Challenges facing overseas nurses practicing in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has prioritised health care, resulting in an excellent health care system for the country. Improvements, however, have been hindered by a serious shortage of qualified nurses. This can be attributed to the poor image of nursing held in Saudi Arabia and across the Middle East because of cultural and religious believes. In this context Saudi Arabia has looked overseas for qualified nurses. However the employment of overseas qualified nurses in Saudi Arabia has given rise to challenges for both to the health care system and the nurses themselves. This study aimed to explore the problems and challenges experienced by a group of Overseas Qualified Nurses (OQNs) who had worked in the King Fahad Medical City for a period of more than two years. The study employed a qualitative, phenomenological design to assist in understanding the experiences of twenty-three (23) OQNs nurses who provide nursing care to Saudi patients. Thematic analyses were used as the data analysis technique.
Working with Other Disciplines
Delivery of health care is a collaborative effort, and each person has a valuable contribution to make. Although many important aspects of care are not specific to any particular discipline-for example, those that involve the basic principles of positive human interaction-other aspects are determined by the specific expertise and requirements of various disciplinary or occupational groups. Because nurse managers are responsible for ensuring that efficient and effective nursing services are delivered, they must know how each person's role fits into the overall plan of care and ensure that it is understood and valued by others, including the patient. An understanding of different disciplinary perspectives enables good organisational planning and can assist in dealing with the conflicts that inevitably emerge. This chapter provides a framework for appreciating fundamental differences among disciplines, explains why tensions and conflict occur and outlines strategies for promoting good inter-professional relations.