Exploring the Utilisation of Internationally Qualified Nurses' Specialty Skills: Analysis of Recruiting Managers' View Points.

Abstract

Aim: This study examines the factors influencing the use of specialty skills among internationally qualified nurses in Australia from the recruitment managers' perspective. It specifically addresses the research question: How can the specialty skills of IQNs be effectively transferred to the healthcare systems of developed countries following immigration?

Research design: A semi-structured interview.

Method: Eight nurse managers directly involved in internationally qualified nurse recruitment participated in semi-structured interviews. The interview questions were formulated based on the outcomes of a preceding mixed-methods study.

Data sources: Between January and March 2023, eight recruiting managers responsible for internationally qualified nurse recruitment were interviewed. The collected data was analysed using thematic analysis.

Results: Recruitment managers identified three key themes regarding transferring internationally qualified nurses' specialty skills to the Australian health system. 'Right Person, Right Opportunity' stresses the importance of matching nurses with appropriate roles. 'Barriers to Skill Alignment' highlights challenges such as credential recognition and integration issues. 'Advancing Opportunities' outlines strategies like workforce planning and tailored training to overcome these obstacles.

Conclusion: The findings emphasise the importance of strategic workforce planning, robust centralised assessment mechanisms and tailored training programmes for recruiting managers to support internationally qualified nurses' specialty skill utilisation.

Impact: This study extends to policymakers, healthcare organisations and nurses, guiding the development of strategies for safe nursing service delivery and optimising patient care. The emphasis on managerial needs highlights a pathway for creating a more efficient and supportive environment for internationally qualified nurses in the healthcare sector.

Patient or public contribution: This paper benefited from the insights shared by eight recruiting managers involved in hiring internationally qualified nurses, who contributed their valuable experiences and opinions.