Saudi Nurses Research Articles

Psychometric appraisal of the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) Arabic-version

Interprofessional education within healthcare has been shown to have many benefits, however, it is a relatively new educational concept within the Arabic setting. Although the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale is a commonly utilised tool to examine student attitudes, there is a lack of evidence for use of an Arabic translated version. The aim of this study was to develop and psychometrically evaluate an Arabic language version of the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale with Saudi nurses. Two independent translators, proficient in both English and Arabic languages, completed a forward-backward translation of the original English version of the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale. Subsequently, this Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale–Arabic version was used to collect data from undergraduate nursing students enrolled at a number of Saudi Arabian universities. Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses were then performed on the scale. Six hundred and fifty-two participants were recruited. Exploratory Factor Analysis of the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale-Arabic version resulted in a 15-item, three-factor model. Subsequent analysis with Confirmatory Factor Analysis and the resultant final 13-item model demonstrated a poor fit between the hypothesized model and the data. Although our three-factor model is supported by previous studies, the proposed model did not perform well on Confirmatory Factor Analysis assessment. This suggests that there may be issues of applicability of the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale-Arabic version within the current cohort. The present study of the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale-Arabic version has demonstrated some psychometric inadequacies and thus it is possible that this scale may not be appropriate for use with Saudi nurses. However further research with different professional groups is suggested to fully explore its utility within the Saudi setting.

A pre-experimental pilot study exploring EBP Beliefs and EBP Implementation among post-graduate student nurses in Saudi Arabia

AimThis study aimed to measure the impact of a dedicated EBP module on the knowledge, skills and capability for EBP of students undertaking the inaugural MSc in Nursing: Advanced Practice programme in the KSA. BackgroundEvidence-based practice (EBP) yields multiple benefits for all key stakeholders of healthcare. Key to this are healthcare professionals armed with necessary EBP knowledge and skills. Nurses, the largest professional group in healthcare, can be instrumental in effecting sustained EBP implementation. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) achieving this is hindered by a chronic shortage of nurses and a heavy reliance on expatriate nurses who are often a transient workforce, resulting in a high turnover. The Government of Saudi Arabia 2030 Vision aspires to address the indigenous nurse shortage and the quality of healthcare. In 2017 the inaugural MSc in Nursing: Advanced Practice programme was established in the KSA to prepare Saudi nurses for emerging advanced practice roles. A dedicated EBP module was a core component of the programme. MethodsA pre-experimental pilot study conducted over 18-months collected data from the same participants at three different points. Two validated EBP questionnaires measuring EBP Beliefs and EBP Implementation were administered to post-graduate students undertaking the MSc in Nursing: Advanced Practice programme in one Higher Education Institution in the KSA. Descriptive, inferential and correlational statistics were employed to analyse the demographic data, group mean scores and distribution on the EBP scales, as well the correlation between EBP Beliefs and EBP Implementation. FindingsFindings demonstrated that the educational intervention did improve participants’ EBP beliefs and implementation. Participants reported positive beliefs about EBP at all 3 data collection points (M = 57.4 SD = 7.0; M = 62.54 SD = 7.21; M = 55.31 SD = 15.81, respectively). EBP implementation was low prior to undertaking the module but improved thereafter as illustrated across the 3 data collection points (M = 15.14 SD = 11.9; M = 27.64 SD = 14.35; M = 25.9 SD = 20.43). On both measures, higher scores indicate higher EBP beliefs and implementation. ConclusionThis study established the EBP Beliefs and EBP Implementation of a sample of postgraduate nursing students in the KSA. Findings revealed a substantial improvement in both EBP Beliefs and EBP Implementation following the EBP module. Findings support the use of a dedicated module to prepare nurses to use EBP and to practice at an advanced level while simultaneously preparing them for leadership roles in healthcare in KSA. In so doing, this will help to advance the healthcare goals of the KSA 2030 vision.

