Overview
Welcome to the Nursing Services Department at the Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Central Region. The department has a diverse and talented workforce of about 4,000 nurses committed to providing exemplary care in a quaternary hospital with all specialties and affiliated with a world-renowned academic research facility.
The department is governed by the Nursing Governance and Accountability Board and functions autonomously to maintain professional nursing standards and scope of practice while collaborating with Medical and Allied Health leaders in developing program-specific strategies, goals, policies, and standards of care.
The Nursing Governance and Accountability Board drives Nursing Services strategy, sets standards of nursing care, and monitors and actions data pertinent to nursing-sensitive components of care delivery, operational efficiency, patient satisfaction, Nursing Saudization, and staff recruitment and retention. Sub-committees are established that include frontline clinical bedside experts.
At an organizational level, the Associate Executive Director for Nursing Services is a member of the Central Region Executive Management Committee. Directors of Clinical Nursing collaborate formally and informally with their affiliated Medical Chairmen and Heads of Service to align Nursing Services with the direction and vision of Medical Services and MNGHA.
Nursing Services is committed to delivering safe, effective, and compassionate nursing care. At the unit level, Nurse Managers, Clinical Resource Nurses, and Staff Nurses collaborate directly with patients, families, the healthcare team, and support staff to deliver integrated care based on each patient’s individualized treatment plan. Patient care is supported by an enhanced digital platform, including our clinical information system and automated systems such as Closed Loop Medication Administration (CLMA), Closed Loop Specimen Collection (CLSC), and Closed Loop Blood Transfusion (CLBT).
Nursing Clinical Teaching Units support the clinical placement requirements of King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University’s College of Nursing BSN curriculum. In collaboration with the Post Graduate Training Center, the Center for Nursing Education provides opportunities for learning and professional development to ensure the nursing workforce remains highly skilled and knowledgeable. The Nursing Services have been accredited by the Saudi Commission for Healthcare Specialties (SCHCS) to run Diploma Programs in Cardiac, Oncology, Emergency, Neonatal, and Critical Care.
Recruitment and retention of competent nursing personnel is a crucial focus for Nursing Services and the Central Region due to the complexity of services and ongoing expansions. To meet this goal, strategies have been developed to maximize and expedite Saudization, while also retaining expatriate staff to fulfill operational needs. These strategies are implemented in collaboration with departments including International and Local Recruitment Services, Post Graduate Education, Administrative Affairs, Scholarships Office, Employee Relations, and King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences.
Leadership
Nabiha Taskandi
Associate Executive Director, Nursing Services
Clinical Departments
- Ambulatory Care Services and Hemodialysis
- Cardiac Nursing Services
- Critical Care Service
- Emergency Care Services
- Medical Care Services
- Neonatal Care Services
- Obstetrical Care Services
- Protocol Care Services
- Surgical Care Services
- Standards of Care Services
- Central Sterilization Supply Department
Mission,Vision and Values
Nursing Services Mission
The patient and family are our central focus. Nursing Services commits to effective and efficient utilization of resources in achieving optimal patient outcomes through the provision of:
- Patient and Family Advocacy.
- Patient-friendly processes.
- Competent professional and support staff.
- A Partnership with Medical and Non-Medical services in healthcare delivery.
- Safe, quality nursing care.
- An environment that promotes and maintains individual well-being and safety.
Vision
Every nurse is inspired and committed to deliver excellent nursing care that makes a positive impact on the lives of patients and families.
Values
Collaboration and Teamwork
Statement: We expand partnerships with our patients, families and multidisciplinary colleagues to achieve excellence.
Explanation:
- Actively seek out, listen and act on patient and family feedback.
- Identify any themes or issues and ensure the patient’s voice is heard.
Accountability for Safety and Satisfaction
Statement: We safeguard quality patient care outcomes and the standards of the profession by empowering nurses to create an exceptional patient experience.
Explanation:
- Use evidence-based practices, boost learning and promote consistency in care.
- Uphold and maintain respect and dignity in a multicultural health care setting.
