Stemming the flow of Canadian nurse migration to the US

The migration of nurses from Canada to the United States has occurred for decades, although substantial increases have been noted since the 1990s. A survey of 4,295 Canadian-educated nurses in the US identified that this trend in mobility is largely unchanged. Almost half the nurses in this study migrated to the US in search of full-time work, often after unsuccessfully seeking employment here in Canada prior to leaving. Incentives to migrate were provided, although the opportunity for full-time work was often perceived as an incentive to move. While some intent to return is apparent, this is unlikely to occur given the levels of satisfaction with work and the high value attributed to Canadian nurses by US employers. Policy makers and nurse leaders are urged to use these data to formulate strategies aimed at retaining Canada's nurses in this country.