Internationally Educated Nursing Staff Caring for Older Adults: A Scoping Study

Abstract

Introduction: Internationally Educated Nursing staff (IENs) are born and obtained their initial educational preparation in their home country before relocating to work in high-income countries (e.g., United States). Older adults are recipients of IENs’ care. The study purpose was to synthesize relevant findings on IENs’ experiences caring for older adults in various settings. Method: Arksey and O’Malley’s framework approach to Scoping studies was employed. The PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched. A labor and employment relations researcher and a health science librarian were consulted. Results: Three main themes (transitional challenges; IENs’ experiences working with older adults; factors affecting IEN service delivery) and seven subthemes emerged. Discussion: Cultural beliefs and communication barriers posed particular challenges to IENs as they worked with Western peers, older adults, and families. Facilitating factors revealed can inform administrative leaders of practice initiatives. Research gaps and limitations identified can guide future study approaches.