Respect, Dignity and Compassion
Statement: We treat everyone fairly, courteously and with kindness.
Explanation: Build caring relationships with patients, families and colleagues to motivate us to go above and beyond, striving for excellence.
Exemplary Care
Statement: We are inspired by innovation and through unwavering commitment, provide exemplary care.
Explanation:
- Encourage creative and innovative thinking that will enhance patient care and experience.
- Adhere to standards of excellence.
Goals
Patient and Family Centered Care
- Nursing care is centered on the patient and family needs, underscored by care and compassion.
- Patients receive safe, quality care consistent with evidence-based standards.
- Patient advocacy is at the heart of nursing care and related processes and procedures.
- Creative and innovative thinking that will enhance patient care and experience is encouraged.
Leadership
- Systems and processes are developed from a patient perspective, focusing on the patient experience and improved care outcomes.
- Nursing Services leadership and management drive and support patient-centered, quality, safe and cost-effective care.
- Nursing Services leadership and management promote staff retention initiatives.
- Just Culture principles are utilized to address adverse and near miss events and practice reviews.
- Cultural diversity is recognized as strength.
Saudization
- Implement processes, procedures and structured career development opportunities to support the successful appointment of Saudi Nurses into key Nursing Services positions.
- Integrate Saudi Nurses as part of the health care team in all levels of Nursing Services.
- Promote the profession of Nursing within Saudi Arabia and internationally.
Professional Development
- Provide post graduate diploma programs as accredited by the Saudi Council for Health Specialties.
- Provide courses as accredited by the Allied Health Training Academy.
- Provide post graduate short programs that are internationally accredited.
- In collaboration with the PGTC, provide courses that will enhance nursing skills and knowledge.
- Provide professional development opportunities aligned with operational and NGHA strategic goals focused on becoming an international center of excellence.
- Promote a culture of continuous learning and professional growth and development.
Research
- Scientific enquiry guides the practice of all Nursing Services staff.
- Contribute to the regional and international body of research and knowledge.
Quality Improvement
- Transparency and openness underpin quality improvement initiatives with a Just Culture.
- Joint Commission International and CBAHI Standards along with Nursing Sensitive Quality Indicators, form the basis for nursing-specific quality improvement initiatives.
- Active participation in all NGHA and Central Region Quality and Safety initiatives.
- Front line staff demonstrate awareness of risky behaviors and practices.
- Front line staff feel empowered to change practices at the point of care.
- Front line staff feel protected to challenge situations that impact negatively on safety or quality.
- Nursing Services leaders and managers are competent in the utilization of Healthcare Quality and Safety principles, processes, and tools.
Quality and Patient Safety
Nursing Services, made up of nursing and non-nursing personnel, are a sizeable multifaceted component of healthcare delivery. Its approach to quality and patient safety must reflect the complexity of its interactions in the processes impacting the delivery of safe, quality patient care.
Intention
To utilize a host of principles like collaboration, decentralization, participatory management, Six Sigma, project management, and best practices to improve the safety and quality of patient care.
Strategy
To involve all levels of staff within Nursing Services in activities related to patient safety and quality of care and align these activities with the NGHA Mission and Central Region Quality Plan through:
- Integrating Nursing Services quality and safety initiatives into the MNGHA and Central Region Quality Framework and Quality Plan.
- Monitoring sensitive nursing components of healthcare delivery.
- Addressing sensitive nursing components of healthcare delivery that are negatively affecting patient outcomes.
- Embedding a Patient Safety Culture within Nursing Services, including a Just Culture approach to reporting and following up on errors and near misses.
Objectives
- Transparency and openness underpin quality improvement initiatives with a Just Culture.
- Joint Commission International Standards and Patient Safety Goals, along with Nursing Sensitive Quality Indicators, form the basis for nursing-specific quality improvement initiatives.
- Participating in all of the MNGHA and Central Region Quality and Safety initiatives.
- Front line staff demonstrate awareness of risky behaviors and practices.
- Front line staff feel empowered to change practices at the point of care.
