What is it about?
We mapped and reviewed research on how internationally qualified nurses experience transitioning into the Australian healthcare system. Nurses face challenges such as language barriers, cultural differences, limited recognition of prior skills, and inconsistent support from orientation or mentorship programs. Despite these obstacles, they demonstrate resilience, and structured support can significantly improve their integration, job satisfaction, and professional growth.
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Photo by Bagoes Ilhamy on Unsplash
Why is it important?
Internationally qualified nurses are essential to Australia’s healthcare system, especially amid workforce shortages. Understanding the challenges they face is critical to developing better support programs, orientation, and policies that promote equity, professional recognition, and inclusion. Addressing these issues can improve nurse retention, reduce stress and professional dissatisfaction, and strengthen the overall quality of healthcare.
Perspectives
Writing this review gave us insight into the complex, multifaceted experience of internationally qualified nurses. We were struck by their resilience in adapting to new systems and cultures. We hope this work encourages policymakers and healthcare institutions to implement consistent orientation programs, mentorship, and anti-discrimination policies, fostering a more inclusive, supportive, and sustainable healthcare workforce.
Mr Ferry Efendi
Universitas Airlangga
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Experiences of Internationally Qualified Nurses in Adapting to the Australian Healthcare System: A Scoping Review, International Journal of Nursing Studies Advances, August 2025, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnsa.2025.100399.
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