Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42470303›Full record

SynthesisJournal of nursing management2026

Barriers and Facilitators to Career Progression Among International Nurses in Developed Countries: A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis.

Ransford Akrong, Bibha Simkhada, Padam Simkhada, Precious Adade Duodu

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Journal of nursing management, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed, 1 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.

  1. Pooled it
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Ransford AkrongSchool of Human and Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, England, UK, hud.ac.uk.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0005-1295-3241
Bibha SimkhadaSchool of Human and Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, England, UK, hud.ac.uk.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8676-0718
Padam SimkhadaResearch and Innovation Office, University of Chester, Chester, England, UK, chester.ac.uk.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5706-6479
Precious Adade DuoduSchool of Human and Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, England, UK, hud.ac.uk.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4965-6302

Funding

University of Huddersfield
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

aimThe systematic review aims to synthesise evidence on the barriers and facilitators of career progression of international nurses in developed countries.

backgroundInternational nurses migrate for career progression but face several challenges that impede their progress in their careers. However, evidence is scattered, and a comprehensive understanding is underdeveloped.

methodA systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis was carried out across PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Scopus. The review followed the PRISMA guidelines. Data were analysed using thematic synthesis and interpreted through the combined theoretical lenses of critical race theory and social justice theory to explore the structural and racialised dimensions of international nurses' career progression. The Joanna Briggs critical appraisal tool for qualitative evidence was used to assess the methodological rigour of the papers.

resultsFollowing critical appraisal, 15 studies were included that identified that communication and language, access to support and mentorship, discrimination and racism, and issues with social and cultural integration influence the career progression of international nurses. DISCUSSION: Interpreted through critical race theory and social justice theory, the findings of this review point to a persistent lack of structural and cultural support for international nurses within host healthcare systems. Rather than isolated challenges, barriers such as communication difficulties, exclusion from training and limited mentorship reflect broader systemic issues, including institutional discrimination and unequal access to opportunity. These dynamics not only constrain international nurses' career development but also risk undermining workforce diversity and retention.

conclusionInternational nurses face systemic challenges to career progression; this highlights the urgent need for structural support, mentorship and equitable policies.

Indexed as

Career MobilityNurses, InternationalDeveloped CountriesHumansQualitative Research

Identifiers

PMID42470303
PMCPMC13380029

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.