Mar 10, 2008 10:18 PM - Thanks for the brief info. Since its hard to look for work in my country, some of my friends are trying to get to saudi for work. I'm currently weighing my options whether or not to go there. Well you info made me think twice... Thanks! This would be an informative article worth forwarding to friends and nurses who wish to work in Saudi.

Mar 11, 2008 06:47 PM - Very interesting articles! DH has applied for a job in SA and I would go over with him, initially not working as we have 2 young kids. Is it possible to get a job as an RN once you are in the country or is it better to go through an american agency? Is there any PT work there in ER or ICU? I am per diem now.
Thanks

Mar 12, 2008 11:12 AM - I don't have 1st hand knowledge about what it takes to directly apply for a nursing position after entering S.A. But, you can access job openings at various S.A. locations that are posted on the Internet. Just do a regular Search ie nursing jobs in Saudi Arabia. Nurses do have the option of either directly contracting with the facility or contracting with an agency. It seems that the agency rate of pay is higher. If a nurse is in S.A. & wants to apply for a position, the nurse should be prepared to have lots of credentials & copies of work evaluations, & references in order to establish credibility. Some facilities will decline the services of a male nurse. An agency is most helpful in taking care of the details & teaching the nurse how to deal with the culture & the customs. Best of luck to you as you go forward in your own career.

Mar 12, 2008 12:26 PM - Thanks for the info. I am female and english originally. I am going to make some enquiries with agencies over here. The rate of pay does not matter so much as dh would be on good money.
Thanks again.

Mar 19, 2008 05:12 AM - Thank you for your story. We had Saudi Royalty in our hospital last year. For each shift they had their own RN + Nurses aide in addition to their Saudi Nurses and servants. But I remembered being really surprized that this lady was in such bad health at such a young age. Now it makes more sense

Mar 19, 2008 08:52 AM - Miami Night Nurse:
Another issue in the mix is that many of the Saudi families are intermarried. This may be good for family finances, but not so good from a genetic standpoint. I don't have the stats on hand, and don't know how much research is done. Many Saudis marry cousins. One thing I do know is there are high rates of sickle cell.
Diahni

Mar 25, 2008 03:18 PM - Thank you for answering so many questions I have about going to Saudi Arabia. The experience you described sounds exactly like what I think I signed up for. Now that I have an idea of what I am walking into I may be a little more prepared for the shock. Your article changed the frame of mind I was going to Saudi with- I feel a bit less naive now. I am not so naive to think that i am going to this great vacation place to travel hang out and have fun. I just wanted to leave the US for a little while. I need some peace and quiet, some solace. I wanted to save some money before I get married. All I want from Saudi is fair pay for honest work and some time off to rest, read and write. I understand that being a female from America makes me a target for discrimination, but working as a nurse here hasn't exactly been a cake walk either. I have taken care of 11 patients (with promises that help was on the way but it never came and to just do the best that I could) but most of the time I have 7-8 with telemetry. I have had patients throw food, trays, bed pans, and colostomy bags at me. I have been bitten, pinched and punched. Not to mention all verbal abuse. Yet I still get up and go to work here. I think I can handle it over there.
How are the accommodations? Is there mandatory overtime?

Mar 25, 2008 06:03 PM - It would be great if you would come back to the Allnurses.com website while on your S.A. assignment and give the rest of us some more answers. Many of us identify with your USA experiences. Good luck.

Mar 29, 2008 04:39 PM - It's true,Saudi Arabia is more strict in implementing thier Muslim Laws.But compare to UAE,specially here in Dubai where im presently working is much quite different.Here,the Government Or the Royal families were already opened-minded.Thou,they are still following strictly thier religion,woman are still on thier Burka and men on thier white dress but they have adopted somehow the Westernized way of living.Here,Expats.are not obliged to wear Burka for females....you can wear anything you want but you must be ready for any glaring eyes from men(Indians,Pakistanis,UAE nationals)So,it's up to you if you want to received such things.Aside from it,you must also be ready for the Meducal practice here........i don't want to elaborate it but i can describe it in a very simple words.............Very DISAPPOINTING.I came from a third World country...my beloved PHILIPPINES,but i can proudly tell you that our Nursing practice is far beyond and more advance than here,not to mention our Doctors back in my country.But,i can say that it is more better and easier to work here that in KSA.
Hope i dont sound so mean..........

Mar 30, 2008 09:47 AM - Are there RN jobs (local hire) in Damman/Khobar for a Korean-licensed RN? Where can I find out?