Immersion Project in Immokalee Florida: RN-BSN Students as Change Makers Improving the Health and Well-being of Migrant Workers and Their Families

Abstract

Background: Access to health care is a challenge for migrant workers due to lack of resources and affordability; resulting in high incidence of communicable diseases, chronic illnesses, infant mortality, malnutrition, sexually transmitted diseases including HIV/ AIDS and other serious illnesses. Etienne, Messmer, Danis and Blot [1] reported on RN-BSN students providing education, prevention and caring for Haitians working in the sugar cane fields (Bateyes) in Dominican Republic. Purpose: The purpose of the immersion project in Immokalee, Florida was to serve and educate migrant workers and their families in dire need of health care.The main focus was on health promotion and lifestyle changes (empowering people to take charge of their own health). Methods: This descriptive study was based on Gallant (2012) “Nursing Analysis: The Effects on Student Learning” in Munhall [2] Nursing Research: A Qualitative Perspective. One-to-one face interviews were conducted on 45 RN-BSN nursing students participating in two immersion projects in Immokalee, Florida. Results: Forty-five RN-BSN Students participated in two different five-day immersion projects October 23-29, 2018 and October 25- 29, 2019. The students provided health screening and educational programs in three churches, at boys and girls club and center for girls for 960 Migrant workers, children and families for the 1st Immersion. For the 2nd immersion project students served 820 migrant workers, children and families. Of Interviews conducted on the 45 RN-BSN students in both immersions and transcribed, 30 were selected for content analysis. Conclusion: This life-changing humanitarian medical mission served this underserved vulnerable population, providing health care access and education. RN-BSN students improved their ability to provide culturally competent care, anticipating needs of migrant workers in a medically underserved health care settings in Immokalee, Florida. Health education have a positive impact on the community