Overcoming Obstacles: Exploring the Challenges faced by Newly Hired Foreign Nurses in Saudi Arabian Primary Health Care Facility

Nursing, Administration

The demand for healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia has been steadily increasing over the years, leading to the recruitment of foreign nurses to fill in the workforce gap. While this may seem like a promising opportunity for both parties, it is crucial to investigate the challenges faced by newly hired foreign nurses to provide appropriate support and guidance. This exploratory study sheds light on the challenges faced by newly hired foreign nurses in Saudi Arabian Primary Health Care Facility and how they cope with these difficulties. The study utilized a qualitative research design, using a semi-structured interviews with newly hired foreign nurses using a purposive sampling method. Interview recordings were transcribed by DKBLabs Transcribing Tool. Thematic analysis was conducted through the AILYZE tool to analyze the data, revealing three main themes: Cultural Adjustment and Integration, Professional Challenges and Support, and Emotional Well-being and Homesickness. Healthcare organizations need to recognize these challenges and provide appropriate measures to facilitate the smooth integration of foreign nurses into the workforce. The findings emphasized the need for better support, training, and familiarization with the Saudi Arabian culture, language, and healthcare system. It is recommended that healthcare facilities take proactive steps to create a supportive and inclusive work environment. This can be achieved by including cultural sensitivity and diversity training in the orientation process, establishing mentorship programs, providing language support, and promoting social events. These measures will not only help foreign nurses adapt to the local culture and customs, but also improve their communication and emotional well-being in the workplace. Healthcare facilities need to provide proper orientation and cultural training to help these nurses transition smoothly into their new work environment. Furthermore, fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture can go a long way in helping these nurses overcome the challenges they face and thrive in their roles. This study can be a valuable resource for healthcare policymakers and organizations to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for foreign nurses, ultimately improving the quality of healthcare services in the country. Also, the findings of this study can serve as a basis for other similar research projects in the future and contribute to the body of knowledge in this field.

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