The experiences of migrant health nurses employed in seasonal satellite nurse-managed centers: a qualitative study

This research study describes the unique experiences of nurses who are employed in migrant health seasonal satellite nurse-managed centers in the upper Midwest. Data were generated through semistructured interviews with 10 seasonal nurses. Phenomenology served as the research method. Four themes were identified including seeking seasonal employment, establishing migrant seasonal satellite nurse-managed centers, learning the culture of Hispanic migrant farmworkers, and referring Hispanic migrant farmworkers for medical care. During their seasonal employment, nurses learned to establish and operate satellite nurse-managed centers. Due to the migrant health nurses' daily contact with their clients, they were able to establish rapport that led to a trusting relationship. This enabled them to provide culturally sensitive and lifestyle appropriate care to the migrant farmworker population.