Demographic and Social Characteristics of Internationally Educated Nurses in Sweden: Descriptive Statistical Study...

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Workforce Studies
• Immigration Policy Analysis
• Nursing Education and Licensure

Background:

• Global nurse migration is driven by demand in higher-income countries, creating nursing shortages.
• Internationally educated nurses (IENs) are vital to address these shortages but require recertification.
• Regulatory processes ensure IENs' competence and public safety, highlighting their significant workforce contributions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the demographic and social profiles of IENs who completed nurse licensure recertification in Sweden.
• To compare these characteristics between IENs recertified via the National Board of Health and Welfare (NBHW) and those completing bridging programs.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey design was employed.
• 818 questionnaires were distributed to IENs who had undergone recertification in Sweden; 296 were completed (38% response rate).
• Data analysis included descriptive statistics and inferential tests (chi-square, Fischer's exact, independent samples t-tests).

Main Results:

• IENs in bridging programs were predominantly women, aged 31-40, often from Asian/Middle Eastern countries, immigrating for family reasons.
• The average time to licensure was 5.9 years post-immigration.
• IENs recertified by NBHW were significantly younger, had shorter residency in Sweden, and achieved licensure more quickly (p < .001 for all).
• Significant differences were observed in country of origin and reasons for immigration between the two recertification pathways (p < .001).

Conclusions:

• Findings provide insights into the characteristics of IENs navigating Swedish licensure.
• Results can inform higher education strategies and immigration policies to support IENs' career progression.
• Understanding these profiles aids in optimizing integration and retention of IENs in the healthcare system.