Nursing Migration and the Global Workforce: How the U.S. Nurse Shortage Impacts Developing Countries
Date of Award
Spring 4-8-2026
Document Type
Honors Thesis
Department/Major
Nursing
First Advisor
Dr. Jessica Warren
Second Advisor
Dr. Helene Hegge
Third Advisor
N/A
Keywords
nurse migration, internationally educated nurses, U.S. nurse shortage, brain drain, nursing workforce
Subject Categories
Health and Medical Administration | Health Law and Policy | Nursing Administration | Public Health and Community Nursing | Quality Improvement
Abstract
As United States (U.S.) healthcare organizations face persistent staffing gaps driven by an aging population, burnout, and limited educational capacity, many institutions increasingly rely on internationally educated nurses (IENs) to stabilize their workforce. This reliance intersects with longstanding structural challenges in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where inadequate compensation and limited professional opportunities contribute to high migration intentions among nurses. Using a systematic literature review guided by PRISMA principles, this study synthesized evidence and five major themes emerged: (1) push factors driving nurse emigration from LMICs, (2) pull factors attracting nurses to the U.S., (3) digital globalization and post-COVID recruitment shifts, (4) consequences of migration for both LMIC and U.S. health systems, and (5) ethical tensions and policy gaps related to global recruitment. Findings showed that while migration offered individual nurses economic and professional benefits, it also intensified workforce shortages in LMICs, reduced service delivery capacity, and threatened health equity. The study concluded that the U.S. must strengthen domestic workforce strategies and adopt ethical recruitment practices aligned with the WHO Global Code of Practice. Recommendations emphasized bilateral agreements, improved working conditions, and coordinated global workforce planning to promote sustainability and protect vulnerable health systems.
Recommended Citation
Lasekan, Mololuwa Faithful, "Nursing Migration and the Global Workforce: How the U.S. Nurse Shortage Impacts Developing Countries" (2026). Honors Thesis. 412.
https://red.library.usd.edu/honors-thesis/412
Included in
Health Law and Policy Commons, Nursing Administration Commons, Public Health and Community Nursing Commons, Quality Improvement Commons