Serving Hispanic Immigrants

Thank you!

Here in CA, we work with a lot of Hispanic patients. I would imagine any program here, not just the one I currently attend, would include at least some mention of consideration for this population. Look at public health and community health if you want to go that route (which would require a BSN, just FYI). Spanish isn't part of our curriculum, but it would certainly behoove any nurse to study it on their own.

Lots of Hispanics in Chicago. Sounds like you want a safety net hospital that serves the uninsured, and under insured.

Here in South Carolina we have a very large undocumented population. There are several local programs designed to reach out to the Hispanic community. Check out what the Medical University of South Carolina is doing:

Community Programs

Their nursing school is top notch and I am proud to say that I will be beginning the program there this fall. My main professional goal is to complete a nurse midwifery program and open a birth center specifically focused on serving Hispanic women. Speaking Spanish is very, very useful. I am sure you will improve your fluency and it will serve you well!

South Texas is Hispanic majority. Hospitals and health care providers do not assess immigration status as a condition of treatment - it is illegal to do so. We just have to provide it as unfunded care.... there is no governmental funding set aside for the care of any "undocumented" people who are not eligible for benefits/programs available to US citizens. The only funding sources are through charitable organizations.

Catholic Charities is a major supporter of services to undocumented immigrants. In fact, this has made them a major target of the 'far right' who oppose anything in this area. Here is their main site (http://www.catholiccharitiesrgv.org/immigration-program.html) Their health care services vary by geographic area, so google Catholic Charities in your state/region to get specific info on opportunities in this area.

Be forewarned - salaries are not the attraction in this service sector. In fact, a lot of work is provided on a volunteer basis.

Check out work in the migrant agricultural worker stream. I have friends who work in a Community Health setting that focuses on care for the Hispanic migrant agricultural workers in the state of Michigan. Those folks are generally in the area, working in the agricultural business during the spring and summer months and then travel to the south. Some of them "settle out" and remain with their families in the area.

Thanks for the resources, K.

Interesting reading there.