Challenges faced by immigrant nurses when integrating into the finnish healthcare system: a literature review
Syeda, Yashfeen (2023)
2023
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2023121437152
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2023121437152
Tiivistelmä
This thesis aims to illustrate the challenges immigrant nurses face when integrating into the Finnish healthcare system and provide evidence-based knowledge regarding immigrant nurses' difficulties adapting to new working environments. In addition, the research methodology used in this thesis was a literature review. To perform this literature review, information was retracted from reliable databases, and collected relevant journals, articles, and theses were examined to identify topics related to the research question. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, the selected data was analyzed and synthesized to form evidence-based results.
The findings were grouped into four main topics, and the number one challenge faced by immigrant nurses was the language barrier; it was observed that immigrant nurses were struggling to learn the Finnish language, which limited their professional opportunities in the workforce. Another challenge immigrant nurses face in the Finnish healthcare system is orientation; the orientation period is short, making immigrant nurses rely on themselves and learn the work in the long run. Most immigrant nurses noticed they did not get enough support from their colleagues and were not trusted by their ward managers regarding patient care. Lastly, discrimination was shown to be the major problem faced by immigrant nurses and affects all aspects of their work life.
The author recommends providing language courses or programs after getting a job. Secondly, the orientation period should be longer, as learning and adjusting to a new environment may take time. Multicultural training should also be provided to both sides as this will create tolerance for different cultures and diversity in learning. Lastly, each organization should create and define laws and policies for anti-discrimination and racism. Additionally, there should be other policies and support systems where immigrant nurses get help getting licenses in their qualified fields.
The findings were grouped into four main topics, and the number one challenge faced by immigrant nurses was the language barrier; it was observed that immigrant nurses were struggling to learn the Finnish language, which limited their professional opportunities in the workforce. Another challenge immigrant nurses face in the Finnish healthcare system is orientation; the orientation period is short, making immigrant nurses rely on themselves and learn the work in the long run. Most immigrant nurses noticed they did not get enough support from their colleagues and were not trusted by their ward managers regarding patient care. Lastly, discrimination was shown to be the major problem faced by immigrant nurses and affects all aspects of their work life.
The author recommends providing language courses or programs after getting a job. Secondly, the orientation period should be longer, as learning and adjusting to a new environment may take time. Multicultural training should also be provided to both sides as this will create tolerance for different cultures and diversity in learning. Lastly, each organization should create and define laws and policies for anti-discrimination and racism. Additionally, there should be other policies and support systems where immigrant nurses get help getting licenses in their qualified fields.