Working Experiences in the United States of America of Thai Nurses*

Abstract

This qualitative research aims to narrate the working experiences of Thai nurses who have been working in 12 tertiary hospitals in 7 states in the United States of America. Snowball sampling was used to recruit the participants who are registered nurses with at least 2 years of working experiences, and were willing to participate in the study. The data was collected from 12 participants by in depth interviews which were audio-recorded and later transcribed for content analysis.

The findings of this study showed that the Thai nurses’ working experiences in the United States of America can be divided into 2 phases. First, during the pre-work period, there were 2 important issues; 1) the main reasons supporting their for working in abroad included 1.1) earning for higher salary, 1.2) building up family financial security, 1.3) making more progress in life and gaining new experiences in a developed country, 1.4) disappointing with an old working system and 1.5) finding a complete married life and secondary regarding the preparation processes, it involves 2.1) preparing English skills 2.2) taking the nursing license examination, and 2.3) getting readiness for working and living in abroad.

Throughout the post-work period, Thai nurses who had been working experiences in the United State of America had to deal with 5 prominent issues; 1) proving one’s worth during a probationary period 2) working professionally and keeping up with high standards 3) adjusting to work and life abroad 4) making it worth while in terms of both career progress and income, and 5) taking pride in being a nurse.

The research findings can be used as lessons and guidelines for nurses who want to work abroad. In addition, administrators can use the data obtained in this study to develop a professional operating work system which grants privileges and promotes nurses to receive suitable income based on their knowledge, expertise and competency.