CULTURAL AWARENESS AMONG FILIPINO NURSES IN THE MIDDLE EAST

The Middle East became a primary destination for Filipino nurses seeking employment in its healthcare systems, bringing with them a strong work ethic and compassion. However, these nurses faced significant cultural challenges, including language barriers, religious customs, and family-centered care dynamics. This study explored the lived experiences of Filipino nurses in the Middle East, highlighting the challenges they faced in delivering culturally competent care. This study employed a qualitative descriptive research design using purposive sampling to recruit 12 Filipino nurses working in hospitals and clinics across the Middle East, collecting data through semi-structured interviews which were then analyzed using thematic analysis to explore their lived experiences, cultural awareness, challenges, and strategies for navigating cultural differences. Key themes identified included communication difficulties with non-English-speaking patients, particularly those who spoke only Arabic, and the need to navigate religious and cultural sensitivities such as gender roles and Islamic practices. Additionally, the family-centered healthcare model in the region required nurses to balance professional duties with family expectations. Despite these challenges, Filipino nurses employed strategies such as learning Arabic, attending cultural competence training, and seeking guidance from local colleagues to enhance their cultural awareness. The findings underscored the importance of ongoing cultural competence training to improve patient outcomes and ensure high-quality care in a multicultural healthcare setting.