The Second International Nursing Conference “Transforming Nursing Future: Technology, Innovation and Collaboration” was organized by the College of Nursing at Sultan Qaboos University from 5 to 7 February 2018. The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Hilal Ali Al Sabti, Executive President, Oman Medical Specialty Board.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Omar Al Rawajfah, Dean, College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, said that the second International Nursing Conference entitled "Transforming the Future of Nursing through Technology, Innovation and Cooperation aims to provide a scientific platform for knowledge exchange among nurses, educators, and researchers at all levels. “Further, the conference aims to open the horizon of collaboration among nursing clinicians, educators, and researchers across the world”, he said.
The Dean added that the College of Nursing at Sultan Qaboos University has moved into the international recognition since receiving its international accreditation status before more than 2 years ago. “And today, we are adding a new pillar to our recognition by demonstrating our collaboration at the international level. The college is proud to present to you a group of well-recognized international speakers in the area of nursing education, accreditation, technology and innovation, and collaboration”.
Dr. Omar Al Rawajfah said that besides the significant number of registrations by nursing students across the country, the College is proud to present its first group of Master students as presenters in this conference. “Although our Master program is started with one specialty in Adult Acute Care Nursing, we are looking forward to starting other specialties in the near future”.
Dr. Erna Judith Roach, Chair of the Conference Scientific Committee, in her address, said that the conference features 44 oral presentations and 27 for poster presentations under the subthemes of Innovation, Collaboration, Technology, Clinical research and education- based research.
She further said that the conference began with a one-day preconference workshops conducted concurrently on three themes namely “Quality Nursing Education through Program Accreditation”; “Inter-professional education through simulation”; and “Translating theory into clinical practice through evidence based practice”. Delegates from, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, Japan, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Palestine, Philippines, Saudi Arabia and United States of America are attending the three day event.
Dr. Dalal Bashir, Secretary General of the Scientific Society of Arabic Nursing Faculties, in her remarks, mentioned that her organization seeks to encourage research, exchange research outcomes and hold specialized conferences in cooperation with Arab nursing colleges. “Scientific progress in the field of nursing care and practice requires follow-up of research findings and its recommendations in decision-making and the application of nursing skills”, she added.
The first keynote was delivered by Dr. Marion Broome, Dean and Professor the Duke University School of Nursing, the USA on the topic “The future of nursing; technology, education and innovation”. In her presentation, Dr. Broome examined current issues trends and innovation in nursing practice and education. She emphasized new trends in health care in general and nursing education in particular. She focused on nursing students and the innovative teaching approaches that could be implemented to ensure that the next generation of nurses will master more than basic knowledge of patient care.