Why do China-educated nurses emigrate? A qualitative exploration

Int J Nurs Stud. 2016 Jan:53:163-72. doi: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2015.08.008. Epub 2015 Aug 28.

Abstract

Background: Despite the fact that there are more and more Chinese nurses living and working in Australia, relatively little is known about the decisions to emigrate made by these nurses.

Objectives: To explore factors influencing China-educated nurses to emigrate to Australia.

Design: This was a secondary analysis of 46 semi-structured interviews with 28 China-educated nurses working in Australia. Conventional content analysis was used, and the results are presented thematically.

Results: The nurses emigrated for a wide variety of reasons: (a) personal factors (to improve English, to see more of the world and cultures, to seek novelty and adventure); (b) work-related factors (better work environment and more career choices); (c) social factors (better living environment and lifestyle); (d) cultural factors (positive perceptions in China of those who emigrate or have overseas experiences), and (e) economic factors (higher salaries and greater purchasing power).

Conclusions: Confirming findings from similar studies, China-educated nurses' decisions to migrate are complex and not based solely on economic expectations. Personal and cultural factors play vital roles in nurses' migration decisions.

Keywords: Chinese nurse; Content analysis; Immigrant nurses; Motivation; Nurse emigration; Nurse migration; Qualitative research; Secondary analysis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Australia
  • China / ethnology
  • Culture
  • Emigration and Immigration*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Middle Aged
  • Nurses / economics
  • Nurses / psychology*
  • Young Adult