The number of practicing nurses in Saudi Arabia who hold doctorate degrees increased by 30 percent last week when JHU's School of Nursing graduated the first and only cohort of Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare nurses.
The 13 nurses—who graduated Aug. 16 in Dhahran, a coastal city in the Eastern Province—received their Doctorate of Nursing Practice, or DNP, which is a practice-focused degree that prepares students to lead health care innovations and influence health policy.
"Today, you've become a Hopkins nurse, and you are now part of a renowned history and community, based in excellence and compassion," said Patricia Davidson, dean of the School of Nursing and an administrator and professor in the program. "We welcome you, and we are so proud of you."
Image caption: The first and only cohort of Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare nurses graduated with doctorate degrees Wednesday, increasing the number of DNPs in Saudi Arabia by 30 percent.
Image credit: Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare
For two years, the cohort worked toward their degrees, balancing professional duties with academics. They studied at medical facilities belonging to Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, which is a joint venture between Johns Hopkins Medicine and Saudi Aramco, a world leader in energy. The nurses also traveled to the School of Nursing campus in Baltimore for two weeks at a time for clinical training.
"The graduates excelled during the rigorous two-year program. They were challenged to grow and develop academically, professionally, and personally," said Zeina Khouri-Stevens, chief nursing officer for JHAH and a DNP professor. "This program enhanced their clinical and leadership skills, and solidified their role as an essential component in delivering quality healthcare."
Added Ali Rabaan, father of DNP graduate Maisa Rabaan: "The knowledge and skills our daughters have acquired will surely have a positive impact on the quality of health care."
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Tagged nursing
