Contract for Saudi Arabia 2014

[y1008733]

Hi all,

I've just been offered a contract in Saudi Arabia at the King Faisal Hospital.

All the other nursing threads on this topic that I can find are almost 10 years old.

Just looking for any advice/tips/stories from any one that is currently there or just left, or touch base with any other aussie or kiwi nurses going over soon.

Also if anyone who has been there knows what the rule with tattoos are - some say it's okay, others say its not - I can cover the ones I have but was considering something on my lower arm before I go - Don't really wait to get it then get turned around as soon as the hospital staff see it

Also I'll point out that I'm a bloke so most of the extreme rules won't apply

[ghajari1822]

I am currently contracted here and I can tell you I DO NOT like it. I have been here three months. The amount of hours worked in conjunction with the decreased morae of the entire facility and nonexistence of policy is really making for a stressful work environment. No one actually cares about patients and just works to 'band-aid" problems, rushing to get through their shifts. Most of management has not actually been trained in managerial graduate programs. Professionalism is nonexistent here.

I was very excited for this opportunity as it was something I was interested in for the last 5 years. I have traveled to several middle east countries. Saudi's are not arabs. They are their own sect of people, and not for the better. I have 9 months to go in my contract and not sure I am going to complete it.

[ghajari1822]

Also this whole living-where-you-work makes for a high school/college experience. Everyone knows everyone, drinks alcohol like they have never seen it in their lives, and the gossiping, OMG..I feel like I am 17 again. Except we are all grown up, supposed "professionals'.