'The weight of the world on your shoulders': Nurses' perceptions - good practices and challenges in asylum seekers'...

Annual asylum applications in Europe have exceeded one million, highlighting asylum seekers' unique health needs and the increasing importance of refugee health nursing practices. In Finland, all asylum seekers are offered a free and voluntary initial health assessment conducted by nurses at reception centres.

To identify good practices and challenges in asylum seekers' initial health assessment from nurses' perspectives.

Participants were selected via purposive sampling. Between January and February 2019, we conducted 14 semi-structured interviews with reception centre nurses performing the initial health assessment. Data underwent thematic analysis.

Three themes were identified: (1) building a relationship of trust between nurse and client, (2) interprofessional collaboration, and (3) continuity of care. Each theme included a client-centred approach. The findings reflect client, professional, and system levels, which can be located on a timeline from first contact to follow-up care.

Building trust is a foundational step, achieved through a client-centred approach, tailored interactions, and the provision of information. Clarifying the nurses' role benefits both interprofessional collaboration and professionals' well-being. Due to fragmented health records, precise documentation is essential for ensuring continuity of care. These findings can inform service development and professional training.