Nursing in the middle east

I heard from a nurse on base that civilian nurses who are hired by DoD can volunteer to go to the sand box and make huge piles of money. I don't know about contracts.

I have heard that it isn't the huge money maker that it used to be.

I did contact a company a few years ago to get a feel for what a nursing contracting in Saudi Arabia might make. This is the approximate offer: 40,000/yr, tax free, free housing (I think you have to share or get a small apartment), working 4 -12 hour shifts a week and quite a few more paid holidays than USA.

That is only one company but frankly, I wasn't impressed.

And you can't bring your family unless you have a top (management) type job.

Tax free and free housing!

Those are big savings! But no thanks. I'll pass itthis time because I'm afraid to go back to U.S. without my head.

HI!

I worked in Saudi Arabia for the experience of a different culture. If you are looking for money--I would suggest seeking opportunities in the good ol' USA. The tax benefit doesn't outweigh some good monetary opportunities in various parts of our country, and your freedom isn't worth the sacrifice. Saudi Arabia is a very different society, and if you stick to the Western compounds, for the mostpart, you would have a positive experience. Just don't work outside the hospital community. I made that mistake and lived through and saw a dangerous and ugly, cruel society. A good friend of mine (female) was jailed for being with a single man, and suffered public humiliation and torture. Behind palace walls, and within the private sectors, often unsuspecting female workers, mostly Filipino or Indian suffer terrible ignominies at the hands of some self-righteous Saudis. It's a country full of dichotomies and contradictions. That being said, when working in hospitals such as King Faisal or King Fahad, you do meet some great people and are introduced so some of the locals who are very curious about Western societies. The problem is, you can't trust everyone, and it is easy to be taken to the desert and get lost. Obviously, my experience in Saudi was a tumultuous one, and I strongly do not recommend Saudi Arabia. If however, you have a hankering for the Middle East, I would suggest going to Abu Dhabi or Dubai where you are freer, in more of an international setting, and the dangers are less.

Hi there!

Well.... I don't really know how it is to work in Arab countries, but here in ISRAEL the quality is as in the US. Nurses get here 13 salaries every year, the money you earn depands on your degree, your formal learned skills, the city in which you work (altough there is almost no drastic change between one to another), and of course you get much much much money when you work in Jewish Holidays (almost every month... yeahhh we got many...), you might get here housing and won't pay for electricity and water facilities. These things save very much money.

Something about the region: Yes it's the middle east. But it is Israel. It's not a third world's country as the rest of countries here. You won't be afraid of walking out the streets when you're alone and with friends as well. You will find that Israel is a fascinating place that won't match to all what is been said on TVs. We got a beutiful places and cities, sexy girls and boys, and a warm welcoming people which will guide you nicely when you need something.

The vast majority of Israeli people is a very good English speakers, because English is an official language here, and is taught in schools since 1st grade, and in places even in the kindergardens.

Shifts of nurses are 8 hours long, accept Operating Rooms which in those the shifts are 12 hours and working in these places requires you to have an official OR formal certificate.

That's all. For further question feel free.

David

I just saw an ad today in the jobs section on http://www.orlandosentinel.com for this agency Avant Healthcare Professionals( http://www.avanthealthcare.com ) who is currently looking for nurses to work in the middle east.