Milika Ruth Matiti
The aim of the study was to investigate the cultural experiences of internationally recruited nurses (IRNs) in the UK within the Trent region. This study examined the cultural adaptation process, both from a personal and a nursing perspective. The paper is based on interviews with 12 nurses – seven female and five male. A phenomenological approach was adopted using a semi-structured interview technique. For the purpose of this study culture has been categorised as either ‘primary’ or ‘secondary’ culture. The findings demonstrated that how the nurses perceived their own culture influenced their adaptation process significantly. The data clearly showed how the IRNs felt deskilled and devalued. Significant cultural issues were identified which had an influence on their experience. This included the preparation in their country of origin, the quality of the induction programmes in the UK, language issues and life outside work, all of which were seen as having a distinct effect on the adaptation process.
