The Experience of China-Educated Nurses Working in Australia: A Symbolic Interactionist Perspective

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Transnational nurse migration is a growing phenomenon. This study explored the experiences of China-educated nurses working in Australia. DESIGN: Using a constructivist grounded theory method, 46 in-depth interviews were conducted with 28 China-educated nurses in two major cities in Australia. RESULTS: The core category emerged was “reconciling different realities”. Three phases of reconciling were conceptualised: realising, struggling, and reflecting. Realising refers to an awareness of the discrepancies between different realities. Struggling reflects the dilemma of the “middle position” and how being situated as “the other” is experienced. Reflecting is the process of making sense of the experience and rationalising the gains and losses associated with immigration. CONCLUSIONS: This study produced a theoretical understanding of the experience of China-educated nurses working in Australia. The findings not only inform Chinese nurses who wish to migrate but contribute to the implementation of more effective support services for immigrant nurses.