INDONESIAN NURSES' EXPERIENCES WORKING IN AURORA, COLORADO: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY

This phenomenological study explores the lived experiences of Indonesian nurses employed in Aurora, Colorado, with the aim of understanding the complex dimensions of their personal and professional lives. Key areas of focus include financial well-being, mental health, relationships with coworkers, and perceptions of the personnel system. The study seeks to illuminate how these nurses adapt to the challenges and opportunities of working within a foreign healthcare environment. A descriptive phenomenological approach guided the methodology. Purposive sampling was used to recruit six Indonesian nurses currently practicing in Aurora. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews conducted in Bahasa Indonesia and later translated into English. Each interview lasted approximately 60 to 90 minutes. Colaizzi’s seven-step method of data analysis was employed to extract significant statements, formulate meanings, and identify emergent themes. Rigor was ensured through member checking, peer debriefing, and maintaining an audit trail. The findings illuminate the four themes including “The Promise and the Reality, “Stress, Support, and Resilience,” Navigating Cultural Differences and Building Bridges,” and “Career Paths, Work-Life Balance, and Opportunities for Growth.” The study contributes to a deeper understanding of the global nursing migration phenomenon and offers valuable insights for improving the integration and support of international nurses in the United States healthcare system.