# Challenges that foreigner nurses face at work in health care units in Finland

> Working as a foreign nurse is demanding in Finland, although there is a lack of nurses in health care units.

## The Nursing Shortage in Finland
Finland is currently facing a significant shortage of nurses due to an aging population. To meet the demands of the healthcare sector, the country needs to recruit 200,000 more nurses by the year 2030 (Yle News, 2023). While recruiting foreign nurses is a viable strategy to address this gap, it introduces complexities related to language barriers, cultural differences, and varying clinical practices (Philip et al. 2019; Covel et al. 2018).

## The Demands of the Profession
Nursing is a high-pressure profession. Beyond direct patient care, nurses must manage heavy workloads, stressful environments, and rapidly evolving medical technologies. They are often exposed to patient trauma and must balance numerous administrative responsibilities. Success in this field requires continuous learning, the ability to navigate online professional platforms, and a collaborative approach to workplace culture.

## Cultural Integration and Challenges
Finland has a long history of diverse linguistic and cultural minorities, including Fino-Swedes, Roma, Ingrian Finns, Karelians, Jews, and Tatars, as well as more recent arrivals from countries like Iraq, Afghanistan, and Ukraine (THL, 2025). While Finnish society is generally supportive of integration, foreign nurses still face significant hurdles, including:
*   Cultural differences
*   Emotional and psychological stress
*   Regulatory and administrative challenges
*   Homesickness and cultural dislocation

These factors can impact work performance and lead to mental health challenges. Prioritizing the mental wellbeing of nurses is essential, as it directly correlates with patient safety and the prevention of burnout.

## Workplace Inequality and Research Findings
A 2023 study by Tehy explored the readiness of the Finnish healthcare sector to integrate foreign-background employees. The results indicated that many foreign nurses feel:
*   Unequally treated
*   That their professional knowledge is underestimated
*   Subject to racism and prejudice
*   Subject to unfair scheduling of work shifts

Research by Kamau et al. (2023) further suggests a lack of mutual respect and trust between foreign and Finnish nurses, with many foreign professionals reporting denied opportunities for career development.

## Recommendations for Improvement
To successfully integrate foreign nurses, a comprehensive organizational approach is required. This includes:
*   Eliminating racism and discrimination.
*   Moving beyond a sole focus on language barriers to provide holistic support.
*   Creating a supportive work environment that fosters mutual respect.
*   Encouraging foreign nurses to adapt to local rules and discipline while maintaining their professional identity.

By fostering a more inclusive environment, Finland can improve the integration of foreign nurses, enhance patient care, and strengthen the overall healthcare system.

## Author
Zahedeh Khanlari, Master in Global Health

## References
*   Boateng D 2023. Integration of non-European trained nurses in Finland. A qualitative exploratory study. Metropolia University of Applied Sciences.
*   Kamau, S., Koskenranta, M., Isakov, T.-M., Kuivila, H., Oikarainen, A., Tomietto, M., & Mikkonen, K. (2023). Nurse educators’ views of integrating culturally and linguistically diverse future registered nurses into healthcare settings: A qualitative descriptive study. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 79(9):3412-3425.
*   Covell C.L., Primeau M.D., St-Pierre I 2018. Internationally educated nurses in Canada: perceived benefits of bridging program participation. Int. Nurse. Rev. 2018;65(3):400–407. Doi: 10.1111/inr.12430.
*   Philip S., Woodward-Kron R., Manias E., Noronha M. 2018. Overseas Qualified Nurses’ (OQNs) perspectives and experiences of interprofessional and nurse-patient communication through a Community of Practice lens. Collegian. 2019;26(1):86–94. Doi: 10.1016/j.colegn.2018.04.002.
*   Tehy. (12.9.2023). Tehy survey: The Social and health care sector is not sufficiently prepared to welcome nurses with foreign background.
*   THL 2025. Culturally diverse Finland. Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare.
*   Yle News. (12.9.2023). Tuesday’s papers: Foreign nurses, back to basics push and Finnish veterans.