Nurse migration in Australia, Germany and the UK: A rapid evidence assessment of primary research
Aim To examine existing primary research on nurse migration, including educational needs and initiativesBackground Nurse migration is a common strategy used to address nursing workforce needs.Introduction Agreements exist between countries to facilitate nurse migration, however, it is unclear how nurse migrants have contributed to developing the data on which these arrangements are based.Methods We conducted a rapid evidence assessment to review the available primary research data. The search strategy looked for sources that involve, was developed with or franchises migrant nurses. The papers included were assessed for methodological quality using the SRQR and CONSORT checklists.Findings The primary research data retrieved produced 4 main themes; migrant nurses are not clearly defined in research, discrimination is often reported by migrant nurses, language and communication competencies are important and structured integration programmes are highly valued by migrant nurses and destination healthcare employers.Discussion The findings show that migrant nurses are disenfranchised in primary research in healthcare and this is congrunent with wider reports of discrimination. Structured integration programmes improve the experience of migrant nurses.Conclusion There is a strong evidence for including migrant nurses in all aspects of research.Implications for Nursing Policy This has implications for policy because ethical and sustainable nurse migration relies on including nurse migrants in data.