General FAQ'sHow much do I pay to Professional Connections?Our recruitment service is free for the applicant. We are sourced by our client hospitals to recruit overseas employees, and they pay us once you have commenced employment. Please be aware that there are, however, some costs associated with your application (see list below), which you are expected to pay yourself. Costs incurred by the candidate?Costs of items listed below vary from Country to Country.
Why do Saudi Arabian Hospitals recruit overseas nurses?University hospitals in Saudi Arabia have been training nurses for almost 40 years. The number of Saudi Arabian people entering the nursing profession, however, falls far short of what is needed to staff the Kingdom's hospitals and clinics. To overcome this, hospitals recruit nurses from all over the world, creating a multicultural working environment for the nurse. To overcome differences in the nursing background of their staff, hospitals establish their own standards, policies and procedures. Often these standards are loosely based on a system of Healthcare in another country such as USA, Canada or United Kingdom. Where will I live?The hospitals will provide free, furnished accommodation. These accommodation complexes are usually called "compounds". A compound is a private set of villas/apartments surrounded by a perimeter wall. Normally they are located close to the hospitals with free transportation provided between the accommodation and the hospital, as well as to the City Centre and the main recreational and commercial areas. See some videos here What are the social activities?There are numerous options open to you ranging all from sporting and cultural activities, going to the beach or the desert, dinner parties, concerts at Embassies to many expatriate amateur clubs. The list below gives you some idea of the wide array of activities.
Are there cinemas?Although there are no cinemas in the kingdom, many Saudis and expats watch films via satellite and download movies from the net. What kind of restaurants can I expect?There are hundreds of places to visit, ranging from restaurants at a five star hotels to the local fast food kiosk selling delicious sharwma sandwiches. Pizza Hut and McDonald's plus their Arabic equivalents are everywhere. And for something different you could try different ethnic cuisines: French, Thai, Italian, Japanese, Egyptian, Chinese, Indian, Mongolian, Indonesian, Lebanese, Pakistani, Filipino, Turkish, Korean, Malaysian, American or an English Fish 'n' Chip shop. Where can I go at weekends?For the longer weekend trips, Saudi Arabia has much to offer in the way of history, culture, geography and geology. An off-road vehicle is necessary for the more ambitious traveller. After your 90-day probationary period you can also travel abroad. The neighbouring countries are only about an hour or two away, so many nurses chose to explore them during a weekend trip. Popular destinations are:
What kind of clothing should I wear?Hospital Uniform: Nurses wear the same uniform similiar to what you wear at home, can be a white tunic or coloroed tunic with mid arm length sleeves and white trousers or critical care nurses wear scrubs. Hats are not worn. For Portuguese nurses, There was a picture on a Portuguese newspaper of a nurse totally covered with a nurses hat over a head cover. Clearly this was a joke. Nurses wear the same uniform as you wear in Portugal, white tunic with mid arm length sleeves and white trousers or scrubs. Women are required to wear an abaya in public. You'll find these available in all price categories. An abaya is like a black cloak worn over your clothing. You are encouraged to carry a scarf to accompany your abaya (to cover your hair when required/requested). A veil is not required. All clothing worn in public places must be modest. Clothing worn in the hospital grounds and the housing compounds can be more casual - you clothing should be loose and cover both your knees and elbows. In western-only areas (such as private beaches or pools) you may abide by western dressing standards. You can exercise in women-only gyms/exercise facilities. At home, you may wear whatever you wish. There are no restrictions on shoes. Nurses are required white shoes at work (the hospital provides the work uniform, but you must bring your own shoes). Men should wear conservative clothing in public (long sleeves, no shorts). Hospital area and housing compounds are generally more lax with the dress code. It is wise to have some suits for occasions. Jewellery should also be worn conservatively (i.e. wedding ring and a watch). Last updated: 18.05.2012  |
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