ObjectivesThe goals of this work were to critically explore the challenges faced by overseas nurses during their working careers in the UK, to critically explore the available support for overseas nurses, and to make recommendations on how to minimize the effects of these challenges, as well as how to provide more support for overseas nurses during their working careers in the UK.MethodsA systematic and comprehensive literature review was conducted to explore the said objectives. A search was conducted in the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Scopus, and Academic Search Complete databases for relevant research. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to select the included articles. A total of 8 studies including 6 qualitative studies, 1 quantitative study, and 1 mixed-method study were selected for literature review. The validity and reliability of these 8 studies were analyzed by using 2 appraisal tools.ResultsThis review reveals 4 challenges, which overseas nurses experience in the past 15 years, including cultural differences, communication issues, unequal opportunities, and de-skilling. These challenges have a negative impact on overseas nurses’ emotions and career development. The formal and informal supports are revealed in this review. Various supports can help overseas nurses to work better.ConclusionsThis review reveals 4 challenges faced by overseas nurses, including cultural differences, communication issues, and unequal opportunities and de-skilling. These challenges naturally have a profound negative impact on the emotions and career development of overseas nurses. Additionally, the formal and informal support systems available to these nurses are reviewed. Various support systems can help overseas nurses work more effectively.

No abstract