Working Conditions Among Chinese Nurses Employed in Japan: A Cross-Sectional Survey-Based Study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Workforce Studies
• International Healthcare Migration
• Occupational Health Psychology

Background:

• Increasing numbers of Chinese nurses are employed in Japan.
• Understanding their work conditions is crucial for developing effective support systems.
• Current data on Chinese nurses' professional experiences in Japan remains limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the professional nursing practice environment, occupational career, and work engagement of Chinese nurses in Japan.
• To identify factors influencing these aspects among Chinese nurses.
• To inform the development of support strategies for this demographic.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study design was employed.
• Surveys were distributed to 58 Japanese hospitals employing Chinese nurses, with both paper and online (QR code, WeChat) response options.
• Validated scales including the Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index (PES-NWI), Occupational Career Scale, and Utrecht Work Engagement Scale were utilized.

Main Results:

• 199 valid responses were analyzed; 92.5% were female, 69.3% held university degrees.
• The Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index (PES-NWI) score was 2.74, and work engagement was 3.10.
• Nurses with university degrees reported significantly lower PES-NWI and work engagement scores compared to diploma holders. Higher years of experience in Japan correlated with better occupational career scores, especially in relationship building and experience accumulation.

Conclusions:

• Chinese nurses with higher education in Japan may face a less favorable practice environment and lower work engagement.
• Participants reported challenges in self-development and gaining diverse experiences.
• Findings underscore the need for tailored support and continuing education programs for Chinese nurses in Japan.