How to Improve International Nurse Retention

June 11, 2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Increasing Nurse Retention Rates Amid the Nursing Shortage

• Integrating International Nurses on Your Nursing Staff

• Tips to Retain Experienced Nurses

As the demand for healthcare professionals continues to rise due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many healthcare systems are turning to international recruitment to supplement their depleting workforce. The introduction of globally educated nurses brings diversity and expertise to healthcare staff, but successful integration and retention of international nurses are critical for long-term benefits. This article will explore ways to increase nurse retention and provide tips on how healthcare executives can effectively integrate international nursing staff into their facilities. By prioritizing nurse retention and effective integration, healthcare executives can improve patient care and create a more satisfying workplace culture for all staff.

Increasing Nurse Retention Rates Amid the Nursing Shortage

After hiring and bringing on internationally educated nurses, successful integration of international nurses is critical for international nursing staff to feel supported and validated upon arrival at your new facility. Successful integration is a complex process. For effective and efficient recruitment and retention, healthcare executives must ensure that the needs and requests of international nurses are met so they have a successful introduction to your facility. The overall goal of a healthcare executive is to promote a safe and satisfying workplace culture for all staff, especially international nurses. It is essential to see how work-life balance, nurse burnout, and job demands affect how international nurses adjust to your facility. To ensure the successful integration of internationally educated nurses, healthcare executives should take the following actionable steps:

Establish a Comprehensive Onboarding Process

Develop a well-structured onboarding program specifically designed for international nurses. This program should address their unique needs and challenges, providing them with the necessary support and guidance upon arrival at your facility. Their onboarding process will be an international nurse’s first introduction to your facility. They should feel welcomed and supported.

Regularly Communicate with International Nurses

Maintain open lines of communication with international nurses to understand their needs and requests. Actively listen to their concerns and address any issues promptly. This will help them feel supported and valued as part of your team. They will also feel more comfortable coming to nurse managers and leaders if they have concerns while working at your facility.

Prioritize Work-Life Balance and Prevent Burnout

Recognize the importance of work-life balance for your nursing staff. Implement strategies and policies that promote a healthy work environment, prevent nurse burnout, and ensure their well-being. Provide resources and support systems to help them manage their workload effectively and check in consistently with your team to make sure they are not feeling burnt out and see how you can assist them if they are.

Assess Job Demands and Make Necessary Adjustments

Evaluate the job demands placed on nursing staff and make necessary adjustments to create a more manageable workload. This may involve redistributing responsibilities or providing additional resources to ensure their success in your facility. If there is any new technology that can be used to alleviate the workload burden on nursing staff, nurse leaders should hold demos and seminars to make sure staff is aware on how the technology can assist them.

Integrating International Nurses on Your Nursing Staff

To better help international nursing staff adjust to your facility, it is best if healthcare executives understand the recruitment process and the importance of recruiting and retaining competent nurses. Integrating international nurses properly is the easiest way to transition international nursing staff. Onboarding international nurses adequately will lead to higher nurse retention and better relationships among staff. See the tips below to understand better how to integrate international nurses into your staff.

• Address Current Staff
• Assign a Mentor
• Share the Advantages of International Nurses
• Connect with the Community
• Discuss the Benefits of Diversity

Integrating international nurses properly is the easiest way to transition international nursing staff. Onboarding international nurses adequately will lead to higher nurse retention and better relationships among staff. Make your staff aware of when international nurses join the team. It would be best if you also assigned them a mentor. International nurses will want to feel supported and have someone they can go to and confide in. Having a mentor at a new facility is essential during the onboarding process; they will be more open to having conversations and receiving feedback from someone they feel supports them. Healthcare executives must be prepared for how international nurse recruitment will impact their facility and nursing staff.

Tips to Retain Experienced Nurses

Nurse retention is a critical concern for healthcare organizations aiming to maintain a skilled and experienced workforce. Retaining professional nurses is essential for providing high-quality patient care and preventing knowledge gaps within healthcare teams. Here are some valuable tips for nurse retention:

Supportive Work Environment

Creating a supportive work environment is crucial for nurse retention. Encourage open communication, teamwork, and collaboration among the nursing staff. Implement policies that promote work-life balance, such as flexible scheduling options and fair workload distribution. Provide professional growth and development opportunities, including continuing education programs and mentorship initiatives. By fostering a positive work environment, nurses are more likely to feel valued and motivated, reducing turnover rates.

Recognition and Rewards

Recognizing and appreciating the contributions of experienced nurses can significantly impact their job satisfaction and retention. Implement an effective recognition program that acknowledges nurses' achievements and milestones. This can include rewards, such as financial incentives, public appreciation, or even career advancement opportunities. Regularly highlight the impact of their work on patient outcomes and emphasize their importance within the healthcare team. Feeling valued and appreciated encourages nurses to stay committed to their profession and organization.

Work-Life Balance

Promoting work-life balance is vital for nurse retention. Long hours, demanding shifts, and irregular schedules can lead to burnout and dissatisfaction among nurses. Provide scheduling options for sufficient rest between shifts and consider implementing self-scheduling practices where possible. Encourage nurses to use their paid time off and ensure adequate staffing to prevent excessive workload. Nurses are more likely to remain engaged and committed to their profession by prioritizing work-life balance.

The Bottom Line

The nursing shortage is a growing concern for nursing staff throughout the country. Over the years, the demand for quality nurses has increased while the supply in the U.S. has decreased. The need for more quality nurses in the U.S. is why the work of globally educated nursing staff is essential for improving healthcare systems. International nursing staff will need to feel validated by healthcare executives, especially as they begin their careers in the U.S. health system. Learning about global nurse recruitment will make international nursing staff feel supported and excited for other globally educated nurses joining their facilities. Focusing on nurse retention will improve a global nurse’s overall experience as they begin their journey as a USRN. By validating international nursing staff experience, healthcare executives demonstrate their commitment to international nursing staff by actively listening to their experiences and concerns. Partner with an international staffing agency such as Avant Healthcare Professionals today to learn how to properly integrate and improve international nursing retention.