Immigrant nurses' perceptions on cultural differences-based job concerns: A phenomenological study in Shanghai China

Area of Science:

• Nursing Studies
• Sociology
• Cultural Adaptation

Background:

• Shanghai experiences a growing immigrant nurse population with high turnover rates.
• Job concerns arising from cultural differences are a primary driver of this turnover.
• Understanding these concerns is vital for improving immigrant nurse efficiency and integration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the lived experiences of immigrant nurses in Shanghai.
• To investigate job concerns stemming from cultural differences among these nurses.

Main Methods:

• Phenomenological study design.
• In-depth, semi-structured interviews with 15 immigrant nurses (January-July 2016).
• Thematic analysis of transcribed interview data.

Main Results:

• Three major themes emerged: communication difficulties, work adjustment difficulties, and life adjustment difficulties.
• Sub-themes included language barriers, cultural integration issues, feelings of unfairness, and difficulties with leave requests.
• Nurses reported stress, acclimatization challenges, helplessness, and guilt regarding family care.

Conclusions:

• Essential to implement language and cultural adaptation training programs for immigrant nurses.
• Enhanced societal support is needed to integrate immigrant nurses into Shanghai.
• Hospital administrators must address immigrant nurses' culturally-based job concerns with timely assistance.