IEN Ready Toolkit: A Global Health Advocacy Action Plan for Ethical Nurse Migration

Abstract

Internationally educated nurses (IENs) are essential to global health systems, yet they continue to face exploitation, discrimination, and unethical recruitment practices during migration. The IEN Ready Toolkit is a strategic, education-based intervention developed to equip IENs with critical knowledge on ethical recruitment, legal labor rights, contract red flags, and available support resources. Informed by global standards from the World Health Organization (WHO), International Labor Organization (ILO), and International Council of Nurses (ICN), the toolkit is designed as a mobile-compatible, self-paced course offering continuing education (CE) credits. Developed through an iterative, culturally sensitive process, the toolkit is co-informed by IENs and labor experts to ensure accuracy and real-world relevance. The course will be hosted on a learning management system (LMS) and piloted first in the United States, with plans for expansion to other destination countries. Implemented through SIENNA, the toolkit not only aims to empower IENs with essential knowledge but also fosters broader accountability among employers and recruiters. By proactively addressing knowledge gaps and building IENs’ confidence to recognize and report abuse, this initiative contributes to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) focused on decent work, health equity, gender equality, and access to justice. The IEN Ready Toolkit serves as both a practical learning resource and a global advocacy tool for ethical nurse migration.