Working FAQ's

Will I have an orientation when I arrive at the hospital?

Nurses are given an orientation on arrival at the hospital, usually lasts two to three weeks. This includes among other things, a review of the hospital nursing policy and procedures, the hospital standard CPR course and medication administration policies. Before being allowed to administer medication nurses must pass a standard medication calculation test. Each hospital has a slightly different orientation programme. Full details will be given to you on application or when you are offered a job.

Do I need to register with Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCHS) ?

Yes, all Healthcare Professionals will need to prepare the paperwork prior to mobilisation and the hospital personnel will assist you to process your registration with SCHS.

Since January 2010 it is a requirement from the Ministry of Interior in Saudi Arabia to register with Saudi Commission of Health Professionals prior to issuance of your Iqama (Residence Permit).

Requirements to be submitted to Professional Connections prior to departure
1. SCHS application form
2. Copy of passport
3. Attested copy of License
4. Attested copy of Diploma/ Degree Certificates.
5. Attested copy of two reference letters from Candidates previous employer

Attested means copy has to be authenticated as a copy by Notary public or Solicitor then stamped by Foreign affairs in your home Country then by the Saudi Embassy.

Candidates are responsible for all costs associated with SCHS registration.

Fees vary Dependant on your profession. The fee shall be payable in Saudi Riyals (SR) by Bank transfer or credit card. This will be processed on arrival in Saudi Arabia.

The first fee is the classification fee. This is to assess your application and place you on the register.

Example of classification fees

Nurses SR 600
Technicians  SR 600
Consultant Physicians SR 1800

Registration will be valid for three years. Once accepted a registration fee is payable

Registration fees

Nurses SR 240
Consultant Physicians SR 750
Technicians SR  240

Do I need to wear a uniform?

In keeping with Islamic traditions (men and women) nurses wear uniforms that cover their shoulders and legs to the ankle. For female employees this will be a loose fitting trousers suit where the top comes down to mid thigh length and sleeves reach the elbow.The hospital will provide your uniform. 

What is the working language?

The everyday working language of the hospitals are in English. All documentation and communications are in English between Healtcare Professionals.

The language of all hospitals that recruit foreign staff is Arabic and English, all medical staff and medical records are kept in English.  Some of the Medical Staff will speak Arabic among each other except during official Doctors rounds when they speak English. Patients will normally speak only Arabic, interpreters are available to translate for you. There are a number of Arabic speaking nurses working in Saudi Arabia who are usually more than helpful to new non Arabic speaking nurses. Hospitals offer Arabic language classes and it is recommended you take advantage this. 

How will I keep my Professional Skills up to date?

Continuing education is available in all hospitals. Our Client Hospitals have Education Programmes in Place with Monash University in Australia and many have links to Universities in the UK and US: You can use the library to access nursing journals or access information on the Internet. Most wards have an in-service education programme, nursing educators are available for the continuing education of trained staff and nursing students.