Abstract
Background
Recruitment of internationally qualified nurses as a labour source is a long-standing
strategy and with continued shortages predicted, will continue. Nurses transitioning
into the workforce face significant challenge to success, yet the transition journey
has not been fully synthesised and mapped from the perspective of the internationally
qualified nurse.
Aim
To develop a synthesised understanding of the internationally qualified nurse transition
journey.
Methods
A systematic search was conducted in five electronic databases (EBSCO, CINAHL Complete,
ProQuest, Google Scholar, and Cochrane library). The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme
qualitative assessment tool was used for quality appraisal. Data were analysed using
content analysis. Critical interpretive synthesis was then used for meta-synthesis
of systematic review findings into a map of the transition journey.
Findings
Eleven studies were included. Eight were appraised as high-quality, two medium, and
one low-quality. Findings were constructed into five themes – Communication, A new normality, Valuing the individual, Support, and Assimilation. These themes were critiqued and mapped to chronologic stages in the internationally
qualified nurse transition journey.
Discussion
Challenges to transition exist. Some are addressable by the internationally qualified
nurse through migration preparation. Others such as discrimination and lack of support,
compound adjustment difficulties and are beyond their capacity to control. Deskilling
and unequal opportunities increase complexities, an organisational culture that values
and welcomes diversity supports better transition.
Conclusion
This meta-synthesis consolidates the internationally qualified nurse transition journey,
highlighting barriers encountered adjusting to clinical practice in a new country.
The nurse, education provider, and host organisation have shared responsibilities
facilitating assimilation.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: October 31, 2022
Accepted:
October 14,
2022
Received in revised form:
October 10,
2022
Received:
June 19,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofIdentification
Copyright
© 2022 Australian College of Nursing Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
