Navigating Professional Identity and Cultural Expectations: A Phenomenological Study of Female Saudi Nurses' Experiences in Mixed-Gender Healthcare Settings.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of Saudi female nurses working in mixed-gender healthcare environments and understand how they navigate professional identity while managing cultural expectations in Saudi Arabia's evolving healthcare landscape. METHODS: A descriptive phenomenological qualitative study grounded in symbolic interactionism was conducted using in-depth semi-structured interviews with 20 Saudi female nurses working in mixed-gender healthcare settings in Riyadh. Interviews were conducted in Arabic and systematically translated using forward-backward translation protocols. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological analysis framework to identify essential themes and meanings. Trustworthiness was established through credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability strategies, including member checking with 6 participants, peer debriefing, and comprehensive audit trails. RESULTS: Four major themes emerged: (1) Reconciling Traditional Values with Professional Duties, (2) Negotiating Gender Dynamics in Clinical Practice, (3) Developing Professional Identity Amid Cultural Tensions, and (4) Organizational Support and Environmental Adaptation. Participants demonstrated remarkable resilience in balancing cultural expectations with professional responsibilities while developing sophisticated coping strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Saudi female nurses actively construct their professional identities while navigating complex cultural landscapes. The study reveals the need for organizational policies that support cultural sensitivity while promoting professional growth and gender equality in healthcare settings. These findings may inform healthcare workforce development in other Islamic and culturally transitioning contexts.