Retention and turnover among migrant nurses: A scoping review

To map and explore primary research about factors related to retention, turnover and turnover intention among migrant nurses.

Understanding retention and turnover among migrant nurses is essential, especially in the context of nursing shortage. There is a range of factors motivating nurses to emigrate; however, factors related to retention and turnover among migrant nurses in the host country are unclear.

This review utilised Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework for scoping reviews, and is reported with the PRISMA-ScR checklist. Four electronic databases were searched-CINAHL, PsycINFO, ProQuest and PubMed-to identify primary research published between January 2000 and May 2022. Titles and abstracts were reviewed against the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and then full-text versions were reviewed. Data extracted were summarised, and results synthesised.

Fifteen studies were included, with studies mainly from the Middle East, the United Kingdom and the United States. Personal, organisational, financial, political and environmental factors were found to influence retention and turnover among migrant nurses.

Retention and turnover rates among migrant nurses vary among host countries. The factors identified are related to each other; hence, retention and turnover among migrant nurses are best understood in the context of their source country, host country and individual circumstances. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING POLICY, SOCIAL POLICY, AND HEALTH POLICY: Host countries must promote strategies that foster retention, such as reviewing immigration policies to support long-term immigration and family unity. Organisations employing migrant nurses need to consider the presence of a social network to facilitate adaptation and integration. It is also recommended that source countries address the reasons for emigration and initiate policies encouraging return migration, including providing merit to overseas experience. International nursing organisations should call for an examination of the conditions of migrant nurses to ensure equality across all source countries.