Projecting health labor market dynamics for a health system in transition: planning for a resilient health workforce in Saudi Arabia

BackgroundHealth workforce planning is critical for health systems to safeguard the ability to afford, train, recruit, and retain the appropriate number and mix of health workers. This balance is especially important when macroeconomic structures are also reforming. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is moving toward greater diversification, privatization, and resiliency; health sector reform is a key pillar of this transition.MethodsWe used the Ministry of Health Yearbook data on the number of workers and health expenditures from 2007 to 2018 and projected health labor market supply and demand of workers through 2030, evaluated the potential shortages and surpluses, and simulated different policy scenarios to identify relevant interventions. We further focused on projections for health workers who are Saudi nationals and health worker demand within the public sector (versus the private sector) to inform national objectives of reducing dependency on foreign workers and better deploying public sector resources.ResultsWe projected the overall health labor market to demand 9.07 physicians and nurses per 1,000 population (356,514) in 2030; the public sector will account for approximately 67% of this overall demand. Compared to a projected supply of 10.16 physicians and nurses per 1,000 population (399,354), we estimated an overall modest surplus of about 42,840 physicians and nurses in 2030. However, only about 17% of these workers are estimated to be Saudi nationals, for whom there will be a demand shortage of 287,895 workers. Among policy scenarios considered, increasing work hours had the largest effect on reducing shortages of Saudi workers, followed by bridge programs for training more nurses. Government resources can also be redirected to supporting more Saudi nurses while still ensuring adequate numbers of physicians to meet service delivery goals in 2030.ConclusionDespite projected overall balance in the labor market for health workers in 2030, without policy interventions, severe gaps in the Saudi workforce will persist and limit progress toward health system resiliency in Saudi Arabia. Both supply- and demand-side policy interventions should be considered, prioritizing those that increase productivity among Saudi health workers, enhance training for nurses, and strategically redeploy financial resources toward employing these workers.

Exploring the Factors Influencing Saudi Nurses' Intentions to Leave Critical Care Units in Government Hospitals at Qassim Region

The health system is based on major pillars that it cannot continue without, the most important of which are doctors and qualified nursing staff. The departure of nursing staff is one of the dilemmas that threaten the health system. Another place, especially leaving work in intensive care. The current scoping review aims to identify relevant evidence related to the factors influencing nurses' intentions to leave critical care units at governmental hospitals at Saudi Arabia. In this study, the researcher explored that some factors were not covered, so the most of the knowledge gap regarding the factors that contribute to nurses’ intentions to leave their current occupations in critical care units at governmental hospitals in Saudi Arabia, are motivation and communication among staff members. As well as, conflict among staff members, Nurse Manager Ability, leadership and support of nurses, and nurse-physician relationships are some of the important factors that contribute to nurses’ intentions to leave their current occupations that needs to be studied.

COVID-19 crisis: Influence of eHealth literacy on mental health promotion among Saudi nursing students

ObjectiveThis study aims to determine the influence of eHealth literacy on mental health promotion among Saudi nursing students. MethodThis cross-sectional study was conducted from 19 April to 21 May 2020. A total of 468 nursing students responded to the self-administered online survey. Two instruments, namely, the eHealth Literacy Scale and the Positive Mental Health Scale, were used. Statistical tools such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation were used for the descriptive analysis. Multiple regression analysis was employed to analyse the relationship between eHealth literacy, health promotion, and its predictors. ResultsThe results showed that 30.3% of nursing students were dissatisfied with their general health. Students perceived high self-assessed eHealth literacy and positive mental health. Students in the 4th year had lower scores than those of students in the 2nd year. Nursing students perceived that the quarantine and public social distancing lowered their mental health scores. Finally, the eHealth literacy mean scores resulted in a 0.21-point increase in the positive mental health scores. ConclusionThe finding of the study shows that the eHealth literacy positively influnce the mental health status of Saudi Nursing students.

Saudi Arabian nurses' workaholic tendencies and their predictive role in professional quality of life.

To determine whether nurses' workaholic tendencies and demographic variables predict their professional quality of life. A cross-sectional design was utilized among 427 Saudi nurses which conveniently selected in four tertiary public hospitals in Saudi Arabia. Nurses' have higher workaholic tendencies level and moderate professional quality of life levels. Working more than 40 h per week correlates with one's risk of workaholism. Certain professional quality of life subscales is associated with gender, marital status, hospital experience, and work addiction tendencies. The present study contributes to the development of new clinical practices by enlightening readers of the implications of workaholism for nurses' professional quality of life, so that this can be addressed and managed properly.

Prevalence and associated factors of stress among primary health care nurses in Saudi Arabia, a multi-center study.

