Jan 25, 2008 05:17 PM - i totally agree with shah no need to bad mouth muslims. culture and religion are two different subjects.

Jan 25, 2008 05:23 PM - Culture & Religion - two different things. Not necessarily so. Think about it.
Just for my information, what bad mouthing words are you referring to?

Jan 25, 2008 11:31 PM - I didn't see any bad mouthing going on at all...

I liked the article and found it interesting.

Jan 26, 2008 08:07 AM - Thanks. I was beginning to second guess the article after 2 comments about bad-mouthing. Hope no one else is reading that kind of prejudice into it.

Jan 26, 2008 08:55 PM - Don't second guess. I'm in the Air Force and I have been to Saudi quite a few times (not as a nurse) and I totally agree with your post. It was very informative and accurate. I have seen it first hand. I had to go shopping for one of my co-workers because the store owner wouldn't talk to her. Don't worry about the critics here. Someone will always take offense. KKK? Give me a break!! Working "overseas" will make a lot of people appreciate what we have here. No country is perfect. Where else can we joke about religions without start holy wars? I need to add one more fact to your post. They really love blonds over there. Hey, this is my first post!!!

Jan 26, 2008 10:09 PM - I think was a good article and very interesting in regards to the Saudi Royal Family, how large the family is and how they live. How sad that an entire wing is full of comatose royals simply because of the money attached to them. I did not pick up on any prejudice what-so-ever.

Jan 27, 2008 12:41 PM - Glad to see that you'll be re-joining the civilian nursing ranks. My grandson finished a tour in Iraq last year. No matter where they serve, not enough can be done in this country to repay our military men & women for their sacrifices on behalf of our national security. You have my personal thanks.

Jan 28, 2008 02:50 AM - I was once aiming to go to saudi due to high salary and other benifits but was discouraged by my father who was a contract worker there..and according to him,unfortunately all these things happened and women are always at risk.

Jan 28, 2008 03:05 AM - Sometimes, fathers know best!

Jan 28, 2008 04:03 AM - Unfortunately I was hoping to receive some unbiased information about working as a nurse in SA. I think your article told me what you think of the royal family and Islam. I do know that most of what you said about Islam is incorrect, and that most of what you encountered is cultural...and NOT Islamic! But what is their interpretation of what is Islam and Sharia law. On the same token we can speak of what is supposed to be constitutional here in the USA and what is REAL Christianity as is practiced by Americans. But professionally, we should only speak on the topic of what it is like to WORK in SA, and what makes it different than nursing in the USA.
Working in any country that is not your home you can expect some difficulties. I worked in west germany, and felt I was discriminated against, and sometimes I am in my own country(USA). One thing I can say is this...if all you say is true, it sure has not put a damper on the flow of americans( nurses, contractors etc ) for the tax free money and benefits! I have been invited to work in Jeddah SA ( Onc and Hospice ), if I decide to go I know I can't judge a whole society by one measuring stick. I must keep an open mind, and realize as a nurse we are expected to provide care to all individuals across a wide spectrum of cultures. Caring for arabs here in the US is not much different, they usually have an entourage, even if they aren't royalty. They also like to call the shots, and I feel it's ok, it's their loved one who is ill. I have come across many Americans who feel the same way when I approach for treatments or medications. And how many Americans do we see that eat, smoke and drink to their detrement? Humans will be humans always...
Surely there is some reason other than the pay to work in another country? If it's only to appreciate what you have at home, and to bring your experience/ expertise/ compassion to a place where you are not provided all your creature comforts.