AUTHOR=Rezaiye Milad , Vafadar Zohreh , Jafari-Oori Mehdi , Faizi Fakhrudin 

TITLE=Mirage or oasis? Iranian immigrant nurses share their stories of working in overseas healthcare settings: a phenomenological hermeneutic study

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychology

VOLUME=Volume 16 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1412783

DOI=10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1412783

ISSN=1664-1078

ABSTRACT=Background and objectiveDespite the significant increase in the emigration of Iranian nurses to other countries, there is still a lack of understanding about their experiences and outcomes within healthcare settings abroad. Therefore, this study aimed to narrate the life stories of Iranian immigrant nurses who have practiced nursing in healthcare settings overseas.MethodsThis study utilized a qualitative design and employed the hermeneutic phenomenological approach to collect and analyze data. A total of 12 in-depth and unstructured interviews were conducted with six Iranian immigrant nurses. The participants were selected through purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The interviews were conducted on Skype from March 2023 to January 2024. The collected data was analyzed using the Van Manen method with the assistance of MAXQDA software. The trustworthiness of the study findings was ensured by following the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research.ResultsThe experiences of Iranian immigrant nurses working in overseas healthcare settings are a complex blend of challenges and opportunities, often resembling mirages and oases. Through data analysis, this study revealed two main themes: “Immigration Mirage” and “Immigration Oasis.” These themes shed light on the numerous challenges faced by Iranian immigrant nurses as they strive to improve their professional identity.ConclusionThe experiences of Iranian immigrant nurses working abroad involve challenges such as communication barriers, discrimination, and acculturation, as well as opportunities for professional growth and higher remuneration. Their contributions to global healthcare should be recognized and supported, and addressing their specific needs is crucial for enhancing healthcare systems.