Open Collections

Abstract

The Canadian labour force is segregated on the basis of race, class and gender, with immigrant women from "Third World Countries" being largely relegated to jobs in the lower echelons of the labour force. In order to examine the health implications of being relegated to lower echelon jobs, narratives of ten female patient care aides (nursing assistants) who are immigrants were analyzed, guided by the feminist method of institutional ethnography and Black and other anti-racist feminist writings. It was seen that the women in the study used numerous strengths and strategies to maintain their own health while endeavouring to give good care to the elderly. Contextual themes of racism in Canadian society, a hierarchical health care system, economic uncertainty and the immigration experience informed their working experiences and health. It was concluded that segregation of jobs does have negative health repercussions, and that patient care aides and registered nurses should join forces to challenge and deconstruct racist ideology and job segregation. The working environment as target of health promotion and health policy was suggested as a strategic focus for nursing practice, education, administration and research. Other implications for nursing were discussed.