[IMPLEMENTATION OF AN INNOVATIVE PROGRAM - PROFESSIONAL NURSING COMPETENCE ADAPTED TO CLINICAL NEEDS TO IMPROVE THE PROFESSIONAL QUALITY AND QUALITY OF CARE AT ASSUTA ASHDOD PUBLIC HOSPITAL].

Introduction: Health systems in Israel and around the world are facing an increase in life expectancy and chronic diseases, along with technological developments, healthcare transparency, and increased customer (patients') requirements. Medical teams must provide high professional responses to these challenges. Nurse training in Israel occurs on both academic and professional levels. The last decade has shown an academic trend in the nursing profession, where most training options integrate a bachelor's degree and a registered nurse certificate. At the professional level, academic nurses can expand their professional competence through advanced clinical training, and a nurse practitioner program. There is a growing trend among policy makers for placing nurses with such recognized training in various key positions such as head nurse, and shift managers in specific wards and units.