Public health nurses' encounters with undocumented migrant mothers and children

Undocumented migrant children (UMC) are often affected by policies and practices that do not take their best interests into account. The aim of this study was to describe how public health nurses (PHNs) experienced challenges and dilemmas in ensuring the best interests of the undocumented migrant child.

This study had a qualitative descriptive design.

Focus group interviews and semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven PHNs in four different child health centers (CHCs).

Qualitative content analysis was applied. Three main themes were identified: building trust, ensuring the best interests of the child, and dilemmas and challenges in ensuring the best interests of the child. The study revealed examples of immigration policy being prioritized over the best interests of the child. PHNs experienced frustration when the best interests of the child were not taken into account. Strategies for managing these conflicting demands were identified.

Conflicting demands appeared when national immigration policies collided with fundamental human rights and ethical standards. Rules that exclude certain groups are incompatible with PHNs professional ethics.