Internationally educated nurses' experiences with an integrated bridge program.

Background: Countries around the world are experiencing a current and projected ongoing shortage of nurses. Internationally educated nurses are an underused, valuable human resource that could reduce the nursing shortage. A bridge program, with several innovations bundled into one program, was developed specifically to meet the needs of internationally educated nurses.
Methods: A qualitative study using interviews was conducted with internationally educated nurses. Data were collected in the first semester, at the end of the program, and after nurses started work.
Results: Although knowledge of the health care system is critical, an understanding of the adopted country's educational philosophy is also important. Occupation-specific language training and ample clinical time are essential for program success and for helping participants to secure employment.
Conclusion: "One-stop shopping" bridge programs that provide a range of curricular supports for internationally educated nurses are essential to support this pool of highly skilled nurses in preparing for practice in their new home.
(Copyright 2012, SLACK Incorporated.)