[Academically educated nurses from third countries: Professional self-concept versus working life in Germany. A qualitative study using the example of migrant nurses from the Philippines]

Abstract

Background: The recruitment of internationally educated nurses is gaining relevance in Germany in response to the growing shortage of nurses. Differences in nursing qualifications and practices between the country of origin and of destination can irritate the professional self-concept and hinder professional integration.

Purpose: The study objective was to examine the development of the professional scope of action to unfold the professional self-concept of academically qualified nurses in Germany.

Methods: In accordance with the episodic interview, eight guided interviews were conducted with Filipino nurses who had migrated to Germany. Data was analyzed by thematic coding.

Results: The analysis shows two dimensions that impact the professional scope of action: perceived systemic constraints in the transition process and perspectives on professional development. The recruitment and recognition process is associated with high financial and time-related uncertainties and professional devaluation experiences. Migrant nurses experience both a loss of competence and a sense of foreignness in their nursing role in Germany. In order to regain professional scope of action, strategies of continuing education and focusing on more technology-intensive nursing care areas are pursued; only a minority can adapt their self-concept to the circumstances of nursing practice in Germany.

Discussion: The study results demonstrate the importance of paying attention to both the competence profile and the professional self-concept of academically educated nurses in order to offer migrant nurses professional career prospects in Germany. Especially in long-term care, this has proved to be a structural problem.

Conclusion: To provide an attractive destination for international academically qualified nursing professionals in Germany, the ratification of international standards, the provision of transparent and independent information, utilization of existing nursing expertise as well as the establishment of career opportunities are recommended.

Keywords: Berufliche Integration; Hospital care; Internationale Pflegefachpersonen; Internationally educated nurses; Krankenhaus; Langzeitpflege; Long-term care; Nurse migration; Pflegemigration; Workforce integration.