Challenges And Opportunities For Creating A More Culturally Sensitive Nursing Workforce In Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This qualitative review paper examines the challenges and opportunities for creating a more culturally sensitive nursing workforce in Saudi Arabia. It is based on a comprehensive literature review of existing studies and articles on the cultural aspects of nursing in Saudi Arabia, with a focus on the unique cultural context of the country. Through this review, several key themes and issues have emerged, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities for promoting cultural sensitivity in the nursing profession in Saudi Arabia. One of the main challenges identified is the lack of diversity in the nursing workforce in Saudi Arabia. The majority of nurses in the country are expatriates, primarily from developing countries, who may not possess a deep understanding of the cultural norms and values of Saudi society. This can create communication barriers and result in a lack of cultural competence among nurses, leading to potential health disparities and misunderstandings with patients. In addition, the traditional patriarchal nature of Saudi society poses another challenge for creating a culturally sensitive nursing workforce. The strict gender segregation in the workforce limits the opportunities for male nurses to interact with female patients, which can hinder the provision of holistic and culturally sensitive care. Furthermore, the conservative attitudes towards male-female interactions may also impede the development of effective communicatio[1]n skills and cultural sensitivity among male nurses. However, this review also highlights several opportunities for promoting cultural sensitivity in the nursing workforce in Saudi Arabia. With an increasing focus on health advocacy and patient-centered care, there is a growing recognition of the need for culturally competent healthcare professionals. Moreover, the government's efforts to promote Saudization – the employment of more Saudi nationals – in the healthcare sector can lead to a more culturally diverse nursing workforce with a better understanding of local culture and customs. In conclusion, this qualitative review paper has shed light on the challenges and opportunities for creating a more culturally sensitive nursing workforce in Saudi Arabia. The findings suggest that promoting diversity and cultural competence among nurses can improve the overall quality of healthcare services provided in the country. Further research and policy interventions are needed to address the identified challenges and capitalize on the opportunities for creating a more culturally competent nursing workforce in Saudi Arabia.