Nwozichi Chinomso, Maciejewski Elizabeth, Salako Omolabake, Taiwo Olamide, Bennett Roxanne
Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, United States.
Oncology Nursing Society of Nigeria, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria.
J Immigr Minor Health. 2025 Sep 4. doi: 10.1007/s10903-025-01754-2.
The increasing global nursing shortage has led to a rise in the migration of African-educated nurses (AENs) to the United States. Despite being essential to the U.S. healthcare workforce, AENs face significant challenges during their transition, including cultural, professional, and emotional adjustments. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of AENs transitioning into the American healthcare system and to identify the specific support needs required for their successful integration. A phenomenological approach guided by Ricoeur's interpretive phenomenology framework and Afaf Meleis's transitions theory was used. A combination of purposive and convenience sampling was employed to select 19 AENs who were trained in Africa but are currently working in various U.S. health institutions, and they participated in in-depth, unstructured interviews. Data were analyzed thematically to capture the essence of participants' experiences. Five main themes emerged: (1) Navigating an Unfamiliar Ground, including culture shock, language barriers, and differences in patient care standards; (2) Developing a Thriving Mindset, highlighting resilience, determination, and the importance of social support; (3) Institutional Factors Affecting Transitioning, such as the role of mentorship programs and perceived racial biases; (4) Heavy Performance Demands, reflecting the need for constant skill demonstration and managing high workloads; and (5) Leveraging Opportunities for Growth, focusing on career progression, financial benefits, and access to advanced healthcare technologies. AENs experience a complex transition into the U.S. healthcare system characterized by significant challenges and growth opportunities. Targeted support interventions, including cultural competence training, mentorship, and institutional support systems, are essential to facilitate their successful integration and enhance their contributions to patient care.
全球护理人员短缺问题日益严重，导致在非洲接受教育的护士（AENs）向美国移民的人数增加。尽管AENs对美国医疗保健劳动力至关重要，但他们在过渡期间面临重大挑战，包括文化、专业和情感方面的调整。本研究旨在探索AENs向美国医疗保健系统过渡的生活经历，并确定他们成功融入所需的具体支持需求。采用了以利科的解释现象学框架和阿法夫·梅莱伊斯的过渡理论为指导的现象学方法。采用目的抽样和便利抽样相结合的方法，选取了19名在非洲接受培训但目前在美国各医疗机构工作的AENs，他们参与了深入的、非结构化的访谈。对数据进行了主题分析，以捕捉参与者经历的本质。出现了五个主要主题：（1）驾驭陌生领域，包括文化冲击、语言障碍和患者护理标准的差异；（2）培养蓬勃发展的心态，强调恢复力、决心和社会支持的重要性；（3）影响过渡的机构因素，如指导计划的作用和感知到的种族偏见；（4）繁重的绩效要求，反映了持续展示技能和管理高工作量的需求；（5）利用成长机会，侧重于职业发展、经济利益和获得先进医疗技术。AENs向美国医疗保健系统的过渡经历复杂，特点是面临重大挑战和成长机会。有针对性的支持干预措施，包括文化能力培训、指导和机构支持系统，对于促进他们的成功融入并增强他们对患者护理的贡献至关重要。
