Qatar University (QU)'s College of Nursing (CoN) is thrilled to announce the commencement of clinical training courses for its second-year nursing students, made possible through a strategic partnership with Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC). This collaboration, an integral component of QU Health, marks a momentous leap forward in healthcare education and underscores QU’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of healthcare practitioners.

Under the meticulous guidance of Dr. Nabila Al-Meer, Dean of CoN, students have embarked on this pivotal practical journey, fully supported by Dr. Behi Nikaiin, who serves as CoN's clinical training coordinator and is also a clinical lecturer. In addition, Ms. Noof Al-Kuwari, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, has played a pivotal role in preparing students for this critical phase of their nursing education.

Dr. Nikaiin, in her dual role as Clinical Coordinator and Clinical Lecturer, assumes responsibility for the seamless integration of students into their clinical training placements at HMC. Her dedication extends to coordinating efforts between QU Health Clinical Affairs, the CoN Clinical Coordinator, and the students themselves, ensuring meticulous preparations are in place to optimize the students' learning experience.

Dr. Nikaiin expressed her gratitude, stating, “For their inaugural clinical course, our students have been placed at HMC. The students and faculty have received a warm welcome from the hospital staff and administration at various facilities. Everyone is enthusiastic about the new nursing program at QU and eager to understand how to support and train our students in the best possible way. When I express gratitude to the nurses for their contributions, they often respond, 'We are training our future colleagues to assist us and our patients; this is our responsibility.'“

She added, “Our students and faculty are privileged to access world-class healthcare facilities, cutting-edge equipment, and technology. More importantly, they receive unwavering support from all levels of hospital staff, from bedside nurses to executive teams. We extend our heartfelt thanks to HMC, a key stakeholder in QU's College of Nursing, for their invaluable contribution in strengthening nursing capacity in Qatar.”

Students, such as Ms. Bayan Awadallah, have shared their experiences, noting, “During this clinical experience, I had the opportunity to observe actual patients and apply the theoretical knowledge and laboratory skills I had acquired. This experience allowed me to encounter a diverse range of medical cases and immerse myself further in the hospital’s healthcare environment.”

Furthermore, Ms. Asma Elshetihy, reflecting on her lab experience, expressed gratitude, saying, “As a nursing student at QU, I am grateful for the opportunity to take our nursing labs in the Itqan simulation center. The Itqan labs offer high-quality equipment and a true-to-life simulation experience. It is immensely beneficial for students to practice what they learn in theory before embarking on clinical rotations. I extend my sincere thanks to the Itqan simulation center for providing us with this opportunity.”

Dr. Ameneh Toosi, a faculty member, emphasized the significance of the collaboration, stating, “It was incredible to witness the collaboration between a healthcare education and training facility like Itqan and an educational institution, providing the best learning experience for our nursing students. Nursing students can apply their theoretical knowledge to practice on a weekly basis. By participating in the clinical simulation and innovation center, they can gain competence in a safe and lifelike environment before embarking on their clinical practice.”

Ms. Noof Al-Kuwari, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, has been instrumental in providing comprehensive support to students, working collaboratively with QU Health Clinical Affairs and the CoN Clinical Coordinator to ensure students are thoroughly prepared for their clinical training courses.

This partnership with HMC empowers students to apply their classroom knowledge in real clinical settings, equipping them for successful careers in healthcare. Students have the unique opportunity to work alongside seasoned healthcare professionals at HMC, acquiring practical skills while nurturing a profound sense of responsibility and professionalism.

The CoN-HMC collaboration epitomizes QU's commitment to enhancing nursing education and elevating healthcare quality in the region. Through this partnership with HMC, CoN continues to empower future healthcare professionals, enabling them to make a positive and lasting impact on Qatar's healthcare landscape.