Internationally educated nurses’ role in climate change: sustainability and mitigation practices

BACKGROUND: There are three related factors affecting climate change and its relationship to the migration of IENs: 1) corporate social responsibility; 2) the code of ethics for nurses; and 3) nursing education. As the highest producer of carbon dioxide emissions, the Global North especially the Nordic Region must also consider its climate change responsibilities when recruiting nurses from the Global South. AIM: The aim of this article is to discuss the factors affecting climate change and its relationship to the migration of IENs, as well as possible solutions to mitigate its impact. RESULTS: Climate change is impacted indirectly by the movement of internationally educated nurses (IENs). The Nordic countries need to consider checking climate change measures in the sustainability plans for recruitment companies when approving permits allowing the recruitment of nurses. CONCLUSION: Policymakers and decision-makers need to consider climate change and GHG emissions factors when collaborating with recruitment agencies to recruit IENs from the Global South. International nurse recruitment policies must be ethical, economically sustainable, and planet-centered.