Expatriate Nurses in the United Kingdom’s Experiences of Solitude, Stress and Resilience: A Qualitative Study

Mental health issues and the adjustment of nurses working overseas are extremely important because of nursing practice in different environments away from their support systems. Although general nursing stressors are well-described, little is known about how expatriate nurses respond to stress, deal with solitude and cope in their host countries. This study aimed to explore and comprehend the lived experience of stress, the status and implications of solitude, and the protective factors related to resilience among expatriate nurses. A descriptive qualitative study with semi-structured and in-depth interviews was conducted with ten expatriate nurses working in different clinical settings. The data were collected until the search for new themes failed, as were the thematic analyses to identify recurring patterns, meanings and experiences. Drawing from the data, three major themes emerged: (1) Navigating the Emotional Landscape of Solitude, which illustrated how intentional solitude served as an important space for reflection and emotional processing, in contrast to unwanted loneliness; (2) Managing Multi-layered Stressors, which discussed aspects like cultural differences, communication issues, and professional isolation; and (3) Cultivating Resilience Through Internal and External Supports, which demonstrated coping strategies including mindfulness, peer networks, and fulfilling professional purpose. The results indicate that there is a greater definition of solitude than being alone for expatriate nursing staff, which is a key contributor to stress and resilience management. Healthcare organizations should invest more resources in specific interventions—such as mentorship programs and culturally competent support systems—to address the unique set of personal and professional challenges faced by this important workforce.