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Background <p>The role of nurse practitioners (NPs) in Saudi Arabia is undergoing rapid evolution owing to the rising demand and shortage of healthcare providers. However, little is known about the lived experiences of NPs working in the Saudi healthcare system. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the lived experiences of NPs working in the Saudi healthcare system.</p> Methods <p>A phenomenological approach with a purposive sampling technique was utilized to recruit self-identified NPs. Data were collected from ten NPs between June 2022 and December 2024 via semi-structured interviews. Participants were asked to describe their lived experiences as NPs in Saudi Arabia. Thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s framework was conducted.</p> Results <p>The following five key themes emerged from the analysis: “self-description as an NP”; “challenges for NPs Working in Saudi Arabia”; “experiences with patients, families, and healthcare providers”; “facilitators of the NP role implementation”; and “future of the NP role in Saudi Arabia.” Participants described themselves as specialized based on their experience or education, advanced training, having a postgraduate degree or board certification, or practicing independently. Their experiences were influenced by challenges such as lack of professional classification and scope of practice for NPs, lack of leadership support, lack of community awareness, and unfair pay. Their experiences with patients were characterized with unfamiliarity followed by acceptance and trust. Some registered nurses were resistant toward NPs whereas others were supportive and collaborative. Physicians were mostly supportive and demanding of NPs in their teams. A standardized scope of practice, having prior clinical experience, receiving structured training, and fair pay perceived as facilitators. Participants viewed the future of NPs in Saudi Arabia as promising and progressing toward the right direction.</p> Conclusion <p>Participants demonstrated a consistent professional identity, grounded in advanced education and specialized training. However, their experiences were shaped with challenges. Despite the identified challenges, the optimism surrounding the future of NPs reflects a broader recognition of its potential to enhance patient care in the context of Saudi Vision 2030. Establishing clear regulatory frameworks, ensuring fair compensation, and fostering interprofessional collaboration will be key to implementing the role of NPs in Saudi Arabia.</p>

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Lived experiences of nurse practitioners in Saudi Arabia: a phenomenological study

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年5月12日

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  • Ahmed Nahari,
  • Hamza Moafa,
  • Monir M. Almotairy,
  • Essa Hakamy,
  • Arwa Alhamed,
  • Sarah Alkhaifi,
  • Thana Aljohani

摘要

Background

The role of nurse practitioners (NPs) in Saudi Arabia is undergoing rapid evolution owing to the rising demand and shortage of healthcare providers. However, little is known about the lived experiences of NPs working in the Saudi healthcare system. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the lived experiences of NPs working in the Saudi healthcare system.

Methods

A phenomenological approach with a purposive sampling technique was utilized to recruit self-identified NPs. Data were collected from ten NPs between June 2022 and December 2024 via semi-structured interviews. Participants were asked to describe their lived experiences as NPs in Saudi Arabia. Thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s framework was conducted.

Results

The following five key themes emerged from the analysis: “self-description as an NP”; “challenges for NPs Working in Saudi Arabia”; “experiences with patients, families, and healthcare providers”; “facilitators of the NP role implementation”; and “future of the NP role in Saudi Arabia.” Participants described themselves as specialized based on their experience or education, advanced training, having a postgraduate degree or board certification, or practicing independently. Their experiences were influenced by challenges such as lack of professional classification and scope of practice for NPs, lack of leadership support, lack of community awareness, and unfair pay. Their experiences with patients were characterized with unfamiliarity followed by acceptance and trust. Some registered nurses were resistant toward NPs whereas others were supportive and collaborative. Physicians were mostly supportive and demanding of NPs in their teams. A standardized scope of practice, having prior clinical experience, receiving structured training, and fair pay perceived as facilitators. Participants viewed the future of NPs in Saudi Arabia as promising and progressing toward the right direction.

Conclusion

Participants demonstrated a consistent professional identity, grounded in advanced education and specialized training. However, their experiences were shaped with challenges. Despite the identified challenges, the optimism surrounding the future of NPs reflects a broader recognition of its potential to enhance patient care in the context of Saudi Vision 2030. Establishing clear regulatory frameworks, ensuring fair compensation, and fostering interprofessional collaboration will be key to implementing the role of NPs in Saudi Arabia.