THE EVOLUTION AND EDUCATIONAL IMPERATIVES OF COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING IN SAUDI ARABIA

Abstract

Community health nursing plays a pivotal role in Saudi Arabia's evolving healthcare landscape, serving as a cornerstone of primary healthcare delivery and contributing significantly to public health outcomes. This study examines the historical development, current practices, and educational imperatives of community health nursing in Saudi Arabia. Drawing on recent research, including Aljohani's (2024) study on community health nursing practices and learning needs, this article explores the challenges and opportunities facing community health nurses in the Kingdom. The analysis reveals that Saudi Arabia has a relatively young community nursing workforce with significant educational needs, particularly in utilizing health education theories, health informatics, and community assessment methodologies. As Saudi Arabia pursues its Vision 2030 healthcare transformation goals, enhancing the educational preparation and professional development of community health nurses emerges as a critical imperative. This article provides recommendations for strengthening community health nursing practice and education to align with international standards and meet the evolving healthcare needs of the Saudi population.