Strangers in a British world? Integration of international nurses

This article, based on research carried out in 2002-2003, examines the experiences of recently internationally qualified migrant nurses to Britain and explores their stories with the aim of understanding aspects of their work-related identities. The migrant nurses' encounters at work may highlight their difference to the majority, namely the British qualified nurses. Despite attempts on behalf of some healthcare employers of embracing diversity, the process of achieving acceptance and respect as a migrant worker can be a taxing one. Findings indicate that the nurses' identity as a 'migrant', rather than as a 'man' or 'woman', drew most comment in their day-to-day work. While the nurses encountered some prejudice because of their foreign origin, they also experienced fair and respectful interactions. The study highlights the complexity of work-related identities among international migrants, a group of employees which, despite nursing shortages in the NHS, has attracted little research interest and poses a challenge to management.