RECENT data shows that jobs for registered nurses will grow by 23 percent by 2016. But this largest category of health workers hasn't been immune to the effects of the economic slowdown, with several hospitals laying off nurses in substantial numbers or implementing hiring freezes. South African nurses have always been in demand as they are highly trained, a direct upshot of the scarcity of doctors in their country, making way for nurses who have become more experienced at treating and diagnosing patients. The best and the brightest of South African nurses are vetted and recruited in countries like Saudi Arabia. One such talented nurse is 34-year-old Lizzy Moonsamy, who worked her way up to the position of head nurse in a Taif military hospital. “Because of my experience in both theory and practice, I have attained this position,” Lizzy said. Born in South Africa, she qualified as a professional nurse in general nursing, psychiatry, community nursing and trained as a midwife in 1996. In her post graduation, she specialized in nephrology. Reports say that of the 90,000 registered nurses in South Africa, only 11,500 are qualified. More than 25 percent of these left the country last year for greener pastures. “There are many benefits of working here, such as, tax free salaries, six to ten weeks long annual vacation, service awards, free furnished accommodation, medical coverage, and a multinational work environment,” said Lizzy. “However, because of a worldwide nursing shortage and a higher demand for nursing services, health-care organizations are faced with staffing dilemmas, which in some places, are reaching crisis levels,” she said. About her experience of living in a foreign land, Lizzy said: “There are constant challenges which can be internal or external. This includes a new country, laws, culture, religion, training, economic status, environmental factors and one's individuality,” adding that every country is different and the true beauty lies in exploring, appreciating and learning from the nuances. In the past, the idea of a Saudi woman entering the nursing profession was considered something of a taboo. However, today an estimated 35 percent of the nurses here are Saudi women. “With regards to evaluating the female nurses here, I am non-biased. Every individual is different and cannot be evaluated in the same way,” said Lizzy. Commenting on the health care sector in Saudi Arabia, she said: “Saudi hospitals provide the best medical care in the world. Medical treatment and equipment are up to date and the country is recruiting the right people to work. Medical errors exist in all medical organizations and people who are responsible should take appropriate measures to correct such errors.” Lizzy said she is impressed with the “uniqueness of Islam, the Holy Mosques of Makkah and Madina, the history of the Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him), and the Saudi people.” Her favorite cities? “I like Jeddah and Riyadh as they offer a variety in restaurants, shopping malls and people. But there's nothing like the calmness in Makkah. Having recently reverted to Islam, I enjoy performing Umrah and Inshallah (God willing) I hope to perform Haj soon,” she said. Lizzy said she would recommend her friends, colleagues and family to also join her in Saudi Arabia. A nurse's salary here varies depending on the hospital she works in, the experience she has, and the country she is recruited from. Most hospitals base their salary and allowances on rates prevailing in the recruit's country of origin. An average South African nurse makes about $5,000 to $7,000 a year. “I get SR9500 a month and I am quite satisfied with it,” said Lizzy. She said her experience so far in the Kingdom has been memorable, both professionally and personally. “It is a beautiful country to live and work in, and to learn from the different cultures and people,” she added.
