Unlocking Doors to International Nursing Careers
Unlocking Doors to International Nursing Careers
Preparing for the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) RN Exam? This is your step-by-step roadmap to passing the test, including format, key topics, DHA-approved study resources, and post-exam guidance.
Exam Type: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Duration: 2.5–3 hours
Questions: 100–150 MCQs (varies by specialization)
Passing Score: 60%
Fee: AED 1,050 (~$285 USD)
Validity: License valid for 1 year (renewable)
⚠️ Key Difference: DHA focuses heavily on clinical scenarios, UAE healthcare laws, and cultural competency—not just theoretical knowledge.
Create an account on the Sheryan Portal.
Submit required documents (passport, degree, experience letters, Good Standing Certificate, BLS certificate).
Pay the exam fee online.
Schedule the exam through Prometric.
Take the test at a Prometric testing center or via online proctoring.
Receive results (usually within 5 business days).
Fundamentals of Nursing
Kozier & Erb’s Fundamentals of Nursing (Pearson)
Potter & Perry’s Clinical Nursing Skills (Mosby)
Medical-Surgical Nursing
Brunner & Suddarth’s Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing (Lippincott)
Lewis’s Medical-Surgical Nursing (Elsevier)
Pharmacology
Mosby’s Pharmacology in Nursing (McKenry & Hogan)
Lippincott’s Nursing Drug Guide (Latest UAE Edition)
Maternal & Child Health
Wong’s Nursing Care of Infants & Children (Mosby)
Lowdermilk’s Maternity & Women’s Health Care (Elsevier)
UAE Healthcare Laws & Ethics
DHA Professional Guide for Nurses (Free on DHA website)
ANA Code of Ethics (with UAE modifications)
Infection Control & Patient Safety
WHO Infection Prevention Guidelines (Critical for DHA!)
JCI Accreditation Standards (Joint Commission International)
Clinical Prioritization (e.g., triage, emergency response)
Medication Administration (UAE regulations on narcotics)
Cultural Sensitivity (Islamic medical ethics, gender-specific care)
Chronic Disease Management (Diabetes, Hypertension – very common in UAE)
Legal & Ethical Issues (DHA malpractice policies, patient consent)
You are administering an IV medication. The patient suddenly develops a rash and difficulty breathing. What is your first action?
A) Stop the IV infusion immediately
B) Call the physician
C) Administer antihistamines
D) Document the reaction
👉 Answer: A) Stop the IV infusion immediately
In UAE hospitals, what is the most culturally appropriate approach when performing a physical exam on a female Muslim patient?
A) Have a male nurse conduct the exam
B) Ask a male relative for permission before proceeding
C) Ensure a female nurse is present during the exam
D) Perform the exam regardless of cultural beliefs
👉 Answer: C) Ensure a female nurse is present during the exam
🚫 Ignoring UAE laws & ethics – These make up 15–20% of the exam!
🚫 Not practicing scenario-based questions – DHA prefers clinical reasoning over memorization.
🚫 Skipping infection control guidelines – Expect at least 5–10 questions on this topic.
🚫 Overlooking medication regulations – UAE has strict policies on controlled substances.
🚫 Underestimating cultural competence – Gender-sensitive care is a key part of DHA’s standards.
✔ Practice with DHA-style MCQs – Focus on clinical judgment over memorization.
✔ Study UAE health laws – 15–20% of the exam covers local regulations.
✔ Review JCI Standards – DHA follows Joint Commission International guidelines.
✔ Take a DHA prep course – Recommended for nurses unfamiliar with UAE healthcare.
Submit documents (degree, experience letters, Good Standing Certificate).
Attend DHA orientation (mandatory for first-time licensees).
Apply for jobs – Dubai government hospitals (e.g., DHA, SEHA) hire frequently!
The DHA exam is challenging but very passable with focused preparation. Use this guide, stick to DHA’s resources, and you’ll soon be working in one of the world’s most advanced healthcare systems.
Need help with document attestation or finding a job in Dubai? contact below!