gms | German Medical Science

Background and Purpose: Several studies have examined the challenges migrant nurses face as they seek licensure and access to international work. In the German nursing field, discrimination among migrant nurses in the workplace, regardless of race or gender have not been studied; a problem that leads to a reduction in the quality of nursing care and nurse turnover. The purpose is to document experiences of migrant nurses in the acute setting about social and institutional discrimination, challenges in the workplace and strategies to cope with those experiences.

Methods: This study employed a qualitative, explorative approach.

Research Focus: The study is conducted by using a qualitative content analysis. The data collection process included seven semi-structured interviews with migrant nurses between in 2017 in different German hospitals. A purposive sampling method was used. All interviews were recorded, typed, and analyzed simultaneously.

Methodological and Theoretical Focus: The study used the intergroup contact hypothesis to approach the issue.

Results: In total, four main categories were identified. The first two categories deal with the migrant nurses` daily work routine and challenges. The third category describes the experiences regarding discrimination in the workplace. The fourth category outlines the different strategies to cope with those circumstances. Although migrant nurses experienced more social discrimination from their patients, their nurse colleagues or other hospital personnel, institutional discrimination was still described.

Conclusions: More research is needed about discrimination against nurses in the workplace because discrimination may have serious psychological effects that impact nurse retention and the quality of patient care.