Posted 18 July 2023 - 09:00
Posted 18 July 2023 - 09:00
News
Fear of repercussions stops overseas nurses raising concerns at work
International nurses deterred by worries over loss of income and visa renewal, says national guardian for freedom to speak up
International nurses deterred by worries over loss of income and visa renewal, says national guardian for freedom to speak up
A fear of detriment to their careers is preventing international nurses from raising patient safety and other concerns at work, a freedom to speak up (FTSU) leader says.
Nurse Jayne Chidgey-Clark, who is national guardian for FTSU in the NHS in England, said international nurses can find it harder to raise concerns in the workplace due to hierarchical issues, fear of detriment and cultural differences.
Financial security also plays a role, with many fearing an impact on income or temporary visas not being extended if they speak up.
Dr Chidgey-Clark told Nursing Standard: ‘They often come from a background where speaking up to your seniors, not just in the workplace, may be seen as disrespectful. Other barriers include hierarchy, for example nurses having to raise concerns with doctors or more senior members of staff.’
Analysis shows drop in nurses’ confidence to speak up, especially about unsafe clinical practices
She said many internationally educated workers on short-term visas may feel vulnerable and think, ‘Well if I make myself unpopular my visa won’t get extended and that will have implications for me and my family.’
The latest data show a record number of cases were raised to FTSU guardians in the year to March 2023. Some 25,382 reports were made, with registered nurses and midwives making up the biggest portion with 7,367 cases raised, or 29% of the total.
Analysis by the National Guardian’s Office of the latest NHS staff survey results also showed a drop in nurses’ confidence to speak up, notably around raising concerns about unsafe clinical practices.
To address this the NGO is working with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and NHS England to improve understanding and expectations regarding speaking up, with a particular focus on overseas nurses.
Nurses should speak to peers or an FTSU guardian if they worry about ‘rocking the boat’
Dr Chidgey-Clark encouraged nurses to speak to their peers if they are worried about ‘rocking the boat’ at work or would not feel comfortable raising issues with management directly.
‘Maybe talk to another international recruit or the FTSU guardian. It might not be a singular issue, others might have the same concerns,’ she said.
‘You’re not being difficult and the FTSU guardian can help you navigate the system in a safe way.’
The NHS relies heavily on international recruits, with latest NMC data showing a 610% rise in international registrants over the past five years.
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