Date of Completion

2025

Document Type

Research Project

Degree Name

Grade 12

Keywords

Filipino Nurses, Nurse Retention, Nurse Migration, Healthcare System

Abstract

As the Philippines continues to struggle with nurse retention, its already fragile healthcare system suffers the most. According to a 2023 study, 200,000 to 250,000 Filipino nurses left the profession in the Philippines, and about 51% of licensed Filipino nurses have migrated abroad, leading to a shortage of 127,000 nurses that is projected to rise to 250,000 by the year 2030 (Eugenio, 2024). In response, the Philippines has lowered its professional standards, allowing over 300 nursing graduates without license to be hired. However, key factors as to why they migrate still remain underexplored. This study aims to address this research gap by examining different push and pull factors influencing Filipino nurses, focusing not only on economic aspects but also aspects on work environment perceptions, job security, personal considerations, and career opportunities. Data were gathered through an online interview with questions exploring nurses’ perceptions of the challenges, perceived benefits, and the long-term effects of their decision to either stay in the Philippines or migrate abroad. As a result, the nurses who migrated stated their reasons to migrate was because of financial benefits, work-life balance, professional growth, while as to the nurses who stayed in the Philippines cited their reasons as family considerations, nationalism, and purpose to serve fellow Filipinos. The reasons stated by the nurses show that personal, professional, and economic factors influence their decision either to stay or migrate, mirroring the ongoing challenges in nurse retention in the Philippines.

First Advisor

Nancy L. Deluta

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