Workplace Outcomes and Experiences of Internationally Educated Nurses: A Scoping Review

Nursing shortages in the United States (U.S.) have increased reliance on internationally educated nurses (IENs), yet their workplace outcomes remain poorly understood. This scoping review synthesized peer-reviewed empirical studies examining IEN workplace outcomes and associated individual characteristics and work conditions. Findings from 34 studies published between 2004 and 2025 showed that IENs generally reported moderate to high job satisfaction, while burnout findings suggested moderate to high occupational strain. Evidence on intention to leave was limited by inconsistent measurement and insufficient reporting. Workplace outcomes were most consistently associated with organizational conditions, particularly workload, discrimination, leadership support, orientation, and organizational commitment. Individual characteristics, including age, host-country tenure, and sociocultural adaptation, showed less consistent associations. Interpretation was limited by heterogeneity in study designs, outcome measures, and international settings. Future research using standardized measures and longitudinal or mixed-methods designs is needed to inform organizational practice and workforce policy supporting IEN well-being and retention.