Recruit, integrate, and retain: Internationally educated nurses mobility to the Nordic region: A two-round policy...

The global shortage of nurses has increased the migration of internationally educated nurses (IENs) to the Nordic region, necessitating policies for their migration and workplace integration.

This study aimed to identify expert opinions on migration and integration policies for IENs to inform future policy development.

A two-round policy Delphi study was conducted. The first round used qualitative content analysis to identify policy statements, and the second round used a quantitative descriptive approach to validate them.

Response rates exceeded 75% in both rounds. Experts identified 36 statements across six themes. High consensus policies included employer contract compliance (96.9%), credential approval (96.9%), language proficiency initiatives (96.9%), diversity, equality, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) training (87.5%), and bilateral agreements (87.5%).

The study emphasizes the importance of credential recognition for IENs before migration and their ongoing professional development, highlighting the need for DEIB training for leaders.