Female Saudi nurses 'excel at their jobs despite pressures'

(MENAFN- Arab News) A recent report has revealed that Saudi nurses are excelling at their jobs despite social pressure and other biases toward the profession and garnering good reviews from the patients.

With almost 70 percent of the nursing sector dominated by expatriates the study a first-of-its-kind indicated through scientific research papers that an overwhelming majority of patients are satisfied with the performance of Saudi nurses.

The study conducted by Dr. Haya Al-Fozan head of the Nursing College at King Saud Bin Abdul Aziz University included patient interviews and chats with their accompanying members.

Of the 302 people surveyed there were 149 patients and 153 accompanying members.

The study funded by the King Abdullah International Medical Research Center University was conducted simultaneously at the King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh King Abdulaziz Medical City in Jeddah King Abdulaziz Hospital in Al-Ahsa and Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal Hospital in Dammam.

The study appeared in the December issue of the American publication 'Journal of Natural Sciences Research' and was highly appreciated by readers at King Saud University.

According to the results of the study 80 percent expressed satisfaction with Saudi nurses' knowledge of the nursing profession and ability to provide correct information; 89.4 percent confirmed their satisfaction with the clinical skills; 89 percent expressed satisfaction with the care provided by the nurses while 95.4 percent indicated satisfaction with the communication skills; 90 percent confirmed their satisfaction with the Saudi nurses' decision-making abilities and 93.4 percent expressed satisfaction with parents' involvement in the care of the patient. Finally 92 percent confirmed that they were satisfied with the nurses' professional behavior.

Alia Mohammed a Saudi nurse said that the nursing profession has social and humanitarian aspects which makes it ideal for women globally. 'But there are long hours and it is especially difficult for working mothers who often can't find babysitters for their children while they are away' Mohammed told Arab News.

Other challenges involve lack of experience and training programs as well as poor English language skills.

Salma Al-Shahri said that the challenge for women begins when they decide to join the profession. 'Often families object to the profession. Also the nursing curriculum is difficult. Finally when one is able to find a job there are problems because of the long working hours' she said.