Challenges faced by international nurses when migrating: an integrative literature review

Abstract

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.

A deskilling and challenging journey: the lived experience of Indonesian nurse returnees

“…), and this is referred to by Kingma () as a gradual deskilling process. Deskilling has been experienced by migrant nurses who worked as professional nurses (Alexis & Shillingford ; Pung & Goh ) or as lower‐skilled health workers (Salami et al. ).…”

The cultural competence learning needs of migrant nurses: A literature review

“…[28] Pung and Goh mentioned that migrant nurses felt demeaned when communicating on the phone due to their lack of confidence in their speaking ability. [30] This can lead not only to stress but also self-doubt in migrant nurses' own abilities. [31]…”

“…[33] Pung and Goh attributed this "culture shock" to the absence of familiar cultural signs such as religion. [30] Although spirituality is often associated with religion, the WHO stated that spiritual care, including giving comfort and physical touch, is essential for all patients. [34] Kaddourah et al suggested that migrant nurses' flexibility and understanding while dealing with challenging religious situations is an important aspect of achieving cultural competence.…”

What do employers think their role is in ensuring language proficiency of internationally trained pharmacists

“…In pharmacy in Great Britain (GB – England, Scotland and Wales), the proportion of internationally trained pharmacists (ITPs) has risen from 10.1% in 2004 to 11.8% in 2011 . While a great deal of research has been undertaken on internationally trained doctors (ITDs) and nurses (ITNs), less is known about ITPs . It is known that internationally trained healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, face numerous challenges in their adaptation process into the host heal the care system .…”

“…[7] While a great deal of research has been undertaken on internationally trained doctors (ITDs) and nurses (ITNs), less is known about ITPs. [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] It is known that internationally trained healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, face numerous challenges in their adaptation process into the host heal the care system. [10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] Where English is a foreign language, the literature on ITNs and ITDs has identified language and communication barriers as a root cause for issues related to adaptation and integration of these healthcare professionals into the workforce, with some studies raising the potential impact of communication problems on patient safety and quality of care.…”