Nursing Considerations

"In sha Allah- God willing"

Saudi Arabians have a very positive view about illness. For them it is a test of one's endurance, perseverance, or capacity to bear. When someone is sick, he or she responds with humbleness and acceptance. Health and wellness are all from God therefore, every process of life starting from conception/pregnancy is out of their control.

    There is no certain age that a women should start bearing children. It can happen as soon as they get their first menstruation.

Cultural considerations in Saudi Arabian health care approaches

•  Male and female interaction is limited to family units only. It is inappropriate to make a casual greeting with a non-family.
• Separation of male and female is observed among the adolescent and adult wards.
• A handshake is not generally accepted between non-related male and female in the Islamic norms. So do not be offended when a patient refuses.
•  Patient prefer to have physicians of the same sex. Therefore as a nurse you may sometime be required to act as mediator between a patient and an opposite sex doctor.
• Staring or admiring the opposite sex is a equivalent to adultery.

Here are some more things to consider with a Saudi patient...

• Don’t offer alcoholic drinks to an Arab, unless you’re certain that he drinks alcohol. This can cause great offence.
• Don’t walk on a prayer mat or in front of any person at prayer and try not to stare at people who are praying.
• Avoid blasphemy, particularly in the presence of Muslims.
• Avoid putting an Arab in a position where he might suffer a ‘loss of face’ in front of other Arabs. He will appreciate this, if he notices your action.
• Don’t beckon to people with a finger, as this is considered particularly impolite. Arabs might use such a gesture to summon a dog.
• Avoid shouting and displays of aggression or drunkenness at all times, as such behaviour is rarely tolerated.