Its now been over 2 months since I arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to nurse at King Abdulaziz Medical City Hospital. My advice if your thinking of coming to Saudi Arabia to nurse is to stay strong and positive, give it time. I am by no means an authority. I can only tell you so far about how my life has been.
I will begin with my arrival to Jeddah airport. First of all wear a long black sleeved top and black trousers. Its not necessary to cover your head. Its really a personal choice. Some people wish to appear less conspicuous or feel its courteous during prayer time But in general the attitude is quite relaxed
I was met by a very kind Arabic hospital representative named Ahmed. He was very friendly and informative and took me through customs. I must say the whole experience within that moment was quite surreal but kind of exciting too. Ahmed gave me 200 Riyals to keep me going until hospital orientation 2 days later. Every new orientee receives this money. When I got to the transfer bus the heat hit me but coming from my beloved but freezing Ireland it was actually a welcome relief. The first thing you notice is the cultural dress code. The men all in white with headwear and the ladies covered in black. This might be an obvious picture to paint but it was my first realisation that I truly arrived in Saudi Arabia. I was transported to the compound in a mini bus. As I stared out the dusty window at the 50ft Arabic billboards and locally named shops and stalls I’ll admit I was nervous and at one point I thought oh sweet Jesus what have I done.!!! But I just took a deep breath and stayed strong and positive.
The arrival at the Al Aoun compound takes 45 minutes approx and be prepared as it feels a little confrontational. The military guards are at the gate. One of the guards got on the bus and asked for my papers but it was quickly explained that I was new. But remember the guards are there peacefully to give you a sense of safety and protection. And once your inside the gate the picture is very different. The bus drove me to my apartment door where I was met by Sioux Roberts who was just a Godsend of a lady. She is a nurse from New Zealand and showed me around the apartment and made me a nice cup of tea and gave me my own Abaya(traditional black dress), assisted me with how to get a mobile phone and credit and tea bags milk sugar and some biscuits. She is chairperson of the residence committee and insists that everyone new has a warm welcome. There are others too. Laura, Jane, Jackie, Mary and many others. I also now find myself welcoming new comers and can appreciate what its like.
The compound is quite pretty, there’s a large pool and barbeque area and colourful plants and trees. The Villa’s are brightly painted and well equipped. The interior is more spacious than I imagined, especially the bedroom which has one large wardrobe, 2 single beds, a large dresser and two lockers. There’s a large sitting and dining area and fitted kitchen and balcony.
That night I unwinded and watched T.V. and was surprised at all the movie channels. There is also BBC world news, MTV and a history channel. There are 18 stations in all and they have all the popular shows. Greys Anatomy, Prison Break ,ER,. (We actually got the Ireland V’s France rugby game on Feb 7th the other night and the Bafta awards too.)
The next day is just a chill out day . I slept in late after the flight and emotional goodbyes. But actually I found waking up to the sunshine and the pool was comforting. If you want to go to the supermarket just ask Sioux and she will take you for some shopping or arrange for one of the girls to take you. Most people are very friendly here. But its definitely what you make of it and your own open minded attitude.
On your first day of orientation to the hospital you will receive 800SAR which will keep you going until payday at the end of the month. There are 4 orientation days and 8 supernumery shifts. The working month consists of 15 shifts, 9 of which are nightshifts which begin at 7pm and finish at 7.45am. Morning shift is 7am to 7.45pm.
Ok I will list my positives.
The shopping malls. Gorgeous clothes, all the top names and fashionable stores at reasonable prices.
The internet. Easy to install and just as fast as home.
The supermarkets have similar foods to home and its not too expensive.
The beach. A free bus ride will take you to a westernised beach which for a small price will allow you to relax in a bikini on a sun lounger looking out at a turquise ocean. There’s snorkling, diving etc.
The transportation. The buses are frequent. There are free buses that take you to shopping districts for 3 hours in the evening and local malls. They are very well organised and efficient. Take note of the bus stop and the collection time. In fact when you get your mobile set up save: reliable taxi drivers, compound manager, Sioux and anyone that’s helpful. Its possible to go shopping alone. but its more easygoing with a friend. However after a few weeks your independence and knowledge will mean you are out and about alone.
The Arabic language. Not that hard to learn the basics and sounds beautiful. At times the language barrier is frustrating but so much can be said with one word, a smile and a calm tone. You’d be surprised how quickly you’ll pick it up.
You also attend an Arabic culture week with your fellows orientees which is excellent. You will learn about Saudi culture, take Arabic lessons which are not stressful and finally go for a lovely meal .The Arabic patients and relatives are very honoured that your trying to speak their language and so far most of the Saudi people are warm and spirited and quite gentle. Especially the elderly and remember to always accept anything they give you as its offensive to refuse. On one occasion, a family rang the call bell and a large and ushered me in quickly behind the curtain to have an arabic coffee and some chocolate sweets. I wished I could have hiddin behind there all day.!!! But time does not allow it. The ladies are fascinated with age, if your married, if you have children. And some have such patience when your trying your best to speak Arabic but naturally you judge the moment on when to get assistance to communicate effectively and there’s always staff to help if you face that challenge.
