A literature review of research exploring the experiences of overseas nurses in the United Kingdom (2002–2017)

Abstract

ObjectivesThe goals of this work were to critically explore the challenges faced by overseas nurses during their working careers in the UK, to critically explore the available support for overseas nurses, and to make recommendations on how to minimize the effects of these challenges, as well as how to provide more support for overseas nurses during their working careers in the UK.MethodsA systematic and comprehensive literature review was conducted to explore the said objectives. A search was conducted in the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Scopus, and Academic Search Complete databases for relevant research. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to select the included articles. A total of 8 studies including 6 qualitative studies, 1 quantitative study, and 1 mixed-method study were selected for literature review. The validity and reliability of these 8 studies were analyzed by using 2 appraisal tools.ResultsThis review reveals 4 challenges, which overseas nurses experience in the past 15 years, including cultural differences, communication issues, unequal opportunities, and de-skilling. These challenges have a negative impact on overseas nurses’ emotions and career development. The formal and informal supports are revealed in this review. Various supports can help overseas nurses to work better.ConclusionsThis review reveals 4 challenges faced by overseas nurses, including cultural differences, communication issues, and unequal opportunities and de-skilling. These challenges naturally have a profound negative impact on the emotions and career development of overseas nurses. Additionally, the formal and informal support systems available to these nurses are reviewed. Various support systems can help overseas nurses work more effectively.

The lived experience of Indonesian nurses in Kuwait: A phenomenological study

“…The main problem felt by all participants in this study was the language barrier, as has been indicated in previous studies (Doki et al, 2018;Edmonds, 2010;Lin et al, 2018). The main language barrier experienced by participants was English (Doki et al, 2018;Edmonds, 2010;Lin et al, 2018).…”

“…The main problem felt by all participants in this study was the language barrier, as has been indicated in previous studies (Doki et al, 2018;Edmonds, 2010;Lin et al, 2018). The main language barrier experienced by participants was English (Doki et al, 2018;Edmonds, 2010;Lin et al, 2018). The ability to communicate in English is greatly required by nurses who work abroad (Taylor, 2005) for interacting with patients, when working together with nurses on shifts, and in interacting with all other health workers and staff in the hospital where they work (Brannan, 2013;Gashash, 2016;Liou and Cheng, 2001;Taylor, 2005).…”

“…The second theme is about immersing in the local culture. It cannot be denied that overseas nurses experience different cultures (Lin et al, 2018) and this gives rise to the possibility to be sensitive to or experience cultural shock (Brannan, 2013;Doki et al, 2018). In this study, participants revealed the importance of understanding and accepting the local culture in order to adapt their life to the host country.…”

Integration strategies and models to support transition and adaptation of culturally and linguistically diverse nursing staff into healthcare environments: An umbrella review

“…Conducive working terms, conditions, modalities, arrangements and conducive workplace atmosphere and environment improved workplace equality and fair treatment (Wellard & Stockhausen, 2010;Zhong et al, 2017;Hyvärinen et al, 2017;Pung & Goh, 2017;Javanmard et al, 2017;Viken et al, 2018;Ng Chok et al, 2018b;Lin et al, 2018). Healthcare environments with sufficient workforce and existent workplace support were experienced to positively affect culturally and linguistically diverse nursescompetence development and delivery of safe and quality care; this…”

Protecting UK healthcare workers from patient racism

“…For many years, studies of nurses have shown that racism from patients is only one aspect of workplace prejudice and discrimination in healthcare, and importantly, racism persists despite the existence of the legal protections and policy interventions designed to prevent it (Likupe, 2006; Lin et al, 2018; Moyce et al, 2016; Walani, 2015; Pendleton, 2017; Tuttas, 2015; Xu, 2007). In this body of evidence, it has been found that laws and policies are inconsistently implemented; that attempts to confront racism can have detrimental impacts on those who speak up; and that mistreatment goes unreported.…”