The healthcare sector in Pakistan faces significant challenges, particularly in nursing education and workforce development. Recognizing this critical need, I have proposed the establishment of a dedicated nursing university within Islamabad's planned Knowledge Village. This initiative aims to address the country's urgent shortage of qualified nursing professionals and elevate the standards of healthcare delivery.
The Global Nursing Shortage:
A Comparative Insight;
The United States is currently grappling with a substantial nursing shortage. Projections indicate a deficit of approximately 78,610 full-time registered nurses (RNs) by 2025, with states like Washington, Georgia, and California experiencing the most significant shortfalls.
aacnnursing.org (https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/fact-sheets/nursing-shortage?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
This shortage has resulted in a greater dependence on internationally educated nurses to address the gap. In 2020, foreign-trained nurses made up a significant segment of the U.S. nursing workforce, underscoring the global demand for nursing professionals.
aacnnursing.org (https://www.aacnnursing.org/news-data/fact-sheets/nursing-shortage?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Pathways for Foreign-Educated Nurses in the U.S.;
For nurses educated outside the United States, several steps are necessary to practice within the country:
1 Credential Evaluation: Obtain a credentials evaluation from an approved organization, such as the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS).
cgfns.org (https://www.cgfns.org/steps-to-working-as-nurse-in-united-states/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
2 English Language Proficiency: Demonstrate proficiency in English through standardized tests like the TOEFL or IELTS.
3 Licensure Examination: Pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
4 Visa Requirements: Secure an appropriate visa, such as the EB-3 visa for skilled workers, which may take approximately one to three years for processing.
cgfns.org (https://www.cgfns.org/steps-to-working-as-nurse-in-united-states/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Addressing Pakistan's Nursing Education Needs:
Given the global demand for qualified nurses, Pakistan has the opportunity to significantly contribute to the international healthcare workforce. By establishing a dedicated nursing university in Islamabad, we can provide advanced education and training to produce highly skilled nursing professionals.
This institution would not only serve the domestic healthcare system but also prepare nurses to meet international standards, enabling them to pursue opportunities abroad.
About the Author:
Dr. Gholam Mujtaba is a distinguished scholar, healthcare policy expert, and visionary leader dedicated to promoting education, healthcare, and economic development. With a varied academic background, he holds several advanced degrees, including an MS, MD, and Ed.D., with a specialization in leadership studies focused on Pakistani civil and military leadership. His vast expertise encompasses multiple fields, including medical sciences, policy research, and institutional development, positioning him as a prominent figure in both the United States and Pakistan.
As Chairman of the Pakistan Policy Institute USA, Dr. Mujtaba has played a crucial role in shaping policy discussions concerning healthcare reforms, economic growth, and strategic leadership. His contributions include the establishment of healthcare institutions like the York School of Health Sciences in New York, which is registered under New York State statutes. His groundbreaking efforts in nursing education have influenced policy decisions in Pakistan, where he has advocated for the creation of a nursing university in Islamabad’s Knowledge Village to address the critical shortage of healthcare professionals.
In addition to his contributions to academia and healthcare, Dr. Mujtaba has been actively engaged in political and economic initiatives. He has led efforts in industries such as shipbreaking and nanotechnology, earning recognition from key stakeholders, including the Governor’s Office in Texas. His leadership in the Republican Party and his role as a cabinet-level advisor to President Donald Trump reflect his impact on shaping policies at both national and international levels. His dedication to public service is further evidenced by his ongoing efforts to support Pakistani Americans in achieving representation in U.S. politics.
Dr. Mujtaba’s legacy is characterized by his steadfast commitment to promoting knowledge, leadership, and institutional growth. Coming from a family of highly esteemed medical professionals, he persistently advocates for reforms in healthcare education, ensuring that both the United States and Pakistan gain fro
m a well-trained workforce.
His vision for a globally competitive nursing institution in Pakistan highlights his dedication to empowering future generations of healthcare workers and enhancing the healthcare infrastructure of both countries.
The author can be reached at Greetmujtaba@aol.com.
Author Facebook Profile Link:
https://www.facebook.com/Dr.Gholam.Mujtaba/posts/pfbid02F82sdm6GCkTpb1tpyqPozFYQ1uPBoKZFsL5PNQigWSYEjf5eDyGcQjs3dVFLkZgql
This Opinion has been written by Professor Dr. Gholam Mujtaba.