Background:Nursing practice has been identified as one of the most stressful professions within the healthcare systems. The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of stress and its associated factors among primary healthcare nurses.Materials and Methods:This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 Saudi nurses in the government primary health care centers in Medina city, Saudi Arabia. Stress was measured by the stress subscale of the 21-Item Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale. Sources of stress were assessed by 15 items.Results:The majority were females (68.0%) and aged less than 40 years (72.5%). Thirty percent had severe or very severe stress. Stress was associated significantly with the presence of chronic diseases (P = 0.037) and with working in night shifts (P = 0.042). All sources of stress in the workplace were associated significantly and positively with stress (P < 0.01).Conclusion:About one-third of the participants had stress. Improving work conditions and minimizing stress in the workplace should be a priority in the primary health care setting.

COVID-19 Community Transmission among Healthcare Workers at a Tertiary Care Cardiac Center.

Aim: To determine the frequency, mode of transmission, and outcome of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) among healthcare workers (HCWs) in a tertiary care cardiac center in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Methods: This is a retrospective study of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infected HCWs and was conducted from 2 March to 31 December 2020. Data related to the presence of COVID-19 symptoms, mode of transmission, hospitalization, and mortality were collected from the patients’ medical records. Results: Of the 4462 patients tested for COVID-19 by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), 203 (4.5%) HCWs were positive; of these, 125 (61.6%) were males, and the most common age group was <40 years. The most commonly encountered health professionals were nurses (74, 36.4%), followed by therapists/technicians (48, 23.6%), housekeepers (25, 12.3%), and physicians (21, 10.4%). The majority (184, 90.6%) of the HCWs contracted COVID-19 in the community, and only 19 (9.4%) were healthcare-associated infections. Of the infected HCWs, 169 (83.3%) had mild symptoms and were managed in home isolation. The most common symptoms were fever (128, 63.1%), body ache (124, 61.8%), headache (113, 55.7%), dry cough (123, 60.6%), sore throat (97, 47.8%), body weakness (97, 47.8%), and fatigue (94, 46.3%). Comparing males and females, there was a significantly higher number of female nurses; in contrast, there was a higher number of male physicians, housekeepers, therapists/technicians, and other specialty HCWs. A significantly lower number of nurses, therapists/technicians were infected in the ≥40 years age group compared to <40 years. Furthermore, a significantly higher difference was observed among non-Saudi nurses compared to Saudi nurses. No mortality was documented among the included HCWs. Conclusions: In the largest tertiary cardiac center in KSA, most HCWs who contracted COVID-19 developed mild symptoms; nurses and those aged <40 years were most commonly infected, and most infections were acquired in the community. HCWs’ adherence to mitigation measures outside of the workplace is vital to curb the current pandemic and decrease nosocomial transmission risk.

Workplace Violence against Staff Nurses at Governmental Hospitals: A Comparative Study

Workplace Violence towards nursing staff has negative effects on their safety and quality of patient care delivered. Aim: This study aimed to examine the phenomena of workplace violence against staff nurses at Shebin Elkom city in Egypt and Arar city in Saudi Arabia. Methods: Descriptive comparative study was employed in conducting this study. Sample: a convenience sample of 438 staff nurses (236 from Shebin Elkom city and 202 from Arar city) was participated in this study. Setting: The study was carried out at three governmental hospitals at Shebin Elkom city, Egypt, and three hospitals at Arar city, Northern Border Region, Saudi Arabia that were chosen randomly. Tool A modified version of the workplace violence in the health sector questionnaire developed by International Labor Organization, International Council of Nurses, World Health Organization and Public Service International (2003) was used. Results: Exposure to workplace violence was more likely in Egyptian nurses at Shebin Elkom city than Saudi nurses at Arar city. (83.47% vs. 65.35%; P<0.001). The sources of violence were patients, patient’s relatives/visitors, and co-workers among Egyptian nurses at Shebin Elkom city, while work supervisors were more likely among Saudi nurses at Arar city. The causes of practicing workplace violence as reported more by Egyptian nurses at Shebin Elkom city were weak hospital security, shortage of nurses, and an increased workload while coming to work late and delay in investigations of incidents were the most reported by Saudi nurses at Arar city. The response to violence was more likely by telling the person to stop, pretend it never happened, tried to defend oneself, telling a colleague, or telling friends/family in Egyptian nurses compared to Saudi nurses. Similarly, two third of Egyptian nurses reported taking no action compared to 45.54% of Saudi nurses. Egyptian nurses at Shebin Elkom city reported violent acts more. Conclusion: Workplace violence against nurses is an issue that has to be addressed in both Egyptian nurses at Shebin Elkom and Saudi nurses at Arar city. Nurses at Shebin Elkom city, Egypt, were more likely exposed to violence than those at Arar city, Saudi Arabia. Recommendation: There is an urgent need for developing strict policies and procedures concerning workplace violence incidence to protect health care workers against violence.

