Salima Somani presented a situational analysis of Nursing Education, Profession and Practice in Bishkek. The presentation was part of Public Lecture Series organized by the University of Central Asia. The presentation was attended by Nurse Educators, Practitioners and Medical Professionals. The lecture was simultaneously translated in Russian/Kyrgyz language as well.
The presentation was based on a situational analysis of nursing education, profession and practice undertaken in Bishkek during 2011. The overall aim of the study was to get an understanding of the healthcare system in Kyrgyzstan, particularly in Bishkek, with a focus on Nursing. The study reviewed various aspects of nursing education, profession and practice and the role of nurses’ in healthcare system including nursing education with a view to identify gaps and make recommendations for the next steps. Based on the observations and findings Salima put forward a number of recommendations as possible next steps.
The findings of the study will be available to inform leaders in the nursing profession, administrators and educators at nursing schools, health and education ministries and policy makers to inform improved planning and implementation of health care and health education policies and programmes. The participants agreed with the assessment and the recommendations, while acknowledging the need to elevate the status of nurses in the country, improve quality of nursing education and provide opportunities for career growth and continuous professional development. (refer: http://www.ucentralasia.org/news.asp?Nid=303)
Salima Somani received her MSc in Nursing from the Aga Khan University-School of Nursing (AKU-SON), with her thesis on “Knowledge, experience, and attitude of oncology nurses towards complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) at tertiary care hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan.” She has also received her BSc in Nursing and RN Diploma in Nursing from AKU-SON. Ms. Somani worked with AKU for over a decade as a faculty member at AKU-SON, and in clinical settings, particularly in critical care, including leadership positions at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH). She is currently associated with the University of Central Asia (UCA) as Resource Person for Nursing Education.
The UCA Public Lecture Series highlights emerging research in and about Central Asia and supports UCA’s scholarly and academic programmes. Coordinated by the UCA Research Programme, the series aims to encourage scholarly discourse at UCA and within the region, raise awareness of existing and emerging scholarship, promote lively discussion, and provide networking opportunities to encourage research partnerships and mentoring relationships. The Series is multi-disciplinary and to-date has included a wide range of topics that speak to UCA’s mission and research priorities, which in turn reflect critical regional issues. (refer: http://www.ucentralasia.org/public_lectures.asp).
Ismailimail 