Motivations, Beliefs, and Expectations of Spanish Nurses Planning Migration for Economic Reasons: A Cross-Sectional, Web-Based Survey

Abstract

Purpose

Migration of nurses is not a new or recent event. During the past few decades, nursing migration flows have been a constant trend worldwide. The main objective of this study was to explore the motivations, beliefs, and expectations that Spanish nurses had when considering migration to another country in the near future.

Design

Cross-sectional, Internet survey of Spanish nurses planning migration for professional reasons.

Methods

Ad hoc, web-based questionnaire following the Nurses Early Exit Study guidelines.

Findings

One hundred seventy-two nurses responded. Fifty percent of the participants intended to emigrate in the following 6 months and had chosen the United Kingdom as their destination. The most important drivers of migration were unemployment or precarious employment, and professional development. Fifty-eight percent of the participants were very afraid of experiencing discrimination or rejection.

Conclusions

This first study conducted in Spain directly exploring determinants of nurse migration highlighted globalization-driven factors and specific acculturation fears.

Clinical Relevance

Employment uncertainty and professional development remain key push drivers for migration of Spanish nurses. Discrimination and rejection due to migrancy were concerns for 60% of the participants.