Lived Experiences of Turkish Internationally Educated Nurses: A Phenomenological Study

The international mobility of the nursing workforce is growing. In recent years, Türkiye has seen a notable increase in the number of nurses seeking employment abroad. This study aimed to describe lived experiences of Turkish internationally educated nurses (IENs). A qualitative design with a descriptive phenomenological approach was employed, and the results are reported following the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) checklist. Data were collected from September to November 2023 through in-depth, individual online interviews using a semi-structured interview form. Sixteen Turkish IENs were interviewed. Through thematic analysis, four themes emerged: push factors of migration, pull factors of migration, positive experiences following migration, and negative experiences following migration. The migration of Turkish nurses to higher-income countries significantly enhanced their professional and personal lives but also presented considerable challenges. This study underscores the dual nature of migration, offering both opportunities and challenges.