Experiences of Transcultural Nursing Care in Arabic Wards of a Private Hospital

Abstract

The purpose of this research study aimed to describe experiences of being professional nurses in caring for Arabic patients in a private hospital. The methodology of this research applied on hermeneutic phenomenology by Heidegger. The study participants were 12 professional nurses experiencing in caring for Arabic patients at least 3 years. Data collection was used by in-depth interview along with tape recording and field notes. The data were then transcribed word-by-word and the content was analyzed based on van Manen’s methods. The results could be divided into 2 main themes, as follows: 1) In order to understand patients’ culture. i.1.1) Arabic people were hot-tempered and could be loud, 1.2) Arabic Men had the right of consent for any treatment, 1.3) Having cultures of food sharing, 1.4) Expecting to receive treatment results but not willing to co-operate very well and 1.5) Prioritizing their own beliefs and incorporating them in the treatment in the hospital 2) To care for Arabic patients, nurses needed to be aware i.e. 2.1) Checking evidence for claiming insurance at the embassy, 2.2) Necessarily giving up some activities during the fasting period, 2.3) nurses had to repeat themselves while explaining treatment methods, 2.4) Preparing female patients to get ready before each doctor visit and 2.5) Be treated like being at home so the caring procedures needed to be adjusted.