice and their career choice, agreed that it was interactive, and would like to have more sessions by the same speaker.

AY 2020-21

Career Advising Session: Spring 2021

2nd Session: Your CV is your Calling Card

New nursing graduates and student nurses of the final year often find themselves asking, “What next?” As they slowly unfurl their wings and learn to take baby steps the reality of a whole new career world opens up in front of them, bringing in fears and challenges.

In today’s era, any student is flooded with information overload, whether it is CV writing or facing interviews. Students are self-reliant in preparing their own resumes and preparing themselves to showcase themselves. However, the accuracy of their information may be questionable. And how do they ensure that their efforts are broadcasted in the best possible light.

This being a felt need, College of Nursing, organized a career advising session for the new graduates and senior students. With a tag line of “Your CV is your Calling Card”, the students were made to realize and appreciate the importance and impact of this career advising session.

Ms. Mary Ann Washington graciously accepted to present on, ‘CV Writing, Networking Etiquette, and Interview preparation’ – all hot topics for the young nurses stepping out on their career paths. The session was planned on 27^th July, 2021 at 10:00 am on Google meet.

Dean Prof. Selva Titus Chacko introduced the speaker who was currently in India. During the introduction it was evident from her experience and background, why Ms. Mary Ann Washington, was the apt choice for delivering the topic.

Dynamic slide show, and graceful presentation by Ms. Mary Ann Washington captivated the audience right from the first slide. It is a silent testimony to the success of the program that the audience numbers were steady till the very end of the session.

Students when encouraged to ask questions, had very pertinent questions, like how to show experience when you didn’t have any as a new graduate, whom to keep as referees and such like – indicating that the session was well attended by all.

The session continued till 11;15 am, with Prof. Selva also joining in with her expert comments and insights.

The session concluded with a warm vote of thanks by Dean and faculty.

1st Session: Professionalism in Nursing

College of Nursing understands that providing appropriate resources and strategies are necessary to steer the students in the right direction as they advance through their academics.

Often times, career advising is provided on the different paths that are available for the students, and how the students can achieve their goals, once it is set. Career advisors illuminate the various opportunities available for a new graduate.

Understanding the need of the time, the first career advising session of 2021 was innovatively planned to be on Professionalism in Nursing. In the times when the world is in the grips of COVID19 pandemic, and healthcare workers are struggling to maintain their grip on the surging numbers testing their resilience and experience, it becomes necessary for nurses to take a pause and take stock of their own guiding principles.

Dr. Leah Macaden, Senior Lecturer & Senior Fellow (UK Higher Education Academy) very graciously accepted the request to address our nursing students on this very dynamic topic. On 22^nd February 2021 at 3:30 pm, all the students and faculty of College of Nursing were prompt in being present online, for the career advising session.

Ms. Sija Binoy was the host for the session. Dean Dr. Selva Titus Chacko introduced the speaker who was joining us from Scotland, and gave a brief overview of the topic of discussion.

From her opening remarks, Dr. Leah Macaden intrigued and ignited the enthusiasm of the young listeners. The students listened in rapt attention as Dr. Macaden gave live examples, and played videos to explain about the various ways that a nurse uses professionalism in Nursing.

The question-answer session was buzzing with activity, as students vied with each other for an opportunity to ask questions. Students asked very intelligent, thought-provoking and pertinent questions like, “How do we know where to draw the line in our interactions with patients?”, “Why is so much importance placed on professionalism?” and “Will acquiring higher qualification, help in upgrading one’s professionalism? etc.” Dr. Macaden enjoyed the questions and answered them with poise and conviction. The question answer session was very interactive & lively, that it had to be extended for 15 minutes to accommodate maximum questions to be answered by the speaker. Students also gave a very positive feedback that the session provided them with an insight on how a nurse must think & act, not only when she is with patients, but also outside her workplace, and that professional integrity gets translated into personal integrity.

Career Advising Session: Fall 2020

2nd Session: Scope of Nursing Practice in UAE

Advising is a form of teaching and all effective teaching begins with the identification of student learning outcomes. Helping a student clarify and set career goals becomes a paramount task in the academic advising process. Knowing when to give information, and understanding what kind and how much information is needed, requires expertise and attention from an advisor. Students often lack awareness of the relevance and impact of career decisions of their future.

The second career advising session was organized for freshman, middleman and final year students on 24^th December, 2020. A renowned and dignified person of MOHAP, UAE had accepted the invitation and conducted a very informative and fruitful session.

Dr. Fatima Ahmed Haroon Al Balooshi (Speaker) was introduced by Prof. Selva Titus Chacko, Dean of the College of Nursing. Dr. Fatima is the Head of Planning Sector/Nursing Expert in Ministry of Health & Prevention, Dubai, UAE. She has contributed immensely in all the professional advancement activities as well as in adoption of innovative strategies for enhancing the role of Nursing in UAE. Her wide experience in the area of School Health services, Diabetes and First aid has helped in taking up bigger tasks and responsibilities in MOHAP.

Dr. Fatima in the beginning explained the wide Scope of nursing practice in UAE. The changing role of nurses at National level was also presented in a simple way to the degree of comprehension of undergraduate students. The speaker expressed the need for promoting Competency-based Nursing education to achieve these goals. Furthermore, she also discussed the competency standards which a graduate must possess after completion of her/his BSN program. She emphasized the vital role of nurses in the current Pandemic situation. The event concluded with a very lively interactive session where the students asked many pertinent questions with regards to procuring licensure, opportunities of pursing higher education, privileges and their scope of various levels of Nursing practice in UAE. She discussed the job responsibilities, privileges and benefits of working in clinical and community set up. At the end of the session, Prof. Selva Titus Chacko thanked the speaker for sparing her valuable time from the busy schedule in sharing and interacting with the students. Feedback of the session was also collected from all the BSN students.

1st Session: Career Pathways in Nursing

Nursing is a versatile career. Nurses are the most prodigious human resource in healthcare. A career is a lifelong commitment to a job or line of work. It starts from the client’s birth and continues throughout their life span. As a nurse, it is important to carry the attributes of being caring, compassionate, understanding, non judgmental, realistic, open-minded, honest and ethically right.

Nursing students can explore the incredibly diverse array of nursing options through various platforms. The career advising session helps to navigate the possibilities and literally steer the career in the right direction. It is important to create a pathway so that the freshman, middle and senior level nursing students carve a future for themselves in nursing.

Keeping this thought in mind, career advising session was organized for all of the BSN students. An eminent and renowned speaker, Dr. Sailaxmi Gandhi, Add. Professor and Head of the Department, NIMHANS, Bangalore, India accepted the invitation and conducted a very fruitful session. The speaker in the introduction portion began with definition of nursing and the known roles of nurses. In the changing healthcare system, the role of registered nurses has become distinguishable from other health care providers. To add on to the information, the speaker elaborated on the expanded and extended role of nurses. The event concluded with case vignettes and interactive session, which provided an opportunity to determine the comprehension of the topic by the students. Feedback of the session was also collected from all BSN students.