The Saudi Arabian 2030 vision and the nursing profession: the way forward

Aim To examine the outlook of the Saudi Arabian nursing profession in relation to the recently launched Kingdom 2030 Vision. Introduction Nursing in Saudi Arabia has advanced noticeably in education and clinical practice, but challenges remain in building and sustaining a Saudi nursing profession and workforce. Background Health care in Saudi Arabia is currently experiencing transformation because of population and economic growth. These transformations have been influenced by the Saudi Arabian 2030 Vision. Sources of evidence A literature review here examines the progress in transforming the nursing profession in Saudi Arabia. Relevant studies published between 2001 and 2017 were identified, using databases such as Medline, PubMed and PsychInfo. Results Nineteen studies reporting challenges and opportunities that the nursing profession faces in Saudi Arabia were included. Discussion The nursing profession in Saudi Arabia faces challenges from nursing shortages, underdeveloped nursing education and unclear scope of practice. However, the new 2030 Vision offers many opportunities for social and economic transformation. Conclusion Effective strategies must be implemented to accommodate the new outlook the 2030 Saudi Vision in order to advance the nursing profession and to improve healthcare delivery in Saudi Arabia. Implications for nursing and nursing policy Nursing policymakers urgently need to improve nursing care in Saudi Arabia by addressing the nursing shortage, generating strategies to improve nursing education and establishing scope of practice guidelines. These critical issues must be addressed with the context of the 2030 Vision.