Exploring the Career Progression Experiences of Filipino Internationally Qualified Nurses Working in a Tertiary Hospital in New Zealand

Abstract

Introduction: New Zealand (NZ) has emerged as a preferred destination for Filipino internationally qualified nurses (FIQN). It is essential to understand their career progression to maximise their potential and positively influence the healthcare system. Further investigation into career progression is necessary due to its correlation to nurse job satisfaction and retention. Aim: The aim of this research is to report the experiences of FIQNs working in a publicly funded hospital in NZ on career progression. Methodology and Methods: A qualitative descriptive research methodology was utilised to investigate the experiences of FIQNs in a publicly funded hospital in NZ. This research was guided by the transformative paradigm, which underscored the significance of comprehending participants' experiences with oppression to advocate for social justice and address inequity. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 participants recruited via purposive and snowball sampling. Braun and Clarke's Reflexive Thematic Analysis was employed to analyse the data. Findings: Three primary themes were generated from the data: barriers and enablers to career progression and suggestions for success. Barriers to career progression included highly stressful roles, low-income yield, confusion with different career progression pathways, family-oriented culture, collectivist culture, effects of colonialism and upbringing, devaluing and crab mentality, and language proficiency and colloquialism. Enablers to career progression included a supportive and encouraging environment, acquiring postgraduate qualifications, cultural competency, Filipino traits, and role modelling. Suggestions for success in career progression included internal and external factors. Conclusion: This research found the supportive culture of the health organisation enabled all participants and provided a chance for them to reach their full potential and thrive in their workplace. The multifaceted career progression experiences of FIQNs in NZ were influenced by external, cultural, and internal factors and demonstrated the interplay of extensive structural barriers, enablers and suggestions to success.