Exploring nurses’ perceptions of cross-border mobility based on the cultural homology background: a qualitative descriptive study

BACKGROUND: Much literature discusses the migration of linguistically, culturally, and ethnically diverse nurses. However, little is known about nurses' perceptions of cross-border mobility within culturally homogenous contexts. OBJECTIVES: This study explored the perceptions of Mainland Chinese nurses regarding cross-border mobility to Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions, using the capability, opportunity, motivation, and behavior (COM-B) model as a conceptual framework. METHODS: Using a qualitative descriptive design, semi-structured interviews were conducted between March and June 2024 with 16 nurses in nine cities in Guangdong Province, Mainland China. The interviews followed a predetermined topic guide developed based on the COM-B model. Subsequently, interview transcripts were subjected to deductive content analysis. RESULTS: Within the three categories of the COM-B model, 9 key themes emerged, including capability (limited professional knowledge and skills, work language barriers), motivation (increasing income, greater career development opportunities, higher social status), and opportunity (government and healthcare organizational support, concerns about differences in nursing practices, consideration of family responsibilities, concerns about adaptation to life). CONCLUSIONS: Affected by differences in healthcare systems, Mainland Chinese nurses face certain adaptation challenges in cross-border mobility, but most hold positive attitudes and are willing to engage in short-term cross-border employment. Distinct from transnational nursing migration, language barriers to intra-China cross-border mobility among nurses mainly lie in language proficiency rather than cultural adaptation. Furthermore, the family-centered work ethic prevalent in Chinese society, underpinned by filial piety, constitutes an important factor influencing nurses' cross-border mobility decisions. Chinese government authorities, healthcare institutions, and nursing managers should integrate these factors into management practices to provide targeted support for nurses' cross-border mobility.