Efforts and Support Needs of Japanese Nurses Working Alongside Migrant Nurses in Japan: A Qualitative Study

Background/Objectives: The employment of migrant nurses requires structured support from local nursing staff. However, multiple challenges persist in facilitating effective collaboration. We aimed to clarify the efforts made by Japanese nurses and identify their support needs when working alongside migrant nurses in Japan. Methods: We adopted a qualitative descriptive design. Eighteen Japanese nurses with experience working alongside migrant nurses were recruited through hospitals employing migrant nurses. Semistructured interviews were conducted, and data were analyzed using qualitative descriptive analysis. We classified the codes derived from the participants' narratives and inductively generated categories. Results: Japanese nurses' efforts in working alongside migrant nurses were classified into five categories: "Overcoming language barriers," "Respecting the nursing practices and cultural backgrounds of migrant nurses," "Encouraging migrant nurses to gain self-confidence," "Engaging Japanese staff in establishing support systems for migrant nurses," and "Addressing the personal challenges faced by migrant nurses working abroad." Three categories of support needs were identified: "Learning about nursing practices and cultural backgrounds of migrant nurses," "Information exchange on how to support migrant nurses," and "Support systems for enhancing migrant nurses' competencies in Japan." Conclusions: Japanese nurses demonstrated active efforts to address differences in language, culture, and nursing practices, while collaboratively establishing support systems involving other staff members. They also extended support to aspects of migrant nurses' personal lives. However, additional institutional and external support is required. Structured opportunities should be developed to enhance their understanding of migrant nurses' backgrounds, alongside continuing education initiatives to support migrant nurses' integration into the Japanese healthcare system.