Challenges Faced by Refugee Nurses to Integrate into Jordan's Labor Market: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

One concern that professionals with refugee status often face upon relocating to a different country is the process to secure a position that reflects the credentials and previous experience they bring from their former homeland. In Jordan, some refugees have the means to earn a living to support themselves and their families but live in poverty conditions due to the complexity of the process to vet their education and credentials that results in inability to gain professional employment in the new country. This article describes a descriptive qualitative study that explored challenges faced by refugee health professionals in their attempts to integrate into Jordan's labour market. We conducted individual semi structured interviews and/or focus group sessions with a sample of 16 refugee nurses. The nurses described their perceptions and experiences of being refugees and their challenges to find a professional nursing position. Qualitative content analysis led to seven emerging themes: legal issues, financial issues, working environment issues, education and professional issues, family issues, physical and mental health issues, and gender issues. This study was an important first step to understand the challenges hindering refugee health professionals' employment opportunities and access to the labour market. The findings suggest implications for practice related to promoting awareness, creating legal employment opportunities, and informing policy.