Experiences in the UK National Health Service: The overseas nurses' workforce

Background: This paper presents an analysis based on the recently recruited overseas nurses in the NHS in the United Kingdom [UK]. Objectives: The aims of the study were to determine how overseas nurses perceive equal opportunity as well as the opportunities for skill development and training to be in the National Health Service [NHS] in the UK. Methods: A survey approach was adopted to investigate the aims of the study. There were 900 questionnaires distributed of which 188 were suitable for the study, thus giving rise to 21% success rate. Results: The findings revealed many statistical differences between the different ethnic groups used in the study. Overall, overseas nurses from Africa perceived equal opportunity and their prospect for skills development and training to be different to that of their overseas counterparts. In addition the results showed that African nurses were less likely to view their experiences positively particularly if they were not working in any of the NHS trust hospitals in London. Conclusion: It is important to say that equal opportunity as well as opportunities for skills development and training should be universal within the NHS as this could improve the inequitable treatment that is apparent throughout the UK. There is a need for NHS trust hospitals in the UK to review their equal opportunity and skills development and training policies in the light of these findings. Crown Copyright (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.