Internationally educated nurses: profiling workforce diversity.
OBJECTIVE
Nurses with diverse educational and cultural backgrounds are likely to adapt differently to new workforces. The aim of this study was to provide a profile of nurses educated in different countries who are employed in a major settlement jurisdiction.


BACKGROUND
Despite difficulties in measuring its magnitude, it is evident that nurse migration has increased as a result of globalization. Major destinations for internationally educated nurses (IENs) include the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia and the Gulf States. Chief donor countries include the Philippines, India and other South Asian countries. Half of all IENs registered in Canada work in the province of Ontario.


METHODS
Published literature and secondary data were used to profile cohorts of nurses educated in different countries who are employed in the Ontario workforce.


RESULTS
Statistics available on IENs in Ontario reveal a largely urban settlement pattern. There are major differences among IEN cohorts in terms of age, gender, work status, and type and place of employment.


CONCLUSIONS
Although IENs resident in Ontario could not be quantified, a relatively detailed description of IENs in the workforce was possible. Comparison of nurse cohorts indicated that generalizations about IENs should be made with caution. Changes in regulatory conditions have a significant effect on IEN employment. Difficulties associated with international educational and regulatory differences illustrate the need to create global nursing standards. Further investigation of differences in workforce profiles should provide insights leading to improved utilization of IENs.
Blythe
Jennifer
J
Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada. blytheje@mcmaster.ca
Baumann
Andrea
A
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D002321:Career Choice; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants / Q000193:education / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004651:Employment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005551:Foreign Professional Personnel / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D008008:Licensure, Nursing; D008875:Middle Aged; D015401:Nursing Administration Research; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D009864:Ontario; D010560:Personnel Selection / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011365:Professional Practice Location; D012956:Societies, Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration