A plan is under way to establish graduate master studies in nursing in Bahrain

The workshop at the MUB's Seef District campus, was organized by Professor Batool Al Mohandis, Director, School of Nursing and reviewed the progress of academic plans at the MUB.

It also served as a springboard for the initiation of potential new programmes and activities within the nursing field, with important input being provided from Dublin.

The event was attended by 25 senior nurse managers from the BDF Hospital, the Ministry of Health, the College of Health Sciences and private hospitals, representing all the major health facilities in Bahrain.

"The meeting helped strengthen the links between all these important institutions and government bodies, all of whom stand to benefit from the programmes offered by the MUB. They were given an overview of the MUB's current and future plans, and all the stakeholders were able to exchange views and let us know what their needs are," said Al Mohandis.

"We are also fortunate to have Prof. Cowman's participation in our workshop. He provided us with valuable advise, helping all the parties to reach a consensus on establishing graduate studies in the Kingdom, and adopting a model for student clinical preceptor ship initiative."

Prof. Cowman's participation comes following a joint consultation and partnership established between the MUB's School of Nursing and the RCSI in Dublin.

Experts from RCSI will be visiting the MUB regularly to help strengthen the School of Nursing's academic programmes and to help guide its future direction. The School is one of the MUB's newest initiatives, having only been established in October this year. It is headed by Ms Al Mohandis, who came to the MUB after years of experience in the field as a nurse and as head of Bahrain's largest nursing college.

"We plan to hold these brainstorming sessions regularly to get a feel for the requirements of this important sector and develop our services accordingly. The School of Nursing aims to raise the standard of the profession and help to reduce any shortages of nurses in the Bahrain and the region's health sectors."