Experiences of Filipino Nurses in Migration and Workforce Integration in Norway

Abstract

The study is centralized on Filipino nurse migration and workforce integration into Norway. The Philippines is the leading exporter of nurses in developed countries, and this export-oriented strategy is placed by its government to encourage economic growth. Norway, on the other hand, is a developed country with a secure welfare system, an aging society, and a commitment to the WHO Global CODE of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel. This interaction of institutional factors from both countries to the Filipino nurses' experience in migration and workforce integration is the primary area of interest. The qualitative method of semi-structured interviews was selected to gather empirical data from seven participants. One participant opted for a self-administered questionnaire (SAQ). The empirical data extracted from the interviews and SAQ were analyzed using thematic analysis. The thematic analysis produced two main themes namely, Uncertainties in a New Country and Holistic Improvement. These two themes answered the research questions about Filipino nurses' challenges and opportunities they have experienced in migration and workforce integration in Norway. The themes also related to theories and concepts about human capital, social capital, and the dual labor market. The interplay between different levels of factors, from the individual, social to institutional factors, resulted in the occupational downgrade of Filipino nurses in Norway.