Barriers and Facilitators to Career Progression Among International Nurses in Developed Countries: A Qualitative...

The systematic review aims to synthesise evidence on the barriers and facilitators of career progression of international nurses in developed countries.

International nurses migrate for career progression but face several challenges that impede their progress in their careers. However, evidence is scattered, and a comprehensive understanding is underdeveloped.

A systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis was carried out across PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Scopus. The review followed the PRISMA guidelines. Data were analysed using thematic synthesis and interpreted through the combined theoretical lenses of critical race theory and social justice theory to explore the structural and racialised dimensions of international nurses' career progression. The Joanna Briggs critical appraisal tool for qualitative evidence was used to assess the methodological rigour of the papers.

Following critical appraisal, 15 studies were included that identified that communication and language, access to support and mentorship, discrimination and racism, and issues with social and cultural integration influence the career progression of international nurses.

Interpreted through critical race theory and social justice theory, the findings of this review point to a persistent lack of structural and cultural support for international nurses within host healthcare systems. Rather than isolated challenges, barriers such as communication difficulties, exclusion from training and limited mentorship reflect broader systemic issues, including institutional discrimination and unequal access to opportunity. These dynamics not only constrain international nurses' career development but also risk undermining workforce diversity and retention.

International nurses face systemic challenges to career progression; this highlights the urgent need for structural support, mentorship and equitable policies.