Prevalence and Characteristics of Non–US-Born and US-Born Health Care Professionals, 2010-2018

Abstract

Key Points Question How large is the non–US-born health care professional (HCP) work force in the US, what occupations are non–US-born HCPs more likely to hold, and how do their work conditions compare with US-born HCPs? Findings In this cross-sectional study, 17.3% of HCPs were born outside the US. Overall, non–US-born HCPs worked more hours, were more likely to work at night and in skilled nursing and/or home health settings, and were more likely to reside in medically underserved areas than US-born HCPs. These associations differed by health care occupation and the length of stay in the US. Meaning These findings suggest that non–US-born HCPs are making significant contributions to health care in the US.

Immigrants are crucial to U.S. Health System Resilience

“…Second, immigrants often face deeply entrenched social prejudice that frames them as fiscal burdens and social threats. 26 Third, working in the United States as a foreigner requires navigating an ever-changing series of legal restrictions and policies. Navigating these laws and policies can be time consuming and costly, and successfully securing a pathway to permanently and legally work in the country is by no means guaranteed.…”

Towards advancement of nursing in Ghana: The role of the Ghanaian‐Diaspora Nursing Alliance (G‐DNA)

“…About 57.9% (432) of these candidates passed the examinations and are likely to have left Ghana for the United States (National Council of State Boards of Nursing, 2023). In a broader context, it is estimated that out of 2.3 million immigrant health workers in the United States alone, about 20% are registered nurses of which almost 24% were African‐born (Commodore‐Mensah et al, 2021). With the worsening economic crises in Africa and the accompanying effect of globalization, nurses' emigration from low‐resource settings may continue and seem unavoidable (Renzaho, 2016).…”