Challenges Facing the Nursing Profession in Saudi Arabia: An Integrative Review

There is a paucity of recent literature identifying the issues facing the nursing profession in Saudi Arabia. The aim of this integrative review is to highlight the ongoing challenges facing the nursing profession in Saudi Arabia despite attempts to make a difference and suggests recommendations for the future. Literature published from 2000 to 2020, inclusive, relevant for nursing challenges in Saudi Arabia was accessed and reviewed from multiple sources. In Saudi Arabia, inadequate numbers of Saudi nurses have prompted an increase in recruitment of expatriate nurses. This has created its own issues including, retention, lack of competency in English and Arabic, as well as Arabic cultural aspects, insufficient experience, and a high workload. The result is job dissatisfaction and increased attrition as these nurses prefer to move to more developed countries. For national nurses, the issues are the need to recruit more and retain these nurses. There are a range of cultural factors that contribute to these issues with national nurses. There is a need to improve the image of nursing to recruit more Saudi nurses as well as addressing issues in education and work environment. For expatriate nurses there is a need for a better recruitment processes, a thorough program of education to improve knowledge and skills to equip them to work and stay in Saudi. There is also a need for organizational changes to be made to increase the job satisfaction and retention of nurses generally. Healthcare in Saudi Arabia also needs leaders to efficiently manage the various issues associated with the nursing workforce challenges.

The emotional experience among nurses caring for COVID-19 patients in Hail Region, Saudi Arabia

To assess and describe the emotional experience among nurses caring for COVID-19 patients in the Hail region, Saudi Arabia, a qualitative research design using a phenomenological approach in selected hospitals Hail Region was performed. The researcher identified 30 nurses who provided care for COVID-19 patients. The interview was conducted in person by following the precautionary guidelines or by WhatsApp Application system and the analysis done using Colaizzi's 7-step method. In the present study, the demographic data revealed that 87% of the nurses were females and the remaining participants were Saudi male nurses. Most of the participants (50%) were in the age group 24–29 years. About 66% were Indian, 17% were Filipina, and 17% were Saudi nurses. Moreover, 50% of those nurses have 5–9 years of experience and 37% are young nurses who have 1–4 years of experience. Thus, it is obvious that well-experienced staff are involved in this pandemic duty. Regarding the marital status of the nurses, 50% are married and 50% single. Among 63% of the nurses in this study either unmarried or married without children; 24% of them have a single child; and 13% have more than 2 children. For those who were living with family, the hospital administration arranged certain measures for isolating them during duty. The emotional experience among nurses caring for COVID-19 patients which were narrated by the staffs was transliterated, and the findings were shown based on 4 themes with subthemes as follows: enhancing the negative emotions and feelings at an initial phase, managing coping mechanism, changing anxiety to evolution, and developing positive emotions and at the same time gradually diminishing negative ones. The respondents able to recognize two sets of emotions: One positive and the other one negative. Self-coping styles, psychological well-being, and emotional stability has been developed. While comparing to the other studies the health care workers must be mandatory in crisis management and preparedness. These emotions will then form the foundation of the description and assessment of the overall emotional experiences of the nurses when the Ministry of Health (MOH) decides to enforce a mental wellness program for the country’s nurses.

