Promising Practices in the Integration of Internationally Educated Nurses

Thesis (M.Nurs.), College of Nursing, Washington State UniversityTransitioning into healthcare in the United States can be challenging for the internationally educated nurse (lEN). While there is some literature about their transition experiences in developed countries, there is limited research specifically on promising practices as lENs transition into the United States healthcare workforce. A review of nine research projects that focused on the lEN transition experiences was conducted to assemble practices to be incorporated into pre-hire transition programs. Six recurring themes emerged: challenge of language competency, the global differences in the role of the nurse, difficulties around credential review and licensure, health care delivery, cultural issues, and the lives and abilities of the lEN. This article summarizes findings that should be considered as promising for nurse educators to incorporate in pre-hire transition programs for the internationally educated nurse