Equity in Action: Disrupting Systemic Barriers to Specialty Skill Utilisation Among Internationally Qualified Nurses in Australia | Synapse
April 13, 2026Open Access
Equity in Action: Disrupting Systemic Barriers to Specialty Skill Utilisation Among Internationally Qualified Nurses in Australia
Key Points
The research aims to identify systemic barriers affecting the skill utilisation of internationally qualified nurses (IQNs) in Australia.
Qualitative analysis of lived experiences from 115 participants.
Participants included 71 internationally qualified nurses and 44 recruiting managers.
Focus on policy implications and equity-driven workforce changes.
Participants highlight significant barriers to skill utilisation among IQNs.
Calls for urgent inclusive policy reform to support IQNs in the workforce.
Identified a need for equity-driven transformation in nursing roles.
Abstract
The study involved 115 participants (n = 71 IQNs; n = 44 recruiting managers) whose lived experiences illuminate the urgent need for inclusive policy reform and equity-driven workforce transformation.