Abstract
AIMS: Nurse migration remains a significant issue in global healthcare, often driven by economic incentives, work environment factors, and professional development opportunities. Greece's prolonged economic crisis and low nurse-to-population ratios have further intensified the outflow of skilled nursing personnel. We aimed to examine how demographic, educational, and professional factors, along with working conditions and perceived challenges, influence Greek nurses' motivation to migrate after the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN: This quantitative study surveyed 121 Greek nurses-both employed and unemployed, from various regions. METHODS: Structured questionnaires featuring closed-ended, Likert-scale, and open-ended items were used. Questions covered demographics, working conditions, migration motives, and perceived challenges. Data were analysed using Pearson's Chi-Square, Likelihood Ratio tests, and correlation coefficients, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Economic prospects, quality of life, and access to language support emerged as key "pull" factors. Conversely, family obligations, emotional attachments to Greece, fear of discrimination, and inadequate language skills served as barriers to migration. Age and marital status both shaped participants' attitudes; younger nurses were generally more optimistic about overseas opportunities, while those with multiple children expressed greater reluctance. Increased computer literacy and higher education correlated with reduced concerns, and leadership responsibilities were linked to heightened caution about relocating. CONCLUSION: Findings underscore the complexity of nurse migration decisions. Policymakers and healthcare institutions should consider providing enhanced career development, language support, and better working conditions to retain Greek nurses and mitigate the impact of ongoing workforce shortages. IMPACT: This study highlights critical factors influencing nurse migration, informing policies to improve retention and address workforce shortages in Greece. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Participants provided insights on migration motives, enriching understanding of healthcare workforce dynamics and informing policy development for retention.