Do Indian migrant nurses in Ireland face elevated stress and psychological distress in the workplace? A cross-sectional study

Migration of nurses from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to high-income countries is increasing in response to global workforce shortages. In Ireland, Indian nurses constitute the largest internationally educated nursing workforce, yet evidence on their occupational stress response and psychological well-being remains limited. This study examined occupational stress response, serious psychological distress, and their predictors among Indian migrant nurses in Ireland. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 299 Indian nurses. Occupational stress response was measured using the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire (BJSQ) and psychological distress using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6). Separate multivariable logistic regression analyses identified predictors of both outcomes. High occupational stress response and serious psychological distress were reported by 22.4% and 21.7% of participants, respectively. Female gender (OR = 2.21), ≤10 years of professional experience (OR = 2.99), and public-sector employment predicted high occupational stress response. Only ≤10 years of professional experience (OR = 3.44) predicted serious psychological distress. Indian migrant nurses in Ireland experience substantial occupational stress response and psychological distress. The differing predictor profiles suggest that occupational stress response and psychological distress may require complementary workplace and psychosocial interventions.