Surviving the employment gap: a cross‐sectional survey of internationally educated nurses

Abstract

Aim To examine the extent to which the type of financial assistance (personal resources, social programmes and earnings) and source country influence the length of time for internationally educated nurses to secure employment as regulated nurses in Canada. Background Internationally educated nurses must professionally recertify in order to work as regulated nurses in Canada. For many, it can be a lengthy, cumbersome and costly process that delays employment, while others recertify and secure employment quickly. Financial assistance in the form of personal resources, or from social programmes or earnings from working could contribute to the length of time to recertify. When internationally educated nurses cannot readily recertify, they turn to survival jobs where they can remain and never practice their profession in Canada or leave the country to work in jurisdictions where it easier to obtain professional credentials. Methods Data were collected via cross‐sectional survey of internationally educated nurses (n = 1186) who were immigrants, permanent residents and employed as regulated nurses. Multiple linear regression was employed to examine the influence of the type of financial assistance (personal resources, social programmes and earnings) and source country on time to regulated nurse employment. Results Regression model explained 9.3% of variance in time to regulated nurse employment. Three predictors were statistically significant: source country, social programmes and earnings. Personal resources was not a significant predictor. Conclusion Financial assistance helps internationally educated nurses survive the regulated nurse employment gap. The type of financial assistance and source country influences the length of time to regulated nurse employment. Implication for nursing and social policy Provides initial evidence to support the development of policies, and educational and social programmes to assist internationally educated nurses with financially surviving the gap in regulated nurse employment.

The perspectives of internationally qualified nurses regarding their specialty skill transition to Australia: A cross‐sectional survey

“…This is in direct contrast to the small number of nurses identified with specialist skills in aged care prior to immigrating. The availability of jobs and the potential positive impact on their visa status and relieving financial hardship (Covell et al., 2022) could be the reason why IQNs tend to move to the aged care sector after immigration.…”

“…The participants in our study identified financial challenges encountered by IQNs after immigrating to Australia as a barrier to their utilization of specialist skills. These financial challenges are a commonly known problem resulting from various factors such as the unpaid employment gap, immigration costs and further education requirements (Covell et al., 2022). However, there is a limited understanding of how IQNs cope with these difficulties (Covell et al., 2022).…”

“…These financial challenges are a commonly known problem resulting from various factors such as the unpaid employment gap, immigration costs and further education requirements (Covell et al., 2022). However, there is a limited understanding of how IQNs cope with these difficulties (Covell et al., 2022). One study identified that some IQNs work as personal care or nursing assistants in aged care facilities to secure financial assistance while pursuing registration, which can aid in their linguistic and cultural adaptation (Draper, 2018).…”

The changing profile of the internationally educated nurse workforce: Post-pandemic implications for health human resource planning

“…Respondents indicated using strategies such as working in nursing with a temporary licence, working in other health-related jobs and working in jobs outside the healthcare sector. 8 During this time, some IENs experience downward occupational mobility and deskilling to the detriment of their professional trajectory and earning potential. As a result, many never qualify to practice as professional nurses.…”

“…This process is complex, lengthy and expensive and significantly contributes to the underutilization and underemployment of IENs. 7,8 Accelerating their commensurate employment and workforce integration is paramount, particularly given Canada's ambitious immigration targets. 9 Understanding how the IEN workforce has changed over time can help health leaders create strategies to improve IEN integration now and in the future.…”