7 Ways to Support New International Nurses

It’s not new that internationally educated nurses are working in U.S. hospitals. What is new is the unprecedented demand for international nurses to help address the growing shortage of RNs in most care settings.

With fierce and ever-increasing competition for international nurses, retention is more critical than ever. However, many organizations don’t do enough to address the very real challenges that international nurses have in adjusting to their new lives and jobs in the U.S., said Maricon Banzon-Dans, MSN, RN, NE-BC, Assistant Director, Pathway to Excellence Operations at the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), Board Member of the Nursing Foundation of Maryland, and Secretary of the Philippines Nurses Association of Metro DC.

Despite their expertise, internationally educated nurses often face challenges such as pay disparities, discrimination, cultural differences, and feelings of isolation. These can lead to higher turnover rates among internationally educated nurses than their U.S.-educated counterparts, said Mary Del Guidice , MSN, BS, RN, vice president and chief nursing officer at Tipton Health.

Del Guidice and Banzon-Dans discussed the need to support new international during a recent Tipton Health Nursing Leadership webinar. They were joined by Uvannie Enriquez, MPA, BSN, RN, NEA-BC, Magnet Program Director at New York Presbyterian/CUIMC and chapter author of “Embracing a New Culture” from Fast Facts for Making the Most of Your Career in Nursing by Rhoda Redulla, DNP, RN-BC.

Seven Steps to Success

During their hour-long conversation, Del Guidice, Enriquez, and Banzon-Dans discussed what nurse leaders can do to support international nurses. Enriquez and Banzon-Dans also shared their personal experiences of adjusting to work and life in the U.S. after arriving from the Philippines.

Here are seven things they suggested:

●?????? Ethical recruitment and integration. Make sure the nurses coming to work at your health system have a thorough knowledge of their rights and all the information they need before they arrive. Be sure you’ve matched the position you have for them with their skill and expertise. Focus on retention from the beginning and implement comprehensive integration programs to help create a sense of belonging.

●?????? Supportive leadership. Nurse leaders play a crucial role in supporting new international nurses. Their support can range from emotional support to practical assistance, such as helping them navigate the complexities of a new healthcare system, new location, and culture.

●?????? Cultural Sensitivity Training: Provide your entire staff with cultural sensitivity training to help them understand and support the unique challenges international nurses face. Be sure to encourage an environment of inclusivity and respect.

●?????? Mentorship programs. Establish mentorship programs that pair new international nurses with experienced nurses who can provide guidance and support. Mentors can help with professional and personal challenges to create a more welcoming environment.

●?????? Practical assistance. Be ready to help international nurses with their basic needs, such as housing, transportation, and understanding local services. Some hospitals have begun providing welcome packets, including items like a rice cooker for Filipino nurses or metro cards for easy transportation.

●?????? Available programs. Take advantage of available programs like the Philippine Nurses Association of Metro DC's "Welcome Program for Internationally Educated Nurses." The program includes information and examples and is an excellent example of supporting new international nurses and creating a sense of belonging. The program includes focus groups for international nurses to discuss their concerns, webinars, and face-to-face meetings.

●?????? Resource directories: Provide information on where international nurses can find culturally specific groceries, services, and community support.

Individualized support is key

Like patients, each nurse has a unique story. To help internationally educated nurses thrive, nurse leaders must recognize and address their individual needs. By providing comprehensive support, nurse leaders can help these nurses feel valued and included so they can provide the best possible care to their patients.

Nurse leaders have an invaluable role in this process. By being proactive and empathetic, they can make a significant difference in the lives of new international nurses, other nurses on their staff, and the patients they care for.

Del Guidice, Enriquez, and Banzon-Dans discussed the topic during a recent Tipton Health Nursing Leadership Webinar. You can watch a webinar recording here to learn more about what nurse leaders can do to support new international nurses.