Association Between Perceived Resilience and Mental Well-Being of Saudi Nursing Students During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Purpose: This study investigated the relationship between nursing students' profile variables and their state of mental well-being and resilience during the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic and how this impacts their understanding of holistic nursing care provision. Design: This study used a cross-sectional design and total enumeration sample (n = 439) from all enrolled nursing students in the College of Nursing of a state-run university. Method: The 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) and 14-item Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS) were used to collect data from the participants. A correlational analysis was employed to determine the relationship between the responses of the participants to their profile variables. Findings: There were no significant differences in age, gender, and year level in the 10-item CD-RISC and WEMWBS. Regarding the WEMWBS, the mean total score of those with 61-100% of the allowed units was significantly higher than those with 31-60%. Finally, the CD-RISC scores revealed that participants with a general point average (GPA) of A were significantly higher than those with a GPA of B+ or B. Conclusion: Academically performing students (those with a GPA of B and above) are more resilient. In addition, there is an existing linear relationship between high mental well-being and the ability to pursue higher academic loads.

Assessment of determinants predicting success on the Saudi Nursing Licensure Examination by employing artificial neural network.

BACKGROUND:This study aims to use the artificial neural network as a novel approach to explore factors that determine and predict successful performance of nursing interns in Saudi Arabia on the Saudi Nursing Licensure Examination (SNLE).MATERIALS AND METHODS:The study employed a cross-sectional, analytic approach. A total of 62 nursing interns were recruited by convenience sampling from the University of Hail to participate. Data collection was conducted from September to December 2019. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the demographic characteristics of the nursing interns and their responses regarding examination determinants. Neural network analysis was used to identify factors that are highly predictive of the success of the nursing interns on the SNLE.RESULTS:Overall, the nursing interns were undecided (3.94 ± 0.14) about the influential factors determining their success. Their study hours (100%) and grade point average (GPA) (96.9%) were identified as strong determinants reflective of the tenacity and vigor of the nursing interns, based on the predictive power of the model. Meanwhile, age (45.7%), marital status (21.3%), gender (15.2%), and the type of academic program (5.9%) were considered the least important of the sociodemographic variables.CONCLUSION:Exam preparation activities such as preparation programs, review classes, and exam simulations must be promoted and enhanced to increase the passing tendencies of the nursing interns in the SNLE. The GPA and increased study hours make the most significant contributions to success on the SNLE as compared to other variables such as age, gender, marital status, and the academic program. This study serves as a springboard for nursing educators and administrators in laying tailored strategies to strengthen the nurse interns’ GPA and time management.

Effects of Electronic Devices and Internet Addiction on Sleep and Academic Performance Among Female Egyptian and Saudi Nursing Students: A Comparative Study.

IntroductionThe widespread availability of Internet access and increasing rate of electronic device usage has helped enlighten the world community through copious applications, information resources, and other benefits. However, both the lack of controlled behavior and excessive Internet usage have resulted in a variety of difficulties that can hinder user achievement in many areas.ObjectivesThis study investigated the prevalence of Internet and electronic device addiction among Egyptian and Saudi nursing students, with the aim of identifying any effects on sleep and academic performance.MethodsA cross-sectional comparative research design was employed among a systematic random sample comprised of 920 Egyptian and Saudi female nursing students. All participants completed the Young-Internet Addiction Test (IAT), Mobile Phone Involvement Questionnaire (MPIQ), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS).ResultsSevere Internet Addiction (IA) detected in 42.69% and 10.31% of Saudi and Egyptian participants, respectively. However, Saudi participants were more likely to report high rates of mobile phone usage (P < 0.001), while Egyptian participants tended to score higher on the ESS (17.47 ± 3.99 vs. 16.8 ± 3.83; P = 0.024). For all participants, IAT and MPIQ scores were correlated with ESS results, while IA was specifically associated with poor academic performance. Finally, MPIQ scores were inversely correlated with academic performance for Saudi participants.ConclusionSmartphone and Internet addiction were notable problems for the Egyptian and Saudi nursing students investigated in this study. Importantly, these conditions adversely affect academic performance and other activity engagement in addition to inducing excessive daytime sleepiness.

