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.

Recommendations for healthcare providers preparing to work in the Middle East: A Campinha-Bacote cultural competence model approach

“…"But there are also acculturated Westernoriented Muslims -or 'cultural Muslims' -who may or may not adhere strictly to the practices of Islam" [23] (p.12). This is also supported by a study conducted by AIYateem et al [15] who found that religion was a constant practice, exponentially more so when patients were ill or dying "more so than surgery or nursing procedures" (p. 23). However, findings indicated that HCPs who moved to the Middle East who did not have this concept embedded into their practice, lead to misunderstandings between the patient and the nurse.…”

“…However, once embedded in a culture unlike our own, it is difficult to imagine that things we see are not abnormal for those that live within that culture. [14] According to AI Yateem and AI-Yateem [15] HCPs need to be aware of the different cultural meanings patients and nursing students ascribe to certain behaviors; yet this has not always been well received. Being culturally aware is the epitome of becoming culturally competent, which helps to recognize discrimination and avoid stereotyping.…”

Culture, religion, language and the assessment and management of children's pain by expatriate nurses in Saudi Arabia: A qualitative study

“…Religion and culture play an important role in shaping the values and beliefs of people in Saudi Arabia (Abudari et al, 2016; AlYateem & Al‐Yateem, 2014). During sickness and suffering, cultural practices remain embedded in daily lives even when people are hospitalized as reflected in the current study.…”

“…Traditional health practices mandate spiritual healings that involve reading scriptures from the Quran, and the use of Zamzam water, a holy water from the Zamzam well in Makkah, and honey, and black cumin (Al‐Shahri, 2002). Drinking Zamzam water and reading verses from the Quran, and prophetic supplications are often practiced before placing liquids and/or oils on the patient (Abudari et al, 2016; AlYateem & Al‐Yateem, 2014).…”

The Lived Experience of Internationally Recruited Nurses in Oman a Phenomenological Study

“…A similar quantitative study on the cultural adaptability Registered nurses in the GCC identi ed that language, work ethics, religious practices and climatic differences were signi cant adjustments that the Filipino nurses in the GCC need to be adapted to. (Valdez, 2016) (Al-Yateem & Al -Yateem, 2014). The study endeavors to explore the cultural lived experiences of the IRN's in Oman.…”