Michaela is originally from the Czech Republic, but she has been living and working in Saudi Arabia as a Registered Nurse since 2008.
Over the years, she has built not only a successful career at National Guard Health Affairs, but also a second home, where she now lives with her son.
Read her inspiring story about the courage to make a life-changing decision, professional growth, and what it is like to raise a child abroad.
Michaela, you’ve been working in Saudi Arabia since 2008. What inspired you to move abroad?
It was actually my mother, who is also a Registered Nurse, who inspired me to move to Saudi Arabia. I was 28 years old at the time and working in the Intensive Care Unit in Pardubice when she came home one day with a flyer advertising nursing positions in Saudi Arabia. She simply looked at me and asked if I’d like to give it a try.
My first thought was, “Why not?” I used to sing along to English songs every day, so I felt that the language wouldn’t be too much of a barrier. The more I thought about it, the more it seemed like an incredible opportunity. Looking back now, I’m truly grateful that I made the decision to go.
You have spent your entire career at National Guard Hospital. You started as a Staff Nurse and worked your way up to Clinical Resource Nurse. How would you describe your professional journey?
It has been an amazing journey. What I have always appreciated about National Guard Health Affairs is that everyone who is motivated and willing to work hard has the opportunity to grow professionally.
I started as an “ordinary” bedside nurse, and as my knowledge, experience, and responsibilities grew, new opportunities naturally followed. Everything developed step by step, and I never felt that my career progression was limited.
Healthcare in Saudi Arabia operates somewhat differently from the Czech Republic. Nurses here have significantly more autonomy and responsibility. Very often, the nurse is the first person to assess the patient, evaluate their condition, and then communicate the findings to the physician. Together, they determine the most appropriate plan of care. Being such an important part of the decision-making process creates tremendous opportunities for professional development while also carrying a great deal of responsibility.
Today, you work as a Clinical Resource Nurse in the Surgical ICU. What does your role involve, and what do you enjoy most about it?
It’s a demanding role, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. You can clearly see that all the years of studying, gaining experience, and continuously learning have been worthwhile. The greatest satisfaction comes from being able to pass those experiences on to others.
A large part of my role is supporting newly hired nurses from their first day until they are confident and competent enough to work independently. I’m responsible for their education, practical training, and competency assessments. But my responsibilities don’t stop there. I also coordinate educational activities for the entire unit and help implement new clinical processes across the organization.
Within the Critical Care Division, I oversee the onboarding of all nurses joining our department. I coordinate initiatives such as the Midline Catheter Nursing-Led Workshop, the Critical Care Enhancement Program, and the ICU nurse onboarding program.
And do you know what I enjoy the most? The opportunities. If you have an idea for improving patient care, developing a new project, or participating in research, you’re encouraged and supported. Even after so many years in critical care, I’m still learning something new. I still have those “wow” moments when I think, “I didn’t know that.” That’s exactly what keeps me motivated.
Looking back at your early years abroad, what has this experience taught you professionally and personally?
Professionally, it has shown me that nurses can truly be partners to physicians rather than simply following instructions. Having the opportunity to think critically, make decisions, and actively contribute to patient care is an invaluable experience.
Personally, I could probably write a book about it. Living abroad changes you in ways that are difficult to explain to someone who has never lived outside their home country.
Suddenly, you’re no longer surrounded by familiar people and places. You have to build your own life, create your own support system, and often rely only on yourself. It teaches you independence, patience, and humility.
For me, the greatest lesson has been tolerance. You meet people from all over the world, each with different cultures, traditions, and ways of thinking. You learn to respect those differences and realize how much they enrich your own life. Along with that comes gratitude, a deeper appreciation of life, and greater self-acceptance.
Between 2017 and 2019, you took a career break before returning to Saudi Arabia. What was that experience like?
Honestly, it felt as though I had never left.
After spending nine years here, you build a second family. When I came back, it felt more like returning from an extended vacation in the Czech Republic.
My former manager, whom I returned to work with, greeted me by saying, “Finally!” And that’s exactly how I felt too.
Since 2020, you’ve been living in Saudi Arabia with your son. How difficult was that decision, and how do you balance work and family life?
It certainly wasn’t an easy decision, but I knew how much I loved my work. If I had stayed in the Czech Republic, I probably wouldn’t have had the opportunity to do the kind of work that truly fulfills me.
I didn’t want my son to grow up with a mother who was unhappy in her job. I knew that here I could continue doing work that I genuinely enjoy, and I believe it’s better for a child to have a happy working mother than one who comes home frustrated every day.
We try to maintain a clear routine. I work during the week, and weekends belong to us. I leave work at work, and my afternoons and days off are dedicated to spending quality time with my son.
What was your experience finding a school for your son and helping him adapt?
Our situation is a little unique because my son is autistic. Fortunately, I found a preschool close to our home that was willing to work closely with us. They adapted their approach to meet his needs and incorporated methods recommended by his therapists.
Even today, he still has the same teacher who welcomed him on his very first day and treats him almost like one of her own children.
I believe Saudi Arabia is incredibly welcoming in this respect. People are accustomed to living alongside expatriates from all over the world, so there’s a much higher level of understanding and acceptance. Nobody stares at us if my son jumps up and down with excitement on the metro or happily repeats the names of the stations out loud.
Back in the Czech Republic, I often heard comments telling me to “control my child” or make him stay quiet. Here, I have hardly ever experienced anything like that.
What was the most difficult thing to adapt to?
Probably the fact that families often have the final say in decisions about patient care. Even in situations where medicine has little more to offer, treatment may continue because that’s what the family wishes.
Things have improved significantly over the years, but it still happens occasionally. Sometimes I wish physicians had greater authority in those situations.
What does your perfect day off look like?
It depends on the season.
During the summer, it’s all about the water—whether that’s a swimming pool, the sea, or anywhere we can cool off. Even better if there’s some greenery around.
Winter, however, is when Saudi Arabia is at its best. The temperatures become pleasant, Riyadh comes alive, and almost every weekend we head out on an adventure.
Our favourite place is the desert. A tent, sleeping bags, stars overhead, and endless sand dunes. For my son, it’s the world’s biggest sandbox, where he can run freely for hours until he falls asleep from exhaustion.
What achievement are you most proud of?
Without a doubt, my decision to move to Saudi Arabia. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
I’m also proud of every step I’ve taken throughout my professional career and everything I’ve learned over the years.
And, of course, I’m most proud of my son, who probably knows more about anatomy now than I do.
What would you say to nurses who are thinking about working abroad but are still unsure?
Don’t hesitate.
Working abroad can truly change your life, both professionally and personally. You’ll experience a new culture, meet incredible people, and gain opportunities that you might never have at home.
If you embrace the experience with an open mind, it may well become one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.
