The Middle East could offer your next nurse or midwife job

Nursing and midwifery jobs in the Middle East are as plentiful as ever, so in this article we take a look at just some of the job opportunities currently advertised, and why the benefits make moving abroad so appealing.

Nurses and midwives who trained in the UK are among those candidates highly sought after for nursing jobs in the Middle East, and there are several recruiters looking for experienced staff to work in this part of the world.

If you’re struggling to find your next career move within the UK, then moving to the Middle East could provide you with exactly the career progression you’re looking for.

A few of our clients advertise jobs for western trained doctors and other medical specialists to work in the Middle East and United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Once of the main advantages that these types of roles can offer is the tax-free salary and generous leave and relocation allowances.

It’s common for nurses and midwives to be offered a 12 - 24 month contract initially, but many choose to stay on after this initial period. You need between 2 - 5 years of post registration experience in the department you want to work in, depending on the seniority of the job.

Whichever specialism of nursing or midwifery you have experience in, you can pretty much guarantee there will be a vacancy for you in one of the Middle East locations.

Such is the demand for western-trained nurses that if you’ve got the experience, they’ve got the job. Hospital and clinical roles are most common, particularly in specialist areas such as paediatrics, neonatal, SCBU, triage / A&E, theatres and ICU.

The prospect of working abroad is more appealing than ever. See what working in the middle east could offer you.

A different working day

The weekend days in the Middle East are different from western countries, and can vary from country to country. Saudi Arabia and Oman still keep Thursday and Friday as their weekend days, while the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Qatar have all adopted the Friday and Saturday weekend in order to be more in line with the West and therefore improving trade links. Yemen is also following this change from February 2012.

You will most likely be employed in a hospital, and will be scheduled in a shift pattern just as you would be in UK job. The majority of people you will treat while working in the Middle East will be of muslim faith, and therefore praying, fasting and modest dress is key to their daily routine, even in hospital.

You will find that simple procedures such as taking a blood sample or dressing a wound may have to be scheduled at different times of day if a patient is praying.

Ramadan can be a particularly difficult time for you, in a nurse or midwife job, to manage your patient’s care as even those in hospital, while not required to fast, may choose to do so.

If you’re interested in looking to work abroad, I would advise that you do some research on the country you would potentially be working in, particularly as regards social customs, so that if you do apply and are successful, you aren’t in a major culture shock that could detract from your experience.

Benefits of moving to work in the Middle East

Employers are aware that making the move to the Middle East for work is a big commitment, and they are prepared to offer a substantial package of benefits.

As with any employer, the salary offered will depend on your experience and the seniority level of the job, but as always it’s tax free if you are a UK citizen.

There is a common package of benefits that most nurses and midwives are offered and it includes:

- Free or highly subsidised accommodation near to your place of work

- Free transportation to and from work if it’s not within walking distance

- Free return flights to the UK annually or bi-annually

- Generous annual leave, usually around 30 days

- Free medical and dental insurance / healthcare plan

- Free uniform

Some jobs also offer:

- Free accommodation including bills, cable TV and internet access

- Free membership of the sports and leisure club in the accommodation complex- 15% cost of living bonus with each monthly salary payment

- Joining / resettlement bonus when your contract starts

Life in the Middle East

When you’re not working there’s plenty of social life to be had.

Quite often, the hospital you’re working at will be in a secure area in a complex along with your accommodation, something like a gated community.

There will be plenty of other British nurses and midwives who have also made the move that you can socialise with, as well as taking advantage of the local restaurants, places to visit and shopping centres!

The dress code for women and men varies according the country and area of the Middle East that you’re living and working in. For example, in Dubai western women are not required to wear a head covering - the guidance is simply to dress modestly, whereas in Saudi Arabia there are specific dress rules if you’re leaving the accommodation complex.

Whatever your motivation for looking for a nursing job or a midwifery job in the Middle East, there are benefits that can suit everyone.

Despite the occasional confusion on behalf of those posting the jobs as to whether Qatar is in the UAE (it isn’t!), these jobs can offer a lucrative option for candidates looking for a total change of scene. Follow this link to view all Middle East Nurse jobs. Read our article about the frequently asked questions by nurses considering a move to the Middle East.

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