The Abaya.(black dress) is really comfortable and convenient. And can be quite elegant as the styles vary. And hey its the first time it won’t bother you if a girl turns up with the same dress on as you.!!! Seriously though its not an issue. You’d be amazed at how quickly you get used to it.
The social life. There are American/British consulate events. Other compounds to visit for barbeques and parties and the taxi service is cheap and safe. We use 3 drivers in particular and they are honest and wise to the area. Advice I was given is to go to anything your invited to as long as your comfortable and you know of other westerners that will be there. Behave respectfully and abide by their laws and beliefs when your outside but you can relax indoors and among friends.
The alcohol. It really doesn’t bother me(and believe me Shiraz and I had one tearful goodbye scene at the airport!!) I personally got used to it..
You really do have a lot of time to yourself on your days off but it can be relaxing too. I have friends who have kids at home and that was a bit of a difficult change of pace from all the responsibility but now they tell me they’ve adjusted quite well. Don’t get me wrong there are times when it gets lonely but talk about it with a friend or distract yourself with the reasons you decided to go to Saudi and your goals.
There is a real opportunity to save here especially with the exchange rate at the moment
And this also keeps you mentally strong even if sometimes the working day is hard you look at your bank balance and you remember one of the major reasons you’re here.
The adjustment considerations..
Prayer time. Its 5 times a day for about 20 minutes. You’ll hear it over the loudspeaker at 6am but its not disruptive. You do get used to it. Its observed in all public places so prayer mats will be on sections of the hospital floors, patients rooms, etc. Retail is forbidden during prayer time so the shop doors close while prayer is on. So try to go for a coffee or into a supermarket just before prayer starts.
The pace of life here. Things get done slowly here and there’s no point in losing your temper. However things do get done.
Prepare to laugh and go with the flow. Take each day as it comes. And be kind to yourself because your probably doing so much better than you think.
The bus journey to work. If you stay at Al Aoun nursing compound its tiring at first but you get used to it and now for me it’s a quiet bit of ME time before my shift starts.
The mosquito’s. They’re not excessive but bring mosquito repellent and tigerbalm.
The orientation period. Practise your drug calculations a little before you arrive as there is an exam.
The systems, policies and protocols at the hospital and the paperwork. It takes time but it’s a learning curve. I was also advised to forget everything I learned at home and learn it the Saudi way. There is a lot of truth in that. It does get frustrating but you do learn to adjust. If your positive and receptive to new approaches.
After 3 months probation you are expected to sometimes take charge of the ward. And you will occasionally float out to different wards. But by then you’ll be more confident and familiar and there are great management support systems in place.
The apartment you share. I’ve been lucky to share with 2 great girls but some people just have personality clashes. Housing will help to move you but stay positive. Give it time. You have your new friends starting as well on the compound to visit, and people are friendly and that will make it easier. But the majority I know are happy. Its all a period of adjustment.
Bring a head scarf at all times. Just keep it in your bag. The religious police rarely ask you to cover your head but when they do they’re normally polite and understanding that your adjusting to a new culture..
What to bring.
Black long sleeved top and trousers. Bikini or swimsuit. String tops, shorts and comfortable shoes for under the Abaya if its cold. White shoes. You can bring your laptop. Security scan it at the airport. I brought mine and its really handy.
Its possible to buy anything you need here. I personally brought home comforts. My favourite movies that made me laugh. But nothing too depressing!!(Beaches, the English Patient, the Notebook, The Champ, The Deerhunter …don’t even think about it!!lol) Your favourite music and don’t laugh but even your favourite cuddly toy. !!
I personally am finding it such an extrodinary experience. I try to embrace it as a positive challenge. Don’t get me wrong there are days when something small happens and the tears come and you doubt your purpose but that’s to be expected.And it soon passes. But you’ll also feel a sense of bravery and fullfillment. You got on a plane and did it.! I can only tell you my experience. And after 2 months its still quite limited but its fresh. I have met some great people with such interesting life stories . I’ve met nurses in their fifties who’ve never left their home country and travelled here for the first time and others who have travelled the world but everyone is going through the same emotions.. Take things day by day and I always tell myself home will always be there but for now I’m happy to stay.
May I say that from listening to other peoples accounts of how they were treated by their agency I have only the highest praise for the team at Professional Connections. Ann kept me informed of progress with the hospital here in Saudi and Mari assisted me with paperwork.They were in touch so frequently during my preparation to move. They were both understanding and reassuring when I spoke of my fears on the phone. They also provided written advice on culture changes that allows you to understand that there is an adjustment period in this and certain emotions are totally normal. They emailed after I arrived to make sure I was doing ok and stayed in touch if I had any problems.I really appreciated this and it made me feel like more than just a name and number.
Good luck to anyone considering the move and feel free to contact me at if you have any queries and I will try to help. Professional Connections will give you my e mail address
Update Jan 2010
Therese has recontracted for another year
All the best
Therese
