Internationally educated nurses experiences of rural nursing practice inWestern Canada

Abstract

Objective: Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs) are an important component of the healthcare workforce and a contributing solution to the nursing shortage as well as healthcare sustainability in rural and remote areas. The study’s aim is to contribute to the discussion regarding IENs’ experiences of rural nursing practice to inform practices, procedures, activities, and policies.

Methods: As part of a sequential mixed methods study, individual interviews and a photovoice approach, was used to describe IENs’ experiences in nursing practice in rural communities in Alberta, Canada. This paper reports the findings from the semistructured interviews.

Results: The qualitative findings revealed two themes: (1) Thriving in Rural Nursing Practice and (2) Rurality. The theme of Thriving in Rural Nursing Practice consists of two broad categories: Wider scope of practice and Becoming part of the team. The theme Rurality includes the categories of Challenges of relocating to a rural community and Integrating into the community.

Conclusions: This study highlights practical and unique activities and strategies to enhance the experiences of IENs in rural nursing practice. IENs need to navigate their work environment by utilizing strategies to adjust to a wider scope of practice (e.g., competencies, self-learning, “lifelines”, and “IEN work buddies”). Managers, nursing colleagues, and IENs together must facilitate becoming part of the team and addressing the monocultural workplace via mentorship, supportive relationships, acceptance of cultural differences, and recognition of IENs’ knowledge and skills. Practical issues, such as housing, connection with community members, and participation in community activities, require careful attention to address relocation challenges and community integration.

Keywords

Immigrant nurses / Internationally educated nurses / Nursing shortage / Overseas trained nurses / Rural and remote nursing

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