International Journal of Health Sciences

Equal Care for All: A Qualitative Content Analysis of Nursing Students' Experiences Caring for Refugees in Jordan
Michaela Cato Lavebrand, RN, BSc; Elin Paulsson, RN, BSc; Kristina Rosengren, PhD, RN

Abstract
Receiving countries need well-organized healthcare to help refugees suffering from lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes and hypertension as well as traumatic experiences. The aim of this study was to describe nursing students' experience of caring for refugees in Jordan. Interviews with seven nursing students were performed. Data were analysed using content analysis. The results revealed one category (provide equal care to all regardless of background) and three subcategories (respond to the refugee health situation, provide care for refugees with a similar religion and culture, and be prepared for future demands by refugees). Refugees receive the same care as Jordanians in accordance with the nurses' ethical code of providing care regardless of nationality, gender, age, faith or culture. However, a unique cultural perspective may be overlooked: refugees have been forced to leave their homes to seek safety in Jordan, which is a different life situation than that enjoyed by Jordanian citizens. Sense of Coherence is a tool to increase healthy lifestyles together with early check-ups by nurses to prevent ill health. Communication skills are needed in nursing education to improve nursing interventions, and the use of interpreters decreases misunderstandings regarding healthcare.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/ijhs.v6n4a4