A research study for Filipina nurses in the San Francisco Bay Area - exploring your experiences, mental health, and family connections during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic left a profound and disproportionate mark on Filipina nurses - particularly those working abroad while supporting families in the Philippines. This research seeks to document and honor those experiences.
Through in-depth interviews with nurses and their family members, this ethnographic study chronicles the impact of the pandemic on the mental health, wellbeing, and family relationships of Filipina nurses in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Mental health in this study is defined together - centered on your own unique perspective rather than narrow clinical frameworks. We are focused on personal agency, emotional labor, and family well-being: topics that are too often absent from mainstream healthcare research.
"We're looking at how past and present influences have shaped the emotional labor and mental health of Filipina nurses - topics that are often left out of research."- Caiti Crum, PhD Candidate, California Institute of Integral Studies
Filipina nurses - this study warmly welcomes nurses of all gender identities.
Currently or previously working in the San Francisco Bay Area during the COVