Western trained nurses transitioning to Qatar : perceptions of their nursing role

Nurses’ self-perceptions of their role when transitioning from a Western nursing context to a Middle Eastern one are not clearly understood. In a qualitative study, seven participants who transitioned to Qatar were interviewed about their self-perceptions of their nursing role, personally and professionally. The core theme of opportunity and categorical themes of adapting to the changing role of the nurse, adapting to the context, and adapting by “taking it in stride” emerged from the data, all of which influenced the nurses’ transition to Qatar. Conclusions were: 1) Opportunity exists both personally and professionally with transition; 2) Adaption occurred over time; 3) Perception of nursing role is influenced by cultural understanding; 4) Participants described themselves as leaders; 5) Nursing literature on this topic is underdeveloped; 6) A greater number of transition experiences lead to greater adaption strategies. The transition experiences for these nurses were viewed as positive; however, challenges were experienced to varying degrees.