Surreal illustration of nurse migration in Brazil

Nurse Migration in Brazil: Understanding Trends and Their Impact

Kai Mendoza in Health & Wellness July 2025 • 4 min read.

"A deep dive into the demographic characteristics, migration patterns, and the relationship with training processes among nurses in Brazil."

The movement of healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, significantly impacts healthcare systems worldwide. Brazil, with its diverse socioeconomic landscape and expanding healthcare needs, provides a compelling case study for understanding these migration patterns. The distribution and mobility of nurses affect not only workforce availability but also the quality and accessibility of healthcare services across different regions.

Over the past two decades, Brazil has witnessed a significant expansion in nursing education, with the creation of new schools and increased enrollment in undergraduate programs. This growth aims to democratize access to higher education and increase the availability of nurses. However, disparities remain in the distribution of schools and nurses per capita, exacerbating inequalities across regions.

This article analyzes the migration of nurses within Brazil, examining demographic characteristics, migration flows, and relationships with the training process. By leveraging data from the 2010 Census, this study provides insights into the factors driving nurse migration and its implications for healthcare workforce planning and resource allocation.

Who is migrating and why?

Surreal illustration of nurse migration in Brazil

According to the 2010 Census, Brazil had 355,383 nurses, with 36,479 (10.3%) reporting a move since 2005. This migration included 18,073 (5.1%) moving within the same state (intrastate), 17,525 (4.8%) moving to another state (interstate), and 871 (0.2%) migrating internationally. The majority of these nurses were female (86.3%), Caucasian (65.2%), and unmarried (48.3%).

Several factors influence these migration patterns, notably the concentration of educational opportunities and economic incentives. States with a higher number of undergraduate and graduate programs tend to attract more nurses, as do regions experiencing economic expansion.

Training and Education: The availability of advanced nursing programs in certain states draws nurses seeking further education.
Economic Opportunities: Regions with growing economies and job opportunities attract nurses looking for better employment prospects.
Regional Disparities: Uneven distribution of healthcare resources and infrastructure creates migration flows toward more developed areas.

The migration of nurses is also influenced by personal factors such as age, marital status, and family considerations. Younger, unmarried nurses may be more willing to relocate for career advancement, while older, married nurses may prioritize stability and family support.

Moving Forward: Addressing Migration Challenges

The findings of this study highlight the need for a deeper understanding of nurse migration in Brazil. By addressing the factors that drive migration and implementing policies to promote equitable distribution, Brazil can ensure that all regions have access to qualified nursing professionals. This includes investing in education and training programs in underserved areas, improving working conditions and compensation, and addressing social and economic disparities.

About this Article -

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1590/1518-8345.0390.2686, Alternate LINK

Title: Migrant Nurses In Brazil: Demographic Characteristics, Migration Flow And Relationship With The Training Process

Subject: General Nursing

Journal: Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem

Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)

Authors: Kênia Lara Silva, Roseni Rosângela De Sena, Tatiana Silva Tavares, Stephanie Marques Moura Franco Belga, Lucas Wan Der Maas

Published: 2016-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What does 'nurse migration' mean in the context of Brazil?

In Brazil, nurse migration refers to the movement of nurses from one location to another, whether within the same state (intrastate), to a different state (interstate), or internationally. This movement is influenced by several factors, including training opportunities, economic incentives, and regional disparities in healthcare resources. Understanding this migration is crucial for ensuring equitable distribution of healthcare professionals across different regions.

What is the significance of the expansion of nursing education programs in Brazil?

The expansion of nursing education in Brazil aims to increase the availability of nurses and democratize access to higher education. Over the past two decades, there's been a growth in the number of nursing schools and enrollment in undergraduate programs. However, disparities persist in the distribution of these schools and nurses per capita across different regions, exacerbating inequalities.

What are the main factors that cause nurses to migrate within Brazil?

Several factors drive nurse migration in Brazil. Training and education opportunities, particularly the availability of advanced nursing programs, attract nurses to specific states. Economic opportunities in regions with growing economies also play a significant role. Additionally, regional disparities in healthcare resources and infrastructure create migration flows toward more developed areas.

What are the typical demographic characteristics of nurses who are migrating in Brazil?

The demographic characteristics of migrating nurses in Brazil reveal that the majority are female, Caucasian, and unmarried. Specifically, data from the 2010 Census indicates that 86.3% of migrating nurses were female, 65.2% were Caucasian, and 48.3% were unmarried. These characteristics influence migration patterns, as younger, unmarried nurses may be more willing to relocate for career advancement.

What steps can be taken to address the challenges related to nurse migration in Brazil?

Addressing the challenges posed by nurse migration in Brazil requires a multifaceted approach. This includes investing in education and training programs in underserved areas to reduce regional disparities. Improving working conditions and compensation can also help retain nurses in less developed regions. Policies promoting equitable distribution of healthcare resources are essential to ensure all areas have access to qualified nursing professionals.