A Descriptive Phenomenology Approach to Understanding the Lived Experience of Foreign-born Nurses Caring for Inpatient Saudi Military Personnel with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Abstract
Background and Problem: Healthcare facilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) have long relied on foreign-born nurses (FBNs) to provide direct patient care in hospital settings. KSA has a unique cultural and religious background which requires FBN adaptation. Due to the ongoing war along Saudi Arabia's southern border, there is an increased incidence of uniformed Saudi military personnel (USMP) with injuries and PTSD resulting from deployment to an active combat region. FBNs are playing a vital role in caring for these injured USMP. The FBNs may be challenged by the nature of their work in an unfamiliar, overseas work environment as well as by their continuous interaction with combat injured USMP, including those with PTSD. Some characteristics of being an FBN caring for USMP with PTSD may make the FBNs’ lived experiences more challenging. Research has yet to answer or address the lived experience of FBNs who care for USMP suffering from combat-induced PTSD.
Description
Purpose. The purpose of the study was to explore and understand FBNs' lived experience in caring for inpatient USMP with PTSD.
Research Question. The primary research question to be studied was “What is the lived experience of FBNs caring for inpatient USMP with PTSD in the KSA?”
Methodology. This research study was influenced heavily by two theories: the Roy Adaptation Model and the Leininger Culture Care Theory. The researcher followed a descriptive qualitative phenomenological design derived from the philosophy of Edmund Husserl. Data collection occurred through the use of audio recorded interviews conducted with FBNs who care for inpatient USMP with PTSD in the largest military hospital in the KSA. Interviews incorporated semi structured, open-ended questions based upon 4 major themes derived from the literature and the chosen theoretical frameworks. Using a purposive sampling strategy, study participants (n=15) who are non-KSA citizens, were born outside the KSA, received their entry-level nursing education outside the KSA, and have been contracted to provide patient care at a hospital within the KSA, were recruited from several inpatient wards which are expected to have a high number of military war patients.
Data gathering and analysis: The researcher utilized individual face-to-face, audio-recorded interviews to explore the lived experiences of the study participants. Collected interview data processed using Colaizzi’s (1978) method.
Human Protections. Official approval obtained from hospital ethical research committee and from the Catholic University of America (CUA) Office of Sponsored Programs/Research Services Committee for the Protection of Human.
Findings: These research study findings revealed five major themes compromised of 32 categories. These themes are: 1) Unlimited opportunities and a new experience influenced by a positive image of work environments in KSA; 2) Cultural shock; 3) Work experience within challenges; 4) Challenges toward nurses’ resilience; 5) Cost of care: FBNs’ reactions after being exposed to PTSD patients.
Keywords
PTSD, foreign-born nurses (FBNs), Saudi military personnelLived, Experience
Citation
Alshayeg, I. (2023). A Descriptive Phenomenology Approach to Understanding the Lived Experience of Foreign-born Nurses Caring for Inpatient Saudi Military Personnel with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. [Doctoral dissertation, The Catholic University of America]. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database.