The Relationship between Job Stress and Job Satisfaction among Saudi Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The productivity of nurses and patient healthcare is highly influenced by nurses’ stress-related factors and job satisfaction. Nursing is the least preferred career opportunities for Saudi residents as compared to other options. Nurses’ perceptions of intention to quit contributes to their shortage in Saudi health care institutions.Purpose: The study aimed to examine the relationship between work-related stress and job satisfaction among Saudi nurses working at a public hospital.Methods: The research used a cross-sectional design that collected data from samples of 297 nurses working at a specified public hospital and aged over than 20 years old. Convenient sampling was employed to recruit the samples. Data were collected using the Expanded Nursing Stress Scale (ENSS) and Job Satisfaction Scale (JSS). The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 was applied, and Pearson’s correlation test was to identify the relationship between variables.Results: The results indicated that the nurses at the hospital where the study took place experienced low levels of stress with a mean value of 2.1995. Besides, the nature of work indicated maximum job satisfaction with a mean value of 15.666, whereas minimum job satisfaction levels (11.569), were related to benefits provided to nurses. A positive correlation was found between the level of stress and satisfaction with a p-value of 0.041.Conclusion: The stress factors were highly correlated with job satisfaction. The identification of stress factors is important as it may create a negative impact on patients’ care and their well-being. It is suggested that changes in managerial affairs and policies are essential for implementing beneficial strategies that may assist in resolving the issue.

The Impact of Short-Term Solutions of Nursing Shortage on Nursing Outcome, Nurse Perceived Quality of Care, and Patient Safety

BACKGROUND: Nurses represent a significant proportion of the entire healthcare workforce. Unfortunately, the world is plagued with the shortage of qualified nurses to deliver safe, dignified, compassionate care. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine the relationships between overtime and floating as short-term solutions and nursing outcomes, nurse-perceived quality of care and patient safety among registered nurses in Saudi Arabia. SETTING/DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted at King Abdullah Medical City (KAMC) located in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study was conducted for two months (from July 20, 2020 to August 20, 2020), including both inpatient and outpatient registered nurses who had worked for, at least, one year at KAMC either as part-time or full-time. Nurses who had worked for less than one year, nurse educators, nurse managers and clinical nurse specialists were excluded. Measuring Variables included demographic characteristics, job satisfaction, intention to leave, nursing perceived quality of care, perceived patient safety, patient safety, patient acuity and dependency, workload and floating. A pre-designed questionnaire was distributed to willing nurses. Data were non-normally distributed and Scatter plots were also generated. T-test was used to find the relation of floating and overtime with sample characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 337 registered nurses completed the questionnaire. Majority of the participants were from 41-50 years of age group (60.5%), and non-Saudi nationals (90.5%). Statistically significant relation of age groups with development of pressure ulcers (p = 0.030) was found. Nationality showed significant relation with job satisfaction (p = 0.008), quality of care (p = 0.006) and patient safety (p <0.05). Specialist nursing category showed significant association with quality of care (p = 0.008) and pressure ulcers development (p = 0.050). Education level, overtime floating showed significant association with intention to leave (p <0.05). Nationality, extended shifts and mandatory overtime had significant association with job satisfaction. Hospital data showed significant association of overtime with medication error. CONCLUSION: Unmarried Saudi nurses have potential to provide quality of care to the patient with satisfied patient safety, especially in the days of overtime and increased workload.

Awareness, Attitudes, Prevention, and Perceptions of COVID-19 Outbreak among Nurses in Saudi Arabia.

The newly discovered coronavirus (COVID-19) has become a pandemic, infecting thousands of people around the world. This study examines nurses’ demographic information (age, gender, marital status, area of practice, total years of experience in the current hospital, work region, monthly salary, educational level, workplace, nationality, working hours per day, total nursing experience, and the respondents’ main source of information on COVID-19), awareness, attitudes, prevention, and perceptions of COVID-19 during the outbreak in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional descriptive design of 500 nurses working at government and non-governmental hospitals in five regions in Saudi Arabia were selected using convenience sampling. The Kruskal–Wallis test was applied and the Mann–Whitney test was utilized as a post hoc test. The majority of nurses in this study, 96.85%, had excellent knowledge of COVID-19. Some (83.2%) of nurses reported significant prevention knowledge and treatment skills about COVID-19, while 7.6% had little knowledge about prevention. More than half of the nurses (60.4%) had high positive attitudes toward caring for COVID-19 patients. In conclusion, female nurses, married nurses, and bachelor’s degree nurses had greater awareness, better attitude, and prevention clinical experience towards COVID-19. Meanwhile, non-Saudi nurses had higher self-reported awareness, positive attitudes, optimal prevention, and positive perceptions compared to Saudi nurses. This study provides baseline information immediately needed to enable health authorities to prioritize training programs that support nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Assess the Causes of Absenteeism Among Nurses Working in Hospitals, Eastern Region, Saudi Arabia

