Challenges and Resolutions of Pregnant Migrant Mental Health Nurses Working in Low-Secure Hospitals in Australia: Implications After Maternity.

Pregnant migrant nurses working in low-secure mental health facilities in Australia face a unique intersection of occupational, cultural, and socio-economic challenges. These challenges not only affect maternal wellbeing during pregnancy but also have sustained implications in the postpartum period and professional reintegration. This qualitative study explores the lived experiences of pregnant migrant mental health nurses employed in low-secure hospitals across Australia. Drawing on thematic analysis from semi-structured interviews with 20 participants, five major challenges emerged: organizational support deficiencies, workplace discrimination, language and cultural barriers, psychosocial stress, and adequacy of maternity leave policies. Resolutions identified include targeted cultural competency training, policy reforms, mentorship programs, mental health support services, and flexible working arrangements. The implications after maternity extend to workforce retention, professional identity transformation, and long-term health. This research contributes to international discourse on gendered migration and workplace wellbeing in healthcare environments.

migrant nurses, pregnancy, mental health, low-secure hospitals

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