The concept of difference and the experience of China-educated nurses working in Australia: A symbolic interactionist exploration

BackgroundThe migration of registered nurses as a response to a global nurse shortage has seen a growth in research interest in this area. Much of the research focuses on differences in language and culture which are posed as the attributes of the immigrant nurse.ObjectivesIn reporting on an analysis of data drawn from China-educated nurses working in the Australian health care system, this paper explores the social construction of difference and the related intersection of difference and racialisation.DesignA symbolic interactionist approach informed 46 in-depth interviews with 28 China-educated nurses. The method of analysis was initial and focused coding and constant comparison of data. The focus of interpretation was on human action and interaction as contextual and thus structural factors were critical to the analysis.ResultsTwo levels of meaning were depicted in this study: difference as “you are you and I am I” and difference as “incompetence”. Negative meanings were ascribed to difference which in turn legitimised inequality and held the potential to perpetuate racism.ConclusionsWe argue that it is problematic to conceptualise difference as individual attributes. Difference needs to be contextualised and thus explored as a complex and socially constructed concept that in its application has social and political implications for immigrant nurses in Australia and elsewhere.