New Horizons for Immigrant Nurses Through a Mental Health Self-Management Program: A Pre- and Post-Test Mixed-Method Approach

Aim/Purpose: This research paper reports on the evaluation of a mental health self-management program provided to immigrant nurses working at various rural South Australian aged care services. Background: The residential aged care staffing crisis is severe in rural areas. To improve immigrant nurses’ employment experiences, a mental health self-management program was developed and conducted in rural and regional health care services in South Australia. Methodology: A mixed approach of pre- and post-surveys and post workshop focus groups was utilized with the objectives of exploring the experiences of 25 immigrant nurses and the impact of the mental health program. Feminist standpoint theory was used to interpret the qualitative data. Contribution: A new learning environment was created for immigrant nurses to learn about the theory and practice of maintaining and promoting mental health. Findings: Statistical tests showed a marked difference in responses before and after the intervention, especially regarding knowledge of mental health. The results of this study indicated that a change in thinking was triggered, followed by a change in behaviour enabling participants to undertake self-management strategies. Recommendations for Practitioners: Include expanding the workshops to cover more health care practitioners. Recommendations for Researchers: Feminist researchers must actively listen and examine their own beliefs and those of others to create knowledge. Extending the program to metropolitan areas and examining differences in data. E technology such as zoom, skype or virtual classrooms could be used. Impact on Society: The new awareness and knowledge would be beneficial in the family and community because issues at work can impact on the ability to care for the family, and there are often problems around family separation. Future Research: Extending the research to include men and staff of metropolitan aged care facilities.