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DHA Nursing syllabus 2026 — complete topic list
The DHA Nursing Licensing Examination syllabus is designed to assess the knowledge and skills of registered nurses aiming to practice in Dubai. The syllabus encompasses a wide range of topics relevant to nursing practice, ensuring that candidates are well-prepared for the exam. Below is the complete list of topics covered in the DHA Nursing exam:
- Fundamentals of Nursing
- Nursing Process
- Communication in Nursing
- Patient Safety
- Infection Control
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Cardiovascular System
- Respiratory System
- Gastrointestinal System
- Endocrine System
- Neurological System
- Renal System
- Musculoskeletal System
- Maternal and Child Health Nursing
- Antenatal Care
- Labour and Delivery
- Postnatal Care
- Newborn Care
- Paediatric Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- Psychiatric Disorders
- Therapeutic Communication
- Crisis Intervention
- Community Health Nursing
- Public Health Principles
- Epidemiology
- Health Promotion
- Professional Issues in Nursing
- Ethics and Legal Issues
- Nursing Leadership
- Quality Improvement in Nursing
Section-wise breakdown with weightage
The DHA Nursing Licensing Examination comprises various sections, each contributing to the overall score. Understanding the weightage of each section can help you focus your study efforts effectively. Here’s a breakdown of the sections and their approximate weightage:
- Fundamentals of Nursing: 20%
- Medical-Surgical Nursing: 30%
- Maternal and Child Health Nursing: 20%
- Mental Health Nursing: 10%
- Community Health Nursing: 10%
- Professional Issues in Nursing: 10%
This distribution indicates that Medical-Surgical Nursing is the most heavily weighted section, making it essential for candidates to master this area.
Subject-wise topics in detail
Each subject area within the DHA Nursing syllabus is critical for your preparation. Below, we delve deeper into the topics that candidates should focus on:
Fundamentals of Nursing
- Nursing Process: Understanding assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care.
- Communication in Nursing: Effective communication skills, patient education, and documentation.
- Patient Safety: Risk management, medication safety, and emergency protocols.
- Infection Control: Standard precautions, isolation procedures, and sterilisation techniques.
Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Cardiovascular System: Common conditions, nursing interventions, and patient education.
- Respiratory System: Assessment, management of respiratory disorders, and oxygen therapy.
- Gastrointestinal System: Nutrition, digestive disorders, and post-operative care.
- Endocrine System: Diabetes management, thyroid disorders, and hormonal therapies.
- Neurological System: Stroke management, neurological assessments, and rehabilitation.
- Renal System: Renal failure, dialysis, and fluid management.
- Musculoskeletal System: Fracture management, arthritis care, and mobility training.
Maternal and Child Health Nursing
- Antenatal Care: Routine checks, nutritional counselling, and prenatal education.
- Labour and Delivery: Stages of labour, pain management, and delivery procedures.
- Postnatal Care: Maternal recovery, breastfeeding support, and newborn assessments.
- Newborn Care: Basic neonatal assessments and common conditions.
- Paediatric Nursing: Growth and development milestones, common illnesses, and vaccination schedules.
Mental Health Nursing
- Psychiatric Disorders: Common mental health conditions, treatment modalities, and patient support.
- Therapeutic Communication: Building rapport, active listening, and empathy in patient interactions.
- Crisis Intervention: Techniques for managing acute mental health crises.
Community Health Nursing
- Public Health Principles: Understanding health promotion and disease prevention strategies.
- Epidemiology: Basic concepts of disease transmission and outbreak management.
- Health Promotion: Community health education and advocacy strategies.
Professional Issues in Nursing
- Ethics and Legal Issues: Understanding patient rights, confidentiality, and legal responsibilities.
- Nursing Leadership: Roles in healthcare settings and team dynamics.
- Quality Improvement in Nursing: Strategies for enhancing patient care and safety.
Recent syllabus changes for 2026
As the DHA Nursing Licensing Examination evolves, it is important to stay updated on any syllabus changes. While specific changes for 2026 have not yet been announced, candidates should regularly check the official Dubai Health Authority website for updates. This ensures that you are studying the most relevant materials and topics.
Topics ranked by frequency in past papers
Understanding which topics frequently appear in past papers can guide your study plan. Based on previous exam trends, here are the topics that have been commonly tested:
- 1Medical-Surgical Nursing
- 2Fundamentals of Nursing
- 3Maternal and Child Health Nursing
- 4Mental Health Nursing
- 5Community Health Nursing
- 6Professional Issues in Nursing
Focusing more on Medical-Surgical Nursing and Fundamentals of Nursing can increase your chances of success in the exam.
Official syllabus PDF download
For a complete and official reference, candidates are encouraged to download the syllabus PDF directly from the Dubai Health Authority’s official website. This document will provide the most accurate and detailed information regarding the exam content and structure. You can access it at DHA Official Website.
For additional preparation, consider utilising mock tests on PractiseExam.com to enhance your readiness for the DHA Nursing Licensing Examination. These resources can provide invaluable practice and insights into the exam format and question types.