The implications of nursing degree education for future workforce planning in Saudi Arabia : a case study

Health system reconfiguration in Saudi Arabia as a response to changing demographics and related health needs is an important and timely driver for the development of nurse education, specifically, the introduction of degree education as a basic requirement for nursing practice. The Saudi government is trying to meet international standards by implementing a change to nurse education by making it an all degree profession. However, as a result, there are many challenges that still need addressing. Utilising a qualitative case study approach, documentary analysis was undertaken and semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty-five key stakeholders in order to critically assess the actual implications of a nursing degree as the baseline criteria for and to enter nursing practice. The formal and informal documentary analysis indicated that there was a clear lack of involvement from nurses in the consultation process prior to implementing the degree education policy. However, the interviews conducted with nursing staff (at a macro, meso and micro level) indicated general agreement that a Bachelor degree in nursing would further support the knowledge and communication requirements for improving the quality of nursing practice. Factors affecting degree attainment included a personal commitment/passion for self-improvement, private versus government institutions, the quality of programmes of education and financial issues. Data indicated the increased knowledge base gained through degree education, supported a growth in confidence, decreased absenteeism, enhanced nursing skills and responsibilities, and gave opportunity for advancement. More importantly, such benefits increased the quality of nursing practice and patient safety outcomes. Recommendations based on the findings of this study, highlight the importance of a process of consultation between governmental bodies and relevant nursing staff, who are affected by future policy changes. The need for a national curriculum, and a differentiation of nursing job descriptions, based on the education level attained, together with improved clinical supervision for nurses in practice