The Experience of Overseas Nurses Caring for Muslim Patients in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Uae: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Cultural competence in nursing care has always been emphasized and recommended as a quality indicator and a core knowledge requirement for all nurses. However, the provision of such culturally competent care can only be achieved when patients' cultural values and systems are known to the nurses and used appropriately to inform their practices. This study will help to reveal the different components of nurses' experiences while caring for patients from Islamic culture. This will inform the practice of service planners, managers and educators in designing interventions that address the needs of these nurses, hopefully making the nursing service more satisfying for both the nurses and the patients. A qualitative exploratory research design utilizing written narratives was used within this study. The study revealed three themes and five subthemes. The main themes were: (1) Right to practice Vs impact on care: A matter of balance; (2) Islamic principles: Nurses' knowledge; and (3) Broken lines of contact with social systems and patients. Most of participants have demonstrated insufficient knowledge and experience of Islamic principles which cannot aid them in providing culturally competent nursing care. It has also revealed that nurses should further recognize religion as an important part of the healing process and not as a factor that negatively impacts their role and hinders patient care.

Cultural and Religious Educational Needs of Overseas Nurses Working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates

“…These findings complement the current literature that is primarily theoretical in focus 11,22,23 and attempts to raise awareness of Islamic principles, or focus on patients' experiences to then inform health care professionals' practices, or assess nurses or other health care professionals experiences or understanding of different Islamic principles. 1,4,24,25 This study adds to the current literature and can contribute to both an improvement in the quality of nursing care given by overseas nurses and an improvement in the experience of the nurses themselves.…”

“…3,[5][6][7][8] This is in sharp contrast to the positive outcomes associated with culturally competent care. [4][5][6]9,10 It could be suggested, however, that the impact of this gap in knowledge and understanding might be greater for the nurses. Patients within the KSA and UAE communities have lived with this multicultural diversity for decades, with the workforce in both countries predominantly people from outside the Gulf countries region.…”

“…Additional problems ensue for those still to master the necessary skills and knowledge specific to Islamic beliefs and culture. 1,4 The absence of formal educational programs designed to bridge the cultural gap by providing necessary knowledge, skills, and training for overseas nurses compounds the difficulties. 1,4,11 In contrast, a structured program would validate existing abilities, decrease the problems faced by nurses and patients, prepare nurses to engage with their patients competently, and thus reduce the distress of both groups.…”

“…The challenges for nurses include high levels of stress, 1,4 and for those who are newly arrived and have no prior experience of communicating with or caring for Muslim patients cultural shock is very likely. Additional problems ensue for those still to master the necessary skills and knowledge specific to Islamic beliefs and culture.…”

“…Many of these nurses come from non-Islamic countries and have limited knowledge and understanding of Islamic principles and of the local UAE and KSA cultures, values, and functioning. 4 This knowledge gap can have negative consequences for patients and for the nurses themselves. For patients, culturally incompetent nursing care leads not only to dissatisfaction but may also negatively impact on outcomes for patients and their families.…”