Australian skilled migration policy & COVID 19: A study on the policy induced vulnerabilities among migrant nurses in Victoria, Australia

Abstract

Within Australia, nurses form the largest workforce segment within the healthcare system and play an essential role in the overall success of the sector. Following the pandemic, research has demonstrated rising challenges in nurse wellbeing, concerns for safety, increase in workload as well as reduction in available resources. The COVID-19 pandemic has inflicted policy- induced pressures on skilled migrant nurses and midwives within Australia. Policy changes introduced following the pandemic have resulted in the stress, uncertainty, and job loss of various skilled migrant nurses within Australia. The key purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in skilled nurse migration policy during the pandemic. The research highlighted how skilled nurses within Australia have been impacted by Australian government policy measures to contain the spread of COVID-19. The methodology for the purpose of this research was based on using a combination of qualitative and quantitative secondary data that is readily available in resources provided by the university database and using a content analysis to reach conclusions. Research findings showed various short and long-term impacts on skilled nurses that were researched and reported during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes in the requirements of special care, a higher volume of patients, and increased demand for healthcare professionals have all put increased pressure on nurses during COVID-19. Additionally, being a migrant nurse meant less government support, family support, and policy support was provided leading to more burdens on nurses. Research showed that COVID-19 pushed migrant nurses toward lower professional development, low personal satisfaction, and low job retention. Specifically, higher levels of discrimination and prioritization of Australian citizens and residents created major barriers to migrant nurses in Australia. As a result of the challenges posed by COVID-19, comprehensive support measures for migrant nurses is required. Clinical reflective supervision, access to psychological resources, peer support, mentoring, health and wellness programs, and professional development opportunities may all help to enhance career advancement and create leadership within the workforce.