Jan 24, 2008 09:07 AM - What an excellent article! Being a nurse provides one with an opportunity to work in another culture. There are many interesting things about Saudi culture, but I honestly wouldn't even think of working there, for the very same reasons outlined in this article.
But wait, if you want to work in a Middle Eastern country - check out Dubai, as it is far more modern. The Saudi culture is in the stone age, and even in Egypt and Turkey, countries that are far more modern, one has to watch oneself at all times. Unless I got a sex change operation, I wouldn't even set foot in Saudi Arabia. Bravo to 43Rn20 for the wonderful writing, and even more so for the guts to do something outrageous!
Diahni

Jan 24, 2008 10:27 AM - The subject of the article is specific to the experiences within the confines of the local region. Within this region, it is best to understand how the ruling class interprets the Law and how it is enforced. As for demonstrations in the streets after 9/11, we saw news clips of isolated incidents that we know occured. Again, these were local incidents involving the more radical element of Muslims & should not be interpreted as an expression of the rest of the Muslim population world-wide. The U.S. Dept. of State has published advice to travelers going to S.A. for those who want to know.

Jan 24, 2008 11:28 AM - Hi there,
What an informative read - thank you for taking the time to do this. Am I wrong in thinking many/most of the hospitals there are governed by USA healthcare standards? It does'nt sound like it.
I am currently looking at working there for a year, and really just at the information gathering stage. I did work in the USA for almost 6 years and thoroughly enjoyed it.
I will continue to track this discussion

Jan 24, 2008 11:31 AM - I'd have a hard time with patients calling the shots, that's for sure.

Jan 24, 2008 12:27 PM - This particular hospital is Joint Commission accredited as I understand.

Jan 24, 2008 01:12 PM - Well, what is the pay in Saudi Arabia? I am male, so I would give it a shot. At least I know who is calling the shots (the patient). What a change from the almighty $ calling the shots.

Seriously what is the pay please?

Jan 24, 2008 01:31 PM - hi,
check this out:

I've applied for a nursing job in Saudi Arabia, and the recruiter said the salary was about US$60,000 a year. How do they hope to get American nurses for so little money?

Sincerely,
Considering Nursing Jobs in Saudi Arabia


Dear Considering:
Depends on what you consider "little." There is no tax paid on the income in Saudi Arabia, and the IRS gives you $80,000 tax-free so long as you're out of the country for 330 out of 365 days of the year. Also, the hospital pays for your housing. Therefore, your $60K – and any overtime up to $80K – is take-home. Can you say the same for your income at home?

But even if you earn as much/more at home, there are a lot of people who have motivations other than money. Some are carpe diem types who want travel and adventure. Some want to immerse themselves in a totally different culture and learn new things. Some want to challenge themselves and try something totally different. And most people think, "What the heck! Even if I don't like it, it's only a year, and with the nursing shortages, when I get home, I'll have no trouble finding a job."

Source: http://www.medhunters.com/articles/d...ingSalary.html

but you're right, you wouldn't have the same problems are female nurses. I still would talk to people who have done it before you get on that plane! The nationality of our 9/11 pals has never been lost on me, that's for sure. Check out working in Dubai - it would a lot more fun. You could even drink a beer or two.
diahni

Jan 25, 2008 03:48 AM - They can take anything from me, but not my religious freedom.

Jan 25, 2008 09:31 AM - If you do not draw any attention in S.A., you may retain freedom of thought, but not expression. You wouldn't find a congregation of Jewish or Christian believers or a place to worship, at least in the open, without leaving the country.

Jan 25, 2008 10:51 AM -

There is a difference, between being a judgmental person and being a person of rational judgment, that is worth remembering.

I particularly like what you are expressing in the above.