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Abstract

This dissertation titled “Experiences of Domestically Qualified Nurses and Internationally Qualified Nurses of Workplace Integration into the German Nursing Workforce in the Context of Nursing Workforce Shortage” was written in the field of Health Services Research at the Medical Faculty of Heidelberg University between August 2019 and February 2024. It explores the integration of internationally qualified nurses in the German nursing workforce in the context of nursing shortages. The dramatic shortages of highly qualified nurses pose significant challenges to healthcare systems globally. Healthcare systems will only be able to face future challenges, such as an increasing number of multimorbid patients due to an ageing population and scientific advancements in medicine and other related fields with an adequate number of qualified nurses and other healthcare professionals. Recruitment and integration of internationally qualified nurses is one strategy many high-income countries have adopted to address the shortages. However, successful workplace integration is influenced by a variety of factors. By identifying factors that can facilitate or hinder successful workplace integration from the perspective of both domestically and internationally qualified nurses may improve the integration process and minimise nursing turnover. Therefore, this dissertation explored the experiences of domestically and internationally qualified nurses of workplace integration to identify what is needed to successfully recruit, integrate, and retain internationally qualified nurses. The research included a Survey Study (Part A) and an Interview Study (Part B) conducted at four hospitals in South Germany. The literature used in the context of this dissertation refers to the period up to February 2024.