Where are the new graduate nurses from? Are they Saudi citizens or citizens of other countries? Are there both female and male nurses?
We have mainly Saudi graduates. There are a few male nurses, but like most places, they are mainly female. And they are young -- in their 20s!
Some come from other parts of Saudi, but they are mainly from Riyadh.
Those I have met on the wards have done their practical training here. A few have also done an internship in United States. Those who travelled overseas for an internship seem to be placed in higher positions when they return.
They all spend three years in the classroom, plus one year internship in a hospital, with placements in different wards/departments. So, four years of training.
The education seems to be a lot of theory.
Are the new graduates receptive to mentoring?
They are keen to learn hands on!
They are receptive to supportive learning! Like most young people, or anyone really, they don't like to be treated with too much criticism.
By demonstrating patient-centred care and showing the relevance of theory to bedside patient care, experienced nurses can make a real difference for the Saudi nurses' future. For example, I explain the science behind stoma education -- why documenting in/out balance and checking labs are important -- to help them understand what sodium depletion in an ileostomy patient looks like. This helps them link theory to practice to individual patient needs!
Q: What are the challenges of mentoring?
KFSH is a specialist hospital, and many cases are complex, so I understand there is a way of doing things to make sure everything is done. It’s a task-timed environment, e.g., "vitals due, but not looking at the patient" kind of scenario.
As a Magnet hospital, quality is measured by statistics and checklists, etc., but nursing, as we know, is more than a quality checklist. So, because the psychology of nursing needs to be developed in the young Saudis; they will benefit from good mentors who practice patient-centred, compassionate care.
Successful mentoring is as much about the experienced nurse’s attitude as it is about her/his experience. Like anywhere, no one likes someone new coming, regardless of how much experience you bring, if you come with the attitude that "my way is better" and "this is how we did it", or "this is how it should be done!"
What are the rewards of mentoring?
When you explain something, and they understand it and see the relevance, they show such appreciation. And slowly I see changes in their practice and engagement with patients. Patients like having Saudi nurses, and rightly so. I understand that as the language can be a barrier.
I find the best way to show professionalism and to plant the seeds of widening their knowledge, is to show, in my actions and interactions with patients, how to be a competent and compassionate nurse.
I am excited, and I admire this new Saudi generation; they have embraced a whole new skill set and work ethic.
Saudis are very proud of their culture and belief system, and I think when these values align with professional goals of nursing, and when patient-centred care is viewed as looking after a member of their own family, they will be the most compassionate and confident workforce.
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