A missing piece of the workforce puzzle. The experiences of internationally qualified nurses in New Zealand: a literature review.

Aim: To analyse the literature regarding the context and experiences of internationally qualified registered nurses, particularly Filipino and Indian nurses, who have transitioned to New Zealand.

Background: Internationally qualified nurses are a significant proportion of the nursing workforce in many developed countries including New Zealand. This is increasingly important as populations age, escalating demand for nurses. Understanding the internationally qualified nurse experience is required as this could influence migration in a competitive labour market.

Design: Examination of peer-reviewed research, policy and discussion documents, and technical reports.

Method: A systematic literature search sought articles published between 2001 and 2014 using Google Scholar, CINAHL, and Medline. Articles were critically appraised for relevance, transferability, and methodological rigour.

Results: Fifty-one articles met inclusion criteria and demonstrate internationally qualified nurses face significant challenges transitioning into New Zealand.

Conclusion: The internationally qualified nurse experience of transitioning into a new country is little researched and requires further investigation.