The Effects of an Education Program Based on Meleis's Transition Theory on Perceived Stress, Professional Self-Efficacy, and Social Adaptation of Migrant Turkish Nurses in Germany

AIM AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PROJECT:

To address the shortage of skilled labor, the German government passed a law in 2020 (Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz) regarding the immigration of skilled workers from outside the European Union to Germany (Bundesregierung der Bundesrepublik Deutschland, 2019). This law facilitates the immigration of nurses and other skilled workers, and currently, Germany and the United Kingdom are among the countries with the highest number of migrant nurses (OECD, 2016). As of 2023, migrant nurses constitute 14.5% of the nursing workforce in Germany, with Turkish nurses playing a significant role in this group (Bibliomed Pflege, 2023).

Migrant nurses face a series of transition processes such as international migration, learning a new language, adapting to a different culture, and adjusting to a new healthcare system and work environment. These processes involve not only individual transformation but also serious challenges in professional life and social integration (Nortvedt et al., 2020; Schilgen et al., 2019; Villamin et al., 2024; WHO, 2020). Issues such as language barriers, lack of social support, discrimination, inadequate orientation processes, and excessive workloads complicate the integration of migrant nurses (Davda et al., 2018; Smith et al., 2022).

These challenges have negative effects not only on psychological well-being but also on professional satisfaction and perceptions of competence. For example, differences in educational levels and insufficient language skills can lead to a loss of professional skills, feelings of devaluation, and general dissatisfaction among nurses (Davda et al., 2018). Additionally, changes in living conditions and difficulties adjusting to climate conditions further complicate the overall adaptation processes for migrant nurses (Villamin et al., 2024). It is believed that these factors may increase the perceived stress levels among migrant nurses, leading to deficiencies in social adaptation and perceptions of professional competence. In this context, the process of adapting to perceived differences is considered a complex transition process that should be addressed not only through personal efforts but also through supportive strategies. Meleis's Transition Theory provides a framework for understanding the effects of major life changes - i.e., transition processes - on health and well-being (Meleis, 2010).

This study aims to explore the transition processes of migrant nurses in Germany using Meleis's Transition Theory, focusing on factors such as stress, adaptation, and self-efficacy, to gain a deeper understanding of how to support them during these transitions. The results of this study will contribute to the development of strategies to enhance social adaptation in nursing practice, improve healthcare quality, and support the professional development and migration adaptation processes of migrant nurses. This is a randomized controlled experimental study that examines the effects of an education program based on Meleis's Transition Theory on perceived stress, professional self-efficacy, and social adaptation among Turkish migrant nurses who have migrated to Germany for work.