Experiencing transformation: the case of Jordanian nurse immigrating to the UK.

ABSTRACT

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study explored how Jordanian nurses experienced the transition from home to host country to illuminate the elements of transformation. BACKGROUND: Much research has been conducted on topics such as the current international nursing shortage and the recruitment of nurses from various countries. International nurses have unique needs with regard to adapting to new host cultures and workplaces; furthermore, the literature has revealed little evidence of nurses' professional and personal experiences related to migration. DESIGN: A qualitative study was conducted, collecting data via individual interviews. METHODS: Twenty-five face-to-face and telephone interviews with Jordanian migrant nurses. RESULT: This study showed that living and working in a host country changes the personal, social and professional attributes of migrant nurses. When nurses migrate, they encounter opportunities and significant challenges in their professional and personal lives. Although Jordanian nurses contributed their knowledge and skills to the UK healthcare system, they encountered enormous professional adaptation demands. Work setting discrepancies between source and host country are likely a major element behind the required nursing profession alteration. nurses' lives are transformed in terms of their personal and social networks in the host country. CONCLUSIONS: Social transformation is an integral and inseparable part of engagement with professional organisation(s) in the host community. Professional integration likely has far-reaching effects and consequences involving not only the individual but also their home and host country families and their professional networks. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE To provide high-quality nursing care, we must learn about the transformation experience, expand our sense of who we are and gain a degree of control over how we perform our nursing roles when we move away from our home.