- Front line staff feel protected to challenge situations that negatively impact safety or quality.
- Nursing Services leaders and managers are competent in utilizing healthcare quality and safety principles, processes, and tools.
Education
The Center of Nursing Education (CNE) is committed to nurses’ education and professional development. It provides clinical and professional growth opportunities for nurse professionals within MNGHA-Riyadh, offering programs in a respectful, adaptive, and outcome-driven environment.
Vision
To lead innovative education that supports excellent patient care and become a national/regional leader in continuing education, professional development, and clinical practice programs for nurses at MNGHA in Saudi Arabia.
Mission
- Provide excellence in continuing professional education, clinical nursing practice, and community education.
- Offer opportunities for staff to acquire clinical knowledge, skills, and behaviors for safe and effective care.
- Support clinical experiences for nurses and student learners.
- Deliver current and innovative information to enhance critical thinking and evidence-based practice.
Goals of Department
Improve nursing practice quality and provide safer patient care through evidence-based education and sustained programs.
Achieved by:
- Collaborating with subject matter experts and Clinical Resource Nurses.
- Enhancing clinical nursing knowledge with evidence-based content.
- Standardizing clinical competencies for all nursing staff at MNGHA.
- Improving frontline care delivery to enhance patient experience.
- Using simulation-based education to strengthen clinical practice.
Hours of Operation
Services are available from 07:00 to 16:00, Sunday to Thursday.
Scope of Service
The CNE supports Nursing Services through:
- Staff induction with competency-based orientation.
- Continuing clinical education programs.
- Annual certifications (BLS, N95).
- Collaboration with nursing colleges and student placement.
- Programs for new Saudi graduate nurses.
- SCFHS specialty programs for Saudi nurses and allied health professionals.
- Nursing informatics initiatives.
- Innovation, research, and publication efforts.
1. Staff Induction Program
Includes general nursing orientation and basic competencies for safe practice and cultural adaptation in Saudi Arabia:
- Caring for Muslim patients.
- Cultural adjustment and adaptation.
- Infection control, PPE, and hand hygiene.
- N95 respirator fit testing.
2. BLS Program
Accredited by the American Heart Association (AHA), conducted under the Postgraduate Training Center. Mandatory for all Nursing Services staff.
3. Clinical Nursing Education Programs
Developed with subject matter experts and delivered using simulation labs. Topics include:
- Physical assessment (Adult/Pediatric)
- Peripheral and Central Vascular Access
- Safe blood administration
- End-of-life care
- Tracheostomy and wound care workshops
- Diabetes management (Adult, Pediatric, Obstetric)
- Moderate sedation and pain management
- Chemotherapy and oncology care
- Stroke and neuroscience programs
- Nasopharyngeal swabbing competency
4. College of Nursing Collaboration
Coordinates clinical placements for KSAU-HS nursing students, including a 48-week internship program across various specialties.
5. Nursing Saudi Career Development Programs
One-year program for newly employed nurses, combining classroom and clinical experiences to support residency and fellowship tracks.
6. SCFHS Specialty Programs
Advanced diplomas for Saudi nurses in:
- Emergency Care
- Oncology
- Critical Care
- Cardiac Critical Care
- Neonatal Critical Care
Also includes Health Academy programs like Central Sterilization and Nursing Care Assistant training.
7. LEAD in Nursing
Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, LEAD promotes continuous professional development through workshops and certificate programs:
- The Art of Nursing Care
- Clinical deterioration response
- Communication enhancement
- Stroke and neuroscience workshops
- Sepsis and CRRT programs
- Pain management and wound care
- Neonatal review courses
8. Nursing Informatics
BestCare training and E-learning Modules (ELM) support flexible, scalable education for nurses across shifts and facilities.
Research, Conferences and Publications
- Includes peer-reviewed articles, conference presentations, and collaborative research on nursing practices and patient safety.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
KPIs are used to measure program effectiveness and include:
- Annual Education Report Card
- Number of NED programs
- Staff attendance rates
- Course evaluation summaries
- Compliance rates
- Educator productivity