Experience of overseas nurses: the potential for misunderstanding

This article describes the findings of a study about the experiences of nurses recruited from Ghana and the Philippines by a London NHS Trust. The findings report on issues that have the potential to affect care as well as relationships with patients, families and clinical colleagues. Not surprisingly, the research reported communication difficulties. It particularly highlights how customs and conventions such as the use of first names or 'please' and 'thank you' can be misinterpreted. It identifies significant ethnocentricity and judgmental attitudes about family care that could create tension and misunderstanding between nurses and family carers. The article highlights cultural attitudes to death and dying, which are likely to be misinterpreted by overseas and local nurses alike. The authors acknowledge the importance of professional skills and clinical safety and reiterate the need for induction, training and mentorship for overseas nurses. They also argue for a shift of focus from the newcomers and highlight the importance of preparing mentors and colleagues to facilitate effective adaptation through cultural awareness, knowledge and sensitivity.