Transitioning international nurses: an outlined evidence-based program for acute care settings

Based on synthesized evidence of transitional challenges facing international nurses and review of existing transition programs in the United States, this article outlines an evidence-based transition program specifically developed for all newly arrived international nurses. This employer-based transition program is designed to meet the unique needs of international nurses working in foreign health care environments. Implications for regulatory agencies, employers, and international nurses related to implementation of this proposed program are elaborated within national and international contexts of new developments relevant to international nurses. This article is predicated on the position that transition of newly arrived international nurses is a regulatory issue and predicts that transition program is likely to be required in the United States in the foreseeable future as is the case in both United Kingdom and Australia.