10 suggestions for orienting foreign-educated nurses: an integrative review

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Immigration Studies
• Healthcare Workforce

Background:

• The global nursing shortage is a critical issue impacting healthcare systems worldwide.
• International migration of nurses presents both opportunities and challenges for host countries.
• The United States faces significant nursing workforce deficits, increasingly relying on foreign-educated nurses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct an integrative literature review on the nursing shortage, foreign nurses, and related immigration issues.
• To identify challenges faced by clinical nursing educators when orienting foreign nurses.
• To propose practical strategies for effectively integrating internationally educated nurses into the U.S. healthcare system.

Main Methods:

• Integrative literature review methodology.
• Synthesis of research findings across three key areas: nursing shortage, foreign nurses, and immigration.
• Analysis of challenges in orienting foreign nurses in clinical settings.

Main Results:

• The review highlights the complex interplay between the nursing shortage and the recruitment/retention of foreign nurses.
• Identified common challenges include cultural adaptation, communication barriers, and unfamiliarity with U.S. healthcare practices.
• The study underscores the need for targeted support and education for both foreign nurses and their educators.

Conclusions:

• Addressing the nursing shortage requires strategic integration of foreign-educated nurses.
• Clinical nursing educators need tailored resources and training to support the successful acculturation and practice of immigrant nurses.
• Implementing practical suggestions can enhance the orientation process and improve retention of foreign nurses, bolstering the U.S. nursing workforce.