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ABSTRACT: Migrant farmworkers represent one of the most marginalized and underserved populations in the United States. Acculturation theory cannot be easily mapped onto the transnational experience of migrant farmworkers, who navigate multiple physical and cultural spaces yearly, and who are not recognized by the state they constitute, "the Citizen's Other" (Kerber, 2009). This paper utilizes narrative analysis of a case study to illustrate, through the relationship of the narrator to migrant farmworkers and years of participant observation by the coauthors, how isolation from family and community, as well as invisibility within institutions, affect the health and well-being of migrant farmworkers in southeastern Georgia. Invisibility of farmworkers within institutions, such as health care, the educational system, social services, domestic violence shelters, and churches contribute to illness among farmworkers. The dominant American discourse surrounding immigration policy addresses the strain immigrants put on the social systems, educational system, and the health care system. Nurses who work with farmworkers are well positioned to bring the subjective experience of farmworkers to light, especially for those engaged with socially just policies. Those who contribute to the abundant agricultural produce that feeds Americans deserve the recognition upon which social integration depends.
Nursing research and practice. 01/2012; 2012:760418.
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ABSTRACT: Vulnerable populations, specifically migrant farm workers and persons experiencing homelessness, are often at an increased risk for foot infections. This risk is related to their working and living conditions, socioeconomic status, limited access to health care, frequent exposure to wet environments, limited access to clean and dry socks and shoes, bathing or laundry facilities, and daily routines that requires them to be on their feet for long periods of time. After years of caring for these populations and hundreds of clinical encounters, an evidence-based, effective method of foot care that incorporates intentional comfort touch has been developed. This article describes methods for mitigating the severity of fungal growth, decreasing the risk of secondary infections, and improving skin integrity by manipulating the micro-environment of the patients' feet. This includes fundamental aspects of hygiene as described by Florence Nightingale's Environmental Theory that suggests that direct sunlight, fresh air, and cleanliness improves health.
Journal of Holistic Nursing 12/2010; 28(4):244-50.
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ABSTRACT: This article discusses the application and integration of intentional comfort touch as a holistic nursing practice. A review of the literature on touch and its related concepts is included. Although nurses use touch frequently in patient encounters, it is not always used intentionally or deliberately to enhance care. The article compares and contrasts intentional comfort touch with nonintentional or procedural touch. The use of intentional comfort touch in innovative clinical settings with diverse and at-risk populations is described. Based on clinical experiences and the current literature, a conceptual model of intentional comfort touch is proposed. The application of touch is discussed as is the meaning and importance of intentional touch for students, faculty, and patients.
Journal of Holistic Nursing 07/2009; 27(2):127-35.
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ABSTRACT: Marble/ball models are often used to represent newborn stomach capacity; however, their accuracy has not been determined. The objective of this review was to analyze data on newborn stomach capacity and determine whether marble/ball models serve as accurate representations. A literature search yielded limited data, most emanating from the early 1900s. Data suggest that anatomic capacity of the newborn stomach varies with the birth weight of the infant. Physiologic capacity bears no relation to anatomic capacity of the newborn stomach but is a measure of the ability of the mother to produce milk and the newborn to ingest milk. Given the wide range of feeding volumes on days 1 and 3 and the reported 8-fold increase in average feeding volume during the same time period, it is best to acknowledge that feeding volumes like anatomic stomach capacity vary widely and do not lend well to visual representation by marble/ball models.
Journal of Human Lactation 06/2008; 24(2):199-205. · 1.15 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: A university-based lactation course was developed to provide lactation education to health care providers, with the goal of improving their knowledge, attitude, and skills in assisting American women to breastfeed. This is a key strategy for achieving the Healthy People 2010 objectives, and it addresses the identified need for education among health care professionals. The university as well as an enthusiastic lactation community provided multidisciplinary clinical experiences and classroom lectures to prepare public health students, nurses, midwives, and nurse practitioners to encourage and assist women in breastfeeding. It is hoped that the success of this class and the experiences of the instructors will motivate other lactation consultants to develop similar educational strategies.
Journal of Human Lactation 03/2006; 22(1):104-7. · 1.15 Impact Factor
