USAID and Jordanian Nursing Council launch nursing programme

"My Ambition... Your Ambition?" public awareness campaign was launched on April, 8 2008, under the Patronage of HRH Princess Muna Hussein, as an initiative spearheaded by the Jordanian Nursing Council in cooperation with the United States Agency for International Development, USAID, through the USAID-funded Economic Development Program (SABEQ), to promote the nursing profession and increase the understanding of its concept, benefits and effect on the national economic growth.

Within the activities of the campaign, "What and Why" program was launched in Ma'an governorate.

The program centered on an interactive play that provided in-depth information about the nursing profession.

The Campaign Ambassadors also took part in the interactive theatre by presenting their own experiences.

Lana Dweik, an ER nurse at the University Hospital stated "There is a shortage of female nurses in the workforce; these days new graduates are hired a few days after graduations," she added "the nursing profession offers a diverse range of specializations, flexible working hours and higher pay".

On the other hand, Ikhlas Hamad, an OR nurse at the King Hussein Cancer Center stated "My family originally objected to the idea of being a nurse, until I joined the Royal Medical Services. My family has since become proud of my profession after they reaped the benefits of this noble profession".

The program, which was held at Ma'an Secondary School for Girls, was attended by approximately 240 students from Al Dahieh, Al Iskan, Nusaibah, Khadijah Bint Khouiled, Um Al Hakam and Al Shamieh schools.

Mrs. Sulfa Abu Tayeh, the headmistress of the hosting school, highlighted the importance of such activities in raising the awareness levels stating "There are numerous opportunities available to female students looking to study nursing in the Southern regions, such as scholarships".

One of the attendees from the Ma'an Secondary School for Girls stated "The program helped me to better understand the nature and advantages of the nursing profession. I originally was hesitant to enroll in a nursing program, but now I am seriously considering this choice".

This national campaign seeks to raise awareness regarding the nursing profession among female students and encourage them to pursue nursing by highlighting the increased demand of the Jordanian labor market, represented by the Jordanian Nursing Council, and reflect the true and honorable image of the nursing profession.

The Jordan Nursing Council is a governmental organization with an independent financial and administrative status.

It was established in 2002 by Royal decree and is headed by HRH Princess Muna Al Hussein. The mission of the JNC is to promote the health status of the community through a sound regulatory system that assures quality services and safe practice, with the aim of protecting the pupil and the profession and making a difference while strengthening the nursing services in the country.

The USAID-funded SABEQ Program's mandate focuses on creating job opportunities for Jordanians, in this case the opportunities already exist but the pool of qualified resources is limited.

The USAID-funded Sustainable Achievement of Business Expansion and Quality Program (SABEQ) is a five year broad economic development initiative implemented by BearingPoint, Inc. and a sizeable team of international and Jordanian partner firms.

By both supporting improvements in the business environment and providing assistance to expand innovation and productivity in Jordanian businesses, to support the main objective of building up the private sector as a powerful engine of economic growth.