Nurse migration to Australia: Past, present, and future

Background: One way that the nursing shortage in Australia is being addressed is by supplementing the workforce with an intake of migrant nurses through the Skilled Migration Program. The ongoing shortage, despite the continuous immigration of nurses, poses an issue in light of the increasing global mobility of healthcare workers, which may exacerbate the global demand–supply inequities. Aim: To describe nurse migration to Australia and related aspects, and its implications in the context of the nursing shortage and workforce retention. Understanding skilled migration allows a discussion on possible strategies that may contribute to migrant retention and improve future workforce planning. Methods: A discussion paper. Findings: The skilled migration of nurses to Australia has been crucial in supplementing the workforce. The continuous reforms on the Skilled Migration Program and related processes may have a flow-on effect on the source countries of migrant nurses to Australia. Discussion: Viewing skilled migration to Australia, in consideration of the source country’s perspective may shed light on implications for retention. Individualised studies may help policymakers and organisations determine targeted rather than universal strategies aimed at better transition, adaptation, and, ultimately, retention. Conclusion: An understanding of migrant nurses and the implementation of retention practices based on cultural and migration background may maximise their participation in the workforce until the number of domestic graduates and retention of the current workforce balances the supply and demand of nurses. It is essential for the Government to monitor and manage its migrant nursing workforce to ensure that the Skilled Migration Program remains effective at meeting occupational shortages.