Overseas Job Opportunity among Fresh Graduate of Healthcare Workers: A SWOT Analysis

Abstract

The chronic reasons why Indonesian healthcare workers are reluctant to work abroad are allegedly due to inadequate English language proficiency and family encouragement. The demand, opportunities, and benefits of working abroad are increasing from year to year. Unfortunately, the opportunity is poorly anticipated. The objective is to explore the current demand, challenges and offer strategies to elevate the interest of Indonesian healthcare workers to work abroad. This study used a quantitative method with the Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunity, Threats (SWOT) Analysis supported by the PICOT (Participants, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, Time) model to differentiate the demand, interest, and challenges of the professions. A mixed questionnaire was distributed among the population of 148 students from 3 majors: nursing (n-84), midwifery (n=23), and environmental health (n=61) collected randomly as the purposive sampling. The population were graduates holders (n=87) and diploma holders (n=61), i.e. nursing (n=84), midwifery (n=23), and environmental health (n=61). Results showed that nursing professional was more dominant and demanded abroad. The participants were interested if the training was provided (n=141 or 84%). The weakness was lack of language proficiency (n=93), and lack of preparation (n=76). The challenges mainly were due to inadequate preparation (languages, family support, and financial). The study recommended a structured preparation program with an integrated approach during college time.