Experts told Al-Youm: Saudi nursing is the heart of the health system and a partner in national transformation

Leaders and experts in the health sector confirmed that nursing staff The Saudi has become one of the most important pillars of the health system today, after his role has gone beyond the traditional concept of direct care to leadership, specialized and research roles that contribute to health decision-making, improving the quality of services and raising the efficiency of health care, in conjunction with the great transformation that the health sector is witnessing within the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
In their interview with “Al-Youm” on the occasion of International Nurses Day, they explained that nurses face increasing psychological and physical challenges as a result of work pressure, long shift hours, and daily dealings with critical cases, stressing the importance of supporting mental health, improving the work environment, and providing financial incentives and clear career paths to retain national competencies and sustain their contributions.

Nursing is a partner in healthcare decision-making

Dr. Badriya Al-Shehri, Associate Executive Director of Nursing at Riyadh Health Cluster One, affirmed that the nursing profession has become a key partner in health decision- and leading development projects within health institutions, noting that the nursing staff today participates in the areas of quality, patient safety, risk management, health transformation, education and scientific research, in addition to its pivotal role in improving the patient experience and working within multidisciplinary teams.

She added that the healthcare transformation in the Kingdom has contributed to expanding the roles of nurses and empowering national talent. However, the nature of the work still presents significant psychological and human challenges, as nurses experience daily situations related to pain, illness, and loss, while simultaneously being expected to be a source of support and reassurance for patients and their families.
She explained that the pressures of long hours and continuous interaction with critical cases can leave deep psychological scars on healthcare practitioners, necessitating the strengthening of psychological support programs and the improvement of the work environment.
Al-Shehri emphasized the importance of continuous investment in training, development, and specialized fields, and empowering nurses to participate more fully in strategic decisions. She stressed that nurses need a supportive work environment that provides them with appreciation, confidence, and a balance between their professional and personal lives.
She also called for enhancing the attractiveness of the profession by highlighting successful national role models and investing in education and innovation, affirming that nursing remains one of the professions most closely associated with human values, compassion, and responsibility.

Humanity is the essence of the nursing profession

Dr. Nasreen Mohammed Al-Ghamdi, Assistant Professor at the College of Nursing at King Abdulaziz University, affirmed that nursing combines scientific and humanitarian dimensions and cannot be separated from its profound humanitarian mission. She explained that nurses stand by patients, defending their rights and dignity, before any administrative, academic, or research role. She added that nurses represent the patient's true voice and make a difference by paying attention to the small details that provide comfort and reassurance.

Al-Ghamdi recalled her previous experience in intensive care units, explaining that the most impactful moments of her career were related to meticulous patient care, such as attending to their personal appearance, moisturizing their skin, arranging their beds, and ensuring their comfort despite their immobility or being in a coma. She emphasized that preserving human dignity in the most critical health conditions is the essence of true nursing.
She added that Saudi nursing continues to develop at an accelerated pace, supported by an ambitious national vision and advanced educational programs aimed at preparing qualified national cadres capable of keeping pace with modern developments in the healthcare sector.
She pointed out that the true value of the profession lies in giving and paying attention to details that enhance the patient's experience, stressing that nurses deserve all appreciation for their sacrifices and humanity in facing daily challenges.

Incentives protect national talent

Hanan Al-Fahad, a pediatric cardiac intensive care nurse, explained that nursing staff are the cornerstone of the healthcare system, serving as the link between the patient and the medical team. Their responsibility is to provide comprehensive care that ensures patient safety and improves their quality of life. She noted that the nursing profession has witnessed significant development in recent years, with nurses' roles expanding to include leadership, case management, scientific research, and health education.

She emphasized that work pressures, long shifts, and constant handling of critical cases pose significant psychological and physical challenges for nursing staff, necessitating sustained support to ensure the stability of healthcare practitioners and their continued dedication. She added that nursing staff aspire to a more stable work environment with clear opportunities for professional development, continuing education, and specialized training.
Al-Fahad stressed that inadequate financial compensation compared to the scale of their effort and responsibility presents a genuine challenge that could drive some national talents to leave the profession. She affirmed that improving salaries and incentives has become essential to retain national talent and enhance the stability of the healthcare sector. She also called for highlighting the role of nurses in the media and society and changing the stereotypical image of the profession, emphasizing that nurses are the lifeblood of the healthcare sector and that their daily efforts make a real difference in the lives of patients and the community.

Job burnout threatens practitioners

Dr. Rana bint Ali Al-Amri, Assistant Professor of Critical Care Nursing, stated that nurses are the closest and most frequent contacts with patients around the clock, contributing directly to healthcare delivery, education, and enhancing patient safety. She explained that the nursing profession has evolved to include leadership, research, and educational roles, and that nurses now play an active role in managing healthcare teams and participating in the development of health policies.

She pointed out that recent studies have shown a clear link between sleep disorders and increased anxiety and burnout among nurses, particularly in critical care settings and shift work, which negatively impacts their mental health and professional performance. She emphasized the importance of providing psychological support programs, improving the work environment, and implementing strategies to help achieve work-life balance.
Al-Amri added that nursing staff aspire to more career development opportunities, support for specialized training, improved work environments, and enhanced participation in healthcare decision-making, in addition to receiving psychological and social support. She also stressed the importance of highlighting outstanding national role models and promoting a positive image of the profession to contribute to retaining national talent and achieving the goals of the healthcare transformation in the Kingdom.

Empowerment enhances the quality of care

Abdulmohsen Al-Zahrani, Executive Director of Nursing at King Saud Medical City, affirmed that the nursing staff represents the first and closest line of defense to the patient, noting that the profession has witnessed great development and now includes advanced specialized and leadership fields in critical care, quality, patient safety, digital transformation, education and training.

He explained that the healthcare transformation within the Kingdom's Vision 2030 has significantly contributed to empowering nursing staff and enhancing their efficiency through the development of specialized programs and strengthening the role of nursing in leading healthcare change and improving the patient experience. He added that nurses face daily challenges related to work pressure, high responsibility, and making rapid decisions that may affect patients' lives, requiring continuous professional and psychological support.
Al-Zahrani pointed out that the nursing sector aspires to more opportunities for professional and specialized development and enhanced leadership empowerment pathways, in addition to providing stimulating work environments that support innovation and maintain the quality of working life, while also enhancing the moral and material appreciation of nursing staff.
He also stressed the importance of highlighting national success stories and supporting scholarships and specialized training to attract young men and women to the profession. He concluded by emphasizing that nursing is not just a job, but a noble humanitarian mission based on compassion, giving, and dedication, and that Saudi nursing staff have become a shining example that keeps pace with the best global practices.