Aim: To explore migrant nurses' intrinsic and extrinsic motivations for migration and regional relocation.

Design: A qualitative descriptive study.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted among 17 migrant nurses working in a hospital in regional Australia. Inclusion criteria were current employment as a nurse at the study site, obtaining an initial nursing qualification in a different country, and migrating to regional Australia within the last 7 years. Data were analysed using a thematic approach, informed by the self-determination theory.

Results: One overarching theme, seeking meaningful endeavours, was identified, with subthemes: pride in nursing, duty to family and personal satisfaction. Extrinsic motivations included financial responsibilities, visa security, professional nursing recognition and fulfilment, filial piety, family unification and overall safety and lifestyle, whereas intrinsic motivations included being a nurse and travelling.

Conclusion: Nurses' motivations for migration are complex and driven by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Extrinsic motivations may lead to self-endorsed behaviour (autonomous motivation) if they align with personal goals or values, such as family importance or regard for one's profession. All intrinsic motivations also lead to autonomous motivation, linked to well-being and workplace retention.

Implications for the profession: This study's findings may inform organisations in source and host countries to design work conditions that foster retention. Source countries can use these insights to address the professional limitations experienced by their nurses. Host countries may design targeted strategies that promote autonomous motivation among migrant nurses, thereby enhancing job satisfaction, well-being and retention.

Impact: This study provides insight into experiences contributing to migrant nurses' relocation decisions. Practising within the scope of their professional training, performing their duties in a fulfilling way, and meeting their family obligations through reasonable pay or benefits may support nurses in remaining autonomously motivated.

Reporting method: COREQ reporting was adhered to.

Patient or public contribution: No patient or public contribution.

© 2025 The Author(s). Journal of Advanced Nursing published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

目的： 探索移民护士迁移和区域搬迁的内在动机和外在动机。

设计： 一项质性描述研究。

方法： 对澳大利亚某地区医院工作的17名移民护士进行了半结构化访谈。纳入标准为：目前在该医疗机构工作，初始护理资格在其他国家获得，并在过去7年内迁移到了澳大利亚的某个区域。数据采用主题分析法进行处理，参考自我决定理论。

结果： 确定了一个主要的主题：“寻求有意义的努力”，包括子主题：以护士为荣、家庭责任和个人满足感。外在动机包括财务责任、签证安全、职业护理认可和成就感、孝道、家庭团聚以及整体的安全性和生活方式，而内在动机则包括成为护士和旅行。

结论： 护士迁移的动机是复杂的，并受到内在和外在因素的影响。如果外在动机与个人目标或价值观（如家庭的重要性或对自己职业的看法）相一致，则可能会导致自我认可的行为（自主动机）。所有内在动机也会导向自主动机，这与福祉及工作场所留任相关。

对专业的影响： 这项研究的发现可以帮助来源国和接收国组织设计有利于留住人才的工作条件。来源国家可以利用这些见解来解决其护士所经历的专业限制问题。接收国则可能制定有针对性的战略，以促进移民护士的自主动机，从而提高他们的工作满意度、福祉和留任率。

影响： 这项研究提供了关于影响移民护士搬迁决策的经验洞察。在他们专业培训范围内执业，在有意义的方式下履行职责，并通过合理的薪酬或福利来满足家庭责任可能会支持护士保持自主动机。

报告方法： 遵循COREQ报告标准。

患者或公众贡献： 无患者或公众贡献。