In this inspiring episode of Mental Health Trailblazers: Psychiatric Nurses Speak Up, host Indrias Kassaye welcomes Dr. Giovanna de Oliveira, an alumna of the Minority Fellowship Program at the American Nurses Association and Associate Professor at the University of Miami School of Nursing and Health Studies. Dr. de Oliveira shares her journey from Peru to the U.S., where she discovered her passion for nursing, inspired by the compassionate care of Filipino nurses and her pediatrician father. Over her 28-year career, Dr. de Oliveira has evolved into a psychiatric mental health nurse scientist, deeply committed to addressing mental health disparities in underrepresented communities, particularly among Hispanic populations.

What are the unique mental health challenges facing immigrant communities in the U.S., and how can nurses address them?

How are young Hispanic children and adolescents coping with the pressures of immigration, and what can we do to address their growing mental health needs?

In this powerful conversation, Dr. de Oliveira reflects on her experiences with racism after immigrating to the U.S. and how she overcame challenges to build a successful career in nursing. She candidly shares how those early encounters with discrimination shaped her understanding of cultural sensitivity and fueled her commitment to providing compassionate, culturally competent care.

Dr. de Oliveira also addresses the mental health impact of immigration policies on communities in South Florida, highlighting the trauma, anxiety, and feelings of isolation that many immigrants face. She discusses the rising mental health needs among Hispanic youth, including issues like self-mutilation and substance abuse, as well as the importance of nurses advocating for systemic change to better support immigrant and minority populations.

Whether you're a nursing student, healthcare professional, or mental health advocate, this episode offers a compelling look at the resilience needed to overcome adversity and the critical role nurses play in transforming care for underserved populations. Don't miss it!

Free CNE Credits available for listening! Don’t miss this chance to earn continuing education credits while learning from influential voices in nursing today. Tune in to this and all episodes of season 4, celebrating “50 Years: Reflect & Project!” and the lasting impact of the SAMHA Minority Fellowship Program at the American Nurses Association.

CNE information:

An email will be sent to you at a later date with instructions on how to claim CNE credit.

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Learn more about Dr Giovanna de Oliveira at https://emfp.org/mfp-fellows/giovanna-c-de-oliveira