Given Singapore’s high population density and extensive geographical interconnections, it is unsurprising that the country reported one of the highest numbers of COVID‐19 cases in Asia. Past pandemic studies have suggested that nurses working in such crises might experience a deterioration of mental health, which could persist for years beyond the initial outbreak. This study used a qualitative descriptive design to explore nurses’ experiences of working in tertiary hospitals during the COVID‐19 pandemic. A total of 17 registered nurses who had worked for at least one year prior to the start of the COVID‐19 pandemic were recruited from a University Health System in Singapore from March to June 2020. Data were collected through semi‐structured interviews lasting at least an hour conducted over an online platform by the principal investigator. The data were analysed through Braun and Clarke’s six‐step thematic analysis independently by two researchers. Three main themes emerged: (i) challenging moments of COVID‐19, during which the participants reported physical and psychological challenges relating to working conditions of the hospital in the initial months of the pandemic; (ii) the professional role as nurses, in where the participants dispelled their worries and demonstrated commitment to their role as nurses; and (iii) support for nurses, which originated from their family, friends and leaders from their organizations for them to persevere and overcome the unprecedented challenges of COVID‐19. The nurses in this study demonstrated resilience and professionalism despite the challenges of COVID‐19. The findings highlighted the importance of a robust support system for healthcare professionals.

Aim:Results from this literature review were used to identify the challenges faced by international nurses in their host countries following migration. Background: The increasing strain of nursing shortages in the healthcare system has led to the recruitment of international nurses among many countries. However, following migration, international nurses are faced with challenges that may result in poor integration with their host countries. Methods: Using Cooper's five stages for integrative research reviews, a literature search was conducted across seven databases using a PRISMA search strategy. Additional manual searches were also conducted on the end-references of the retrieved articles. The authors then independently reviewed the selected articles using the Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal form to extract and generate the themes for the review. Findings: Twenty-four articles were selected for the review. The themes generated included: (i) difficulty orientating; (ii) a longing for what is missing; (iii) professional development and devaluing; (iv) communication barriers; (v) discrimination and marginalization; (vi) personal and professional differences; and (vii) a meaningful support system. Implications for policy and practice: By identifying the challenges faced by international nurses, interventions that ensure equal treatment (e.g. multifaceted transition programmes and culturally sensitive 'buddy' systems) can be implemented to help international nurses adapt to their new environments. Adequate communication can be achieved by encouraging international nurses to speak English and learn the colloquial language and non-verbal behaviours used by native nurses. Conclusion: With good integration international nurses may be able to reach their full career potential as professional nurses in their host countries. The adaptation process is a dynamic process that requires effort from both international and native nurses. Thus, any strategies that are developed and implemented must be multifaceted.

Health administrators need to empower nursing managers with skills to implement career development plans as part of hospitals' retention strategies for migrant nurses. Information should also be provided during recruitment campaigns to enable migrant nurses to make informed choices.