RCN Foundation commissions study to explore the experiences of internationally educated nursing and midwifery staff

London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust (LNWH) has one of the most diverse populations and workforces within London.

The RCN Foundation has commissioned LNWH to undertake a research study which will focus on the experiences of internationally educated nursing and midwifery (IENM) staff, including healthcare and maternity support workers who work within the Trust.

The recruitment of internationally educated nurses and midwives to work in the NHS has grown significantly in recent years. As of June 2023, the most common nationalities of NHS staff after British/UK were Indian, Filipino, and Nigerian. Of every 1,000 NHS staff in England, 81% are British, 9% are Asian, and 4% are African.

LNWH runs an overseas nursing programme to help internationally educated nurses to register with the NMC, start practicing, and settle into their new role. Over 900 internationally educated nurses have been recruited in the last six years through the programme. In addition, LNWH has also introduced an improvement plan which includes several initiatives to increase diversity. However, to date the experiences of IENM staff have not been explored. There is therefore limited evidence of their needs and views relating to recruitment, retention, support, and further development.

The study aims to understand the experiences of IENM staff working at LNWH, which will help to inform the co-production of best practice guidance in the recruitment, retention, support and development of this staff group. Ultimately, by understanding the experiences and needs of this group of nursing and midwifery staff, the best practice guidance can inform strategies that could be used to better support and develop this workforce, which in turn could have a positive impact on recruitment and retention within the NHS.

Deepa Korea, RCN Foundation Director said “We are delighted to announce the launch of this significant two-year research study, which is believed to be the first of its kind in England. Through the research, we aim to illustrate the importance of giving voice to the experiences of internationally educated nursing and midwifery staff at LNWH and beyond. Their voices will contribute towards building the evidence-base, ensuring that their experiences are fair and compassionate, and that they are underpinned by principles of equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace. LNWH’s experiences of recruiting IENM staff is a microcosm of practice across the NHS, and so our hope is that the findings of this research will have wider resonance across the UK. 

Tricia Mukherjee, Associate Chief Nurse at London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust said “Our proposed research project at LNWH aims to explore the experiences of our internationally educated nurses, identifying the factors that encourage their retention or contribute to their decisions to leave. Grounded in the context of Black History Month, this study seeks to highlight the diverse voices and experiences within our organisation, fostering a deeper understanding of the support and conditions that help sustain our valued team members. Through this project, we aim to build a more inclusive and supportive environment, ultimately enhancing both staff satisfaction and patient care across the trust."