How can healthcare organisations help experienced nurses adapt to new professional and cultural environments while maintaining safe, person-centred care?
In our latest ETNAblog, “Experienced, but new: What our nurse fellowship has taught me about culture, belonging, and safe care,” Dr Zahra Mohamed A Mohamed, Associate Dean of Nursing Education at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City in Abu Dhabi, reflects on the importance of supporting experienced nurses as they transition into unfamiliar healthcare settings.
Drawing on her experience as Program Director of the hospital’s nine-month Nurse Fellowship Program, Dr Mohamed explores how professional experience does not always translate into immediate confidence within a new organisation. Differences in healthcare systems, communication styles, clinical procedures and cultural expectations can present challenges, even for highly skilled practitioners.
The article highlights the importance of mentorship, psychological safety and recognising the knowledge that internationally educated nurses bring to their roles. It also considers how culturally responsive nursing education can strengthen professional relationships, encourage open communication and contribute to safer patient care.
Dr Mohamed shares insights from a diverse Nursing Education team representing nine nationalities and three faith traditions, demonstrating how cultural diversity creates opportunities for learning while also requiring intentional efforts to foster inclusion and belonging.
At the heart of the article is a powerful message: supporting nurses to feel respected, confident and valued is essential not only for workforce integration but also for delivering compassionate, culturally sensitive care.
Read the full article to explore the lessons learned from the Nurse Fellowship Program and discover how nursing education can help build inclusive healthcare environments.