Background: The largest groups of health care providers in the country are nurses; they delivered the high percentage of health care. Despite the fact that being the largest group of health providers, the nursing workforce has experienced an acute shortage affecting the delivery of health care. Saudi Arabia is challenged with a chronic shortage of qualified Saudi nurses, accompanied by high rates of absenteeism due to uncertain causes. Aim: This study aims to assess the causes of absenteeism among nurses working in General hospital, and to compare it with other nurses working in psychiatric hospital in Eastern region, Saudi Arabia. Method: Descriptive study design was utilized to conduct in Eastern region of Saudi Arabia. A survey containing an adapted (PES) Practice Environment Scale of Nursing Work Index with where distributed to three hospitals: Erada complex for Mental Health at Al-Dammam, the Prince Saud bin Jalawi Hospital in Al-Ahsa, and Qatif Central Hospital and Dammam Medical Tower. 257 nurses participated on this survey. Result: There was a significant difference in absenteeism between Prince Saud Bin Jalwi (mean =2.94, SD = .885) and Qatif Central Hospital (mean = 2.34, SD = 1.073). Among the reasons of absenteeism, majority is having health problem, stress working, and (47 % ) personal and family problem (60 % ) no cooperative from supervisor, working different shift without weekend off. And no supportive and appreciate from head of department. Conclusion: Nurses were found to have lack of commitment to their present job/work and are extremely dissatisfied in the administrative section. Since majority of the respondents answered they have never been absent for a month, thus considering their level of satisfaction and commitment scale, developing a motivation strategy, to make employees feel that their work is valued and creating flexibility by providing a flextime.

Identifying the factors influencing Saudi Arabian nurses' turnover.

This study identifies and analyses the risk factors contributing to nursing turnover in Saudi Arabia and identifies practical solutions to decrease turnover and encourage nurses to stay in their jobs. Saudi Arabia has a unique nursing profile, as the majority of the nursing workforce are expatriates. The Saudi health care system relies on contracted expatriate nurses to provide most of the direct patient health care. For nurses from other countries, Saudi Arabia can be a challenging place to work due to a range of factors including personal, policy and organisational variables. There is a high turnover of expatriate nurses, and this has been long-standing problem for the Saudi Arabian health care system. A cross-sectional survey design among nurses in Saudi Arabia including 502 nurses, of whom 83.7% are female. Structural equation modelling is used to examine the relationships between the study variables. Confirmatory factor analysis is used to create and validate the measurement models for variables. The analysis of the survey data identifies that Filipino nurses are more likely to intend to leave their current position than other expatriates, including Malaysian, Pakistani, Indian or local Saudi nurses. Many expatriates identify discrimination as an important contributing factor for their intention to leave, citing that the national salary remuneration for nurses should be based on competency and delivery of care. Furthermore, several independent variables are found to be significant predictors of anticipated turnover, including discrimination; social support from immediate supervisor; organisational commitment; and autonomy. This study provides the most comprehensive information available to date about the factors that influence nurses' desire to leave their current job and provides evidence for better health workforce planning in Saudi Arabia. This study strongly indicates that the main factor related to turnover is the unfair and unequal salaries paid to nurses of different nationalities in Saudi Arabia. The findings relating to both Saudi and foreign nurse employment could be helpful to policymakers and the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Nurses' Competency Learnings and Experiences from the Newly Developed Advanced Nursing Practice Diploma Program in Saudi Arabia: A Phenomenological Study.

Introduction In response to Saudi Vision 2030, the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties has taken the lead in supporting healthcare system development by providing advanced nursing practice training diplomas. The aim of this study is to explore the experience of nursing trainees during their enrollment in the newly established Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) Advanced Nursing Practice (ANP) diplomas.Methods We employed a descriptive phenomenological approach in this study. Collaizi’s distinctive process was utilized as a guide for the data analysis of 12 interviews.ResultsExploring the participants’ experiences revealed four themes: (1) the organizational culture valuing the learner and their learnings; (2) the commitment to continuous quality care improvement; (3) challenges in the trainer-trainee relationship; and (4) the vague career track of the trainees.ConclusionThe identified challenges faced by the nursing trainees may hinder the optimum utilization of these program outcomes. Interventions to overcome the identified challenges should be initiated by all stakeholders.