Presentation
Waiting and Worrying - The Experience of Asylum Seekers.pdf
International Council of Nurses Congress
(2023)
Abstract
WAITING AND WORRYING - THE EXPERIENCE OF ASYLUM SEEKERS Modified: 30-10-2022
Topic: AS05 SUB-THEME 05: Advancing nursing practice: pushing the boundaries / AS05i Alternative sector service delivery models (hospital, community, long term care, corrections, public health, primary care)
Type: Abstract Submission
WAITING AND WORRYING - THE EXPERIENCE OF ASYLUM SEEKERS – ICN 2023 Abstract
Most asylum-seekers or individuals facing deportation in the United States are community-based, often living in marginalized conditions because of lack of legal immigration status. Economic, transportation, and language barriers limit their access to employment, social services, healthcare services, and educational opportunities. Social determinants of health (SDH) account for 30 – 50% of health outcomes per the World Health Organization.
These individuals often have a fundamental fear of authority figures having faced persecution, torture, physical, sexual, and/or emotional violence in their home countries. This fear extends to healthcare providers. Focusing the attention of healthcare providers on and increasing provider knowledge of this human experience may alleviate some of the suffering and illnesses that occur in this population.
Seeking legal recourse to remain in the United States is a complex, lengthy, and expensive process. Participating in this process by evaluating individuals provides an opportunity for nurses to advocate and support these disenfranchised individuals. As a forensic clinical specialist evaluating these individuals for immigration petitions, many patterns and themes have emerged, regardless of what continent they have migrated from. These histories, themes, and the resulting health conditions will be explored. This alternative nursing practice setting, the courtroom, is an opportunity to provide care in an innovative way.
Rachel Mary Harriss, PhD, RN, PHN – St. Catherine University, Saint Paul, MN
Keywords
- immigration refugee asylum depression anxiety somatic nursing
Disciplines
Publication Date
Summer July 1, 2023
Location
Montreal, QB
Citation Information
Rachel Harriss PhD RN. "Waiting and Worrying - The Experience of Asylum Seekers.pdf" International Council of Nurses Congress (2023) Available at: http://works.bepress.com/rachel-harriss/1/