Working in Kuwait

Jun 02, 2008 07:39 PM

by gemini_star

Anybody who is working in Kuwait?
How is the working conditions over there?
Please share your nursing experience over there.

Thanks!

janrette · Jun 04, 2008, 01:21 PM

Re: Working in Kuwait

hello!
working in kuwait is just the same as working in any middle east country...good benefits and pay scale especially if you are working in a government hospital. and most importantly one is working under the title of an RN.
working conditions are far different from the phils because of certain procedures being performed not on line with being an RN. although it is a good experience, you are not being compensated for the extra work you do.
salary is being given on a monthly basis and doing night duty and being in a more critical area gives more edge in terms of benefits. salary is fixed and is being assessed and evaluated once placement is being posted.
regarding hospital equipments used, kuwait is up to date with present modernized equipments. ( i think that is where half of the budget for health is going to.)
infrastractures are good but in my opinion, private hospitals are better.
kuwaiti doctors are educated and trained from various european countries that is why the kind of care and management they render is of european style.
kuwaitis, indians, pakistanis, indonesians, egyptians and filipinos make up the nursing personnel and arabic is the main language use although some is already proficient in english.
working and living in kuwait is better at present and is more liberated compared to saudi arabia.(my opinion guys, and of others who are presently working in this gulf region). just comply with the kuwaiti laws and cultures and problems will not arise, and working and living in this particular country is worth an experience after all.

gemini_star · Jun 04, 2008, 10:00 PM

Re: Working in Kuwait

Thank you Janrette for the valuable information about working in Kuwait. I understand that before working there just like working in other places in the Middle East, one has to take the ministry exams required Can you take this prior in working and if you don't have an employer yet? When is the exam given?

janrette · Jun 05, 2008, 10:45 AM

Re: Working in Kuwait

based on my experience, ministry exams are being given as an initial step on the application process. once you passed it, your name will be posted and you are already eligible for the oral exams. in this stage, the employer (ex: if you applied for the government hospitals, the nursing director of a certain region) conducts the oral exam and is usually a tough phase, with lots of q's regarding infection control and nurses responsibilities on different diseases.
this exams will be their basis if you qualify for an employment or not. this is also their basis if you deserve a license or not.
if you had a passing score on this ministry exams, then the next best thing is to celebrate.. they usually tell you "Welcome to the State of Kuwait"
if you are applying from the phils, usually the agency is the one arranging for the employer to conduct such exams and you are notified with the proceedings...then only that you got a placement.
goodluck to you... hope you are really interested to work in this gulf country...

whirlwind · Jun 05, 2008, 11:18 AM

Re: Working in Kuwait

i was once working in a private hospital in kuwait. the salary in the government hospitals are far more satisfying than that of the private ones.
the working conditions are far better because you have the chance to handle and take care of different cases not found in private hospitals.
although ministry hospitals are old in terms of buildings, equipments for good patient care management and treatment are up to date.
there are also specialized hospitals for different diseases and that is where i am working at present.
i resigned first from working in the private sector for a year and tried applying for the ministry thereafter. i applied locally, took the exams required and passed it... and finally i'm in...
i'm still working till now and enjoying the buzy yet fulfilling work of an RN in the middle east.
and working in kuwait is an experience i will never forget.

gemini_star · Jun 05, 2008, 12:35 PM

Re: Working in Kuwait

Originally Posted by janrette

if you had a passing score on this ministry exams, then the next best thing is to celebrate.. they usually tell you "Welcome to the State of Kuwait"
if you are applying from the phils, usually the agency is the one arranging for the employer to conduct such exams and you are notified with the proceedings...then only that you got a placement.
goodluck to you... hope you are really interested to work in this gulf country...

That is such a warm welcome if one passes the exam. I am hoping to hear that one day. Anyway, yes, I am really interested in working there. I know the ministry requires 2 years experience before taking the ministry exam. I am going there without any work experience on dependent visa. Is there a possibility that I can land a hospital job there with no experience yet?

The private hospitals look very enticing and clean. I didn't know that the pay is better in government hospitals. Thanks for sharing.

janrette · Jun 06, 2008, 08:01 AM

Re: Working in Kuwait

you are welcome..

all hospitals at present requires a 2 year work experience. and if you will come on a dependent visa then be sure that the ministry is open for nurse applications, otherwise you will have to wait for about 6-8 months before the ministry will entertain such applications... and i think the peak months for local recruitment is from august to november.and regarding the sponsorship, they are providing such...
if with the private hospitals, i dont think they will allow a dependent visa or a tourist visa. they usually prefer an applicant who has a valid work visa or that we call the "shoun visa". but if this particular private hospital is amenable to sponsor such applicant, then it would be better.and they also require a 2 yr work experience....
anyhow, if you are not that in a hurry to come to kuwait on a dependent visa, better for you to gain experience first...(just a suggestion...)
best of luck...

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