Abstract:

The migration of registered nurses from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to wealthy countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States of America raises concerns. This is a multidimensional subject that can only be completely investigated with a hybrid approach. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with nurse emigration from SVG and to examine its implications for the nursing profession and health sector. A sequential explanatory mixed-method design was employed between October 2024 and April 2025. Quantitative data were collected using structured paper-based and online questionnaires from 103 registered nurses. Qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews with 20 purposively selected participants. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, while thematic analysis was applied to qualitative data. Quantitative findings revealed a statistically significant association between religion and migration (χ²(12) = 21.753, p = 0.040), and regression analysis identified economic incentives as a significant predictor of outward migration (p = 0.008). Qualitative analysis identified inadequate salaries, unfavorable working conditions, limited career advancement, political interference, influence of family abroad, and dissatisfaction with governance as key drivers of migration. Nurse migration from SVG is primarily driven by economic and systemic health system factors rather than sociodemographic characteristics alone. Improving remuneration, working conditions, merit-based promotion, and nurse involvement in policy development is essential to strengthening retention and sustaining the national healthcare workforce.

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