Publication date: Jul 02, 2025
Post COVID-19, the migration of skilled nurses has increased, with many Irish nurses relocating to Australia for better opportunities. Factors such as workload, work-life balance and workplace support influence their engagement and job satisfaction. This study examines the work engagement levels of young Irish nurses who migrated to Australia, identifying key factors shaping their professional experiences, compared to their tenure in Ireland. A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with eight participants. Thematic analysis identified key themes related to work engagement, workload, wellbeing and resilience. Nurses in Australia reported higher engagement because of structured shifts, improved patient-to-nurse ratios, better personal time and strong workplace support. In contrast, systemic challenges in Ireland contributed to nurse migration. Addressing staffing shortages, improving workplace policies and promoting work-life balance is crucial for nurse retention in Ireland, especially in community and district nursing.
Semantics
| Type | Source | Name |
|---|---|---|
| disease | MESH | COVID-19 |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Tropicamide |
| disease | MESH | work-life balance |