Experiences of New Zealand registered nurses of Chinese ethnicity during the COVID-19 pandemic

Aims This study aimed to investigate the experiences and challenges of New Zealand registered nurses of Chinese ethnicity who have been working during the COVID-19 pandemic. Background New Zealand's nursing workforce is becoming increasingly multicultural as foreign nurses make up an essential part of the New Zealand health workforce. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the contributions that nurses have made in providing front-line services to the public. However, little has been documented about challenges and experiences of this minority ethnic group-Chinese nurses-who have been working as registered nurses in New Zealand during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods This study used an anonymous online questionnaire and a thematic approach to establishing understandings of the experiences of New Zealand registered nurses of Chinese ethnicity in working through the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 51 Chinese nurses completed this survey. A self-explanatory checklist for reporting results of Internet e-surveys (CHERRIES) was used for the purpose of the quality of this online survey. Results The result showed that 47.06% participants (n = 24) reported negative experiences including racial discrimination, workplace bullying and judgement, while 52.94% (n = 27) participants reported positive working experiences including supports received in the workplace and positive recognition by the pubic in New Zealand. Conclusion Ethnic minority nurses are key assets to the New Zealand health system. It is important to understand their experiences and challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic to make sure they are supported and protected from any physical and emotional injury. Relevance to clinical practice COVID-19 has brought additional challenges and concerns to nurses who are working on the front line of health services. Having knowledge of nurses' working experiences will help with their job satisfaction and has potential implications for the sustainability of the New Zealand nursing workforce and retention strategies to address nursing workforce shortages which is foreseeable in New Zealand.

Automated summary

This study investigated the experiences and challenges of 51 New Zealand registered nurses of Chinese ethnicity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results showed that 47.06% reported negative experiences, such as racial discrimination and workplace bullying, while 52.94% reported positive working experiences, including support in the workplace and recognition by the public in New Zealand.