Abstract
This article explores my journey as a Samoan woman who migrated as a young mother to Aotearoa-New Zealand, completed nursing qualifications, later specialising in mental health nursing, and eventually completed doctoral studies. Since July 2023 I have been a Lecturer in the Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Environmental Studies, Auckland University of Technology. This article uses autoethnographic and narrative methods to collect data from my own life, to explore the experiences of Samoan people in the mental health system of Aotearoa-New Zealand. Criteria for reporting qualitative research was used to prepare the paper. My story showcases the benefits of having both clinical and cultural understandings in the context of mental health care in Aotearoa-New Zealand. The gap between the rhetoric and the reality of the 'New Zealand dream' for Samoan people mirrors the gap between policy and practice in relation to Pacific strategy plans for mental health care. By writing about my experiences, I aim to support better understanding of core concerns for Samoan people when they are engaging with mental healthcare services.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
