Which approach helped address the nursing shortage by bringing in nurses educated abroad?

• A. Increasing domestic student enrollment
• B. Recruiting Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs)
• C. Limiting exports of nurses
• D. Substituting nurses with other professionals

Answer: (B)

Recruiting internationally educated nurses directly increases the number of practicing nurses by drawing on those who were trained in other countries. These nurses often already completed foundational nursing education and can enter licensure pathways in the new country, such as credential evaluation and required exams or bridging programs. This approach helps address shortages quickly, especially in areas with acute gaps, and brings diverse clinical experience to the workforce.

In contrast, while expanding domestic student enrollment supports long-term sustainability, it does not address the immediate need to add nurses educated abroad. Limiting exports of nurses would constrain the global flow of nursing talent rather than expanding the local supply, and substituting nurses with other professionals does not provide the same level of nursing care and expertise.