Understanding Drivers of Nurse Migration and Its Consequences Amid the Polycrisis in North Lebanon

Lebanon's healthcare system has faced immense pressure in recent times due to a multifaceted crisis, resulting in widespread nurse migration and worsening the existing chronic shortage. This study aims to explore nurse migration in the underserved area of North Lebanon, focusing on its drivers, perceived impact on care quality, and the coping strategies of remaining nurses.

A qualitative design was adopted, using semi-structured interviews with 24 nurses currently working in hospitals across North Lebanon. Deductive and inductive techniques were used to analyze the collected data.

Economic hardship, worsened by Lebanon's currency devaluation, emerged as the leading driver of nurse migration, followed by poor working conditions and job opportunities abroad. The loss of experienced staff led to a decline in care quality and an increased workload for remaining nurses. Psychological and emotional strain was common, with coping strategies including income diversification, personal resilience, and support from family and peers. Notably, the crisis has reversed the role of family obligations from a retention factor to a push factor and highlighted the growing influence of peer networks in migration decisions.

Economic instability and inadequate compensation were key factors driving nurse migration, particularly in underserved areas. The findings underscore the urgent need for systemic reforms to reduce workloads and prevent further deterioration in healthcare services.