Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Dee. I am a mother first, a nurse, a research nurse, a mentor, and a historian. I mention being a mother first as it inspired my nursing career. I nurtured my family with passion, and as my children sought new adventures, so did I. I pursued university education post-Project 2000, a time when it was determined that nursing education would transition from nursing schools/infirmary-based training to a more formal academic setting based in universities.  

My nursing training was the most healthy and enjoyable year of my career.  I was a mature student, so I had seen a bit of life and I had engaged in other jobs and worked with a variety of people before working in a hospital.  Working in a nursing home environment as a carer had opened my eyes to the rigors of the health care system.  

Throughout my career, I have met many outstanding nurses as well as some who did not leave as strong an impression. The diversity within any workforce across the nation mirrors the larger dynamics of society. The tenure of nurses from various cultures working in the healthcare system throughout the West can differ due to individual circumstances, career aspirations, job satisfaction, workplace environment, and personal life. Some may remain in the field for their entire careers, while others may shift to distinct roles or exit the profession for a range of reasons. Workplace support, opportunities for growth, and efforts to address diversity and inclusion issues are critical factors in retention rates. These elements are crucial when discussing the career longevity of overseas nurses or those born in the West but from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Nursing has consistently confronted a myriad of challenges, and understanding the reasons behind them can seem complex. A multitude of professional nursing organizations, online communities, and educational institutions support nurses in various specialties, with the majority being highly educated and skilled. While specialized nursing programs highlight diversity and inclusion, many nurses still find themselves dissatisfied with their working environments during their shifts.

[1]: https://www.nurses.co.uk/blog/current-challenges-within-the-nhs/ ""
[2]: https://www.nursesgroup.co.uk/current-issues-in-nursing ""
[3]: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/challenges-as-a-nurse ""
[4]: https://online.norwich.edu/online/about/resource-library/challenges-nursing-and-how-work-through-them ""
[5]: https://www.healthecareers.com/career-resources/nurse-career/top-nursing-challenges ""
[6]: https://bmcnurs.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12912-024-01928-7 ""
[7]: https://bmcnurs.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12912-017-0256-9 ""
[8]: https://healthmanagement.org/c/it/issuearticle/the-nurses-work-environment-key-to-nurse-and-patient-satisfaction ""
[9]: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/11/12/1698 ""