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Public health nurses’ encounters with undocumented migrant mothers and children
Author(s) -
Kvamme Eli,
Voldner Nanna
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
public health nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.471
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 1525-1446
pISSN - 0737-1209
DOI - 10.1111/phn.13019
Subject(s) - best interests , qualitative research , focus group , immigration , public health , best practice , nursing , public policy , medicine , public relations , sociology , political science , law , social science , anthropology
Objectives Undocumented migrant children (UMC) are often affected by policies and practices that do not take their best interests into account. The aim of this study was to describe how public health nurses (PHNs) experienced challenges and dilemmas in ensuring the best interests of the undocumented migrant child. Design This study had a qualitative descriptive design. Sample Focus group interviews and semi‐structured interviews were conducted with seven PHNs in four different child health centers (CHCs). Results Qualitative content analysis was applied. Three main themes were identified: building trust, ensuring the best interests of the child, and dilemmas and challenges in ensuring the best interests of the child. The study revealed examples of immigration policy being prioritized over the best interests of the child. PHNs experienced frustration when the best interests of the child were not taken into account. Strategies for managing these conflicting demands were identified. Conclusion Conflicting demands appeared when national immigration policies collided with fundamental human rights and ethical standards. Rules that exclude certain groups are incompatible with PHNs professional ethics.