Nurses on the move: Diversity and the work environment

Abstract

Over 191 million people make up the international migrant population of today. Their numbers have doubled since 1970, with women now accounting for almost half. The migrant population has been transformed and is changing the very nature of society in both source and destination countries. Greater differences in culture, language, work relationships, and coping mechanisms - in short, greater diversity in society and the workplace - offer many opportunities for excellence in transcultural nursing but also provides fertile ground for discrimination, victimisation, harassment and isolation. This article explores and describes current nurse migration flows, the impact migration has on nurses and the value of positive practice environment for the full integration of international nurses.