How Chinese Nurses Cope With Acculturation Challenges in Japan: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Sociology
• Cross-cultural Studies

Background:

• Chinese nurses in Japan encounter significant challenges due to linguistic, behavioral, and professional role disparities.
• These acculturation difficulties impact their integration and well-being in the Japanese healthcare system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the coping mechanisms employed by Chinese nurses in Japan when facing acculturation challenges.
• To understand how these nurses navigate differences in language, social norms, and nursing practices.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative descriptive study utilizing individual semi-structured interviews.
• Thematic content analysis was applied to interview data from 10 Chinese nurses.

Main Results:

• Nurses successfully performed duties despite language barriers, adhering to Japanese social norms.
• They adapted perceptions by focusing on positive aspects of nursing roles and managed psychological stress.
• Coping strategies were acquired through interactions with Japanese colleagues in the workplace.

Conclusions:

• Supportive interventions focusing on language, behavior, and family nursing aligned with Japanese norms can aid adjustment.
• Enhanced mutual cultural understanding is essential for effective cross-cultural collaboration in nursing.