The challenges and needs of international nurses who are assimilating to healthcare systems in the United Kingdom: Experience from the field

Abstract

Aim

The paper explores the barriers and enablers for international nurses who are assimilating to new healthcare systems in the United Kingdom and implications for the global healthcare context.

Background

The worldwide shortage of nurses has led to high levels of global mobility. It is therefore essential to acknowledge the international nature of healthcare and the diversity of experience within the nursing workforce. The paper reflects on the authors’ experiences of designing and delivering acculturation and communication skills training for Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) who work in the National Health Service in the United Kingdom.

Discussion

The paper highlights the challenges of assimilating to a new healthcare environment, the importance of support and the value of ‘two-way learning’. The author discusses the hidden processes of social and personal adjustment, which are not widely reported.

Conclusion

Successful cultural integration should be multifaceted and include opportunities for two-way learning. Nurses require ongoing and directed support to deliver high-quality care in diverse and changing health systems.

Implications for nursing policy

As healthcare in the UK is and continues to become increasingly international, the benefits and challenges this presents need to be acknowledged by both government and healthcare management in the form of policy recommendations, guidelines and regulatory frameworks which go beyond testing clinical and linguistic skills on arrival and aims to promote well-being, retention, and reduced stress at work.