台灣護理人員在美國及澳洲工作適應歷程探討

Abstract

本研究旨在探討台灣護理師在美國與澳洲工作適應情形及因應策略。適應新環境的過程中，需面對語言障礙、文化差異、種族歧視及專業能力認可等多方面挑戰，這些因素對其職業滿意度、心理健康及生活品質產生影響。本研究採質性訪談法，以McLeroy（1988）生態模式設計訪談大綱，以滾雪球與立意取樣方式，於2025年3月至5月期間共招募8位台灣背景、現於美國與澳洲工作的護理師作為受訪者，透過半結構式訪談蒐集資料。研究者將訪談錄音黨轉為逐字稿，並以主題分析法分析，最後根據Kim（2001）所提出的「壓力—適應—成長」模式的理論深入探討其適應歷程。研究結果顯示，跨文化適應歷程為動態且非線性，護理師會隨人生階段、職位變動或外在情境再度歷經壓力—適應—成長的循環。工作與生活失衡是促使護理師向外尋求理想生活的主因。受訪者初期面臨語言障礙、職場制度、生活適應與社群融入的落差，透過語言與專業能力的精進，專業信心與角色重塑、社會網路與支持的建立以及心態調整，逐步建立自信與專業認同，並將原先的劣勢轉化為優勢，重拾生活主權。此外，友善職場氛圍、彈性工時、專業自主性與正向支持，均為促進適應與提升滿意度的重要因素。本研究有助於理解護理人員在美、澳工作適應的適應歷程與成長，並強調個人能力、心理健康與文化整合能力對適應的重要性，亦為台灣護理教育與政策制定提供借鏡，期能以支持護理人員的國際流動和多方面成長。

This study explores the adaptation experiences and coping strategies of Taiwanese nurses working in the United States and Australia. In the process of adjusting to a new environment, these nurses face multiple challenges, including language barriers, cultural differences, racial discrimination, and the recognition of professional competence. These factors have impacts on their job satisfaction, psychological well-being, and quality of life.A qualitative interview method was employed, with the interview guide designed based on McLeroy’s (1988) ecological model. Using purposive and snowball sampling, eight Taiwanese nurses currently practicing in the U.S. and Australia were recruited between March and May 2025. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis. The adaptation process was further examined through the lens of Kim’s (2001) Stress–Adaptation–Growth model.The findings reveal that cross-cultural adaptation is dynamic and non-linear. Nurses often re-enter the cycle of stress, adaptation, and growth in response to life transitions, job changes, or external conditions. Imbalances between work and life were often the initial motivation for seeking a better quality of life abroad. Participants initially encountered language difficulties, differences in workplace systems, challenges in daily life, and limited social integration. Over time, they enhanced their language and professional skills, rebuilt confidence and professional identity, established supportive networks, and adjusted their mindset. Many transformed initial disadvantages into advantages and regained autonomy over their lives. Additionally, a friendly work environment, flexible scheduling, professional autonomy, and positive support emerged as key factors that facilitated adaptation and improved overall satisfaction.This study offers valuable insights into the adaptation and growth experiences of nurses practicing in the United States and Australia. It underscores the importance of Functional Fitness, Psychological Health, and Intercultural Identity in successful adaptation, and provides practical implications for nursing education and policy in Taiwan to better support the international mobility and multidimensional development of nursing professionals.