Meeting the basic and educational needs of foreign nurses

Foreign nurses are arriving in the United States in large numbers. It is important for educators and recruiters to understand what motivates foreign nurses and to have some awareness of their educational and cultural backgrounds. This knowledge enables the educator to meet the foreign nurses' needs, facilitate their orientation, and promote their integration into the practice of American nursing. Research (Rutherford, 1989) indicates a direct relationship between job satisfaction and the nationality of the foreign nurse. This relationship is influenced by their ethnic, cultural, religious, and educational background. All must be taken into consideration as these factors will affect recruitment and retention of foreign nurses. Research has shown that, when basic needs are met, job satisfaction is more likely to be attained, and the organization benefits in the areas of cost containment and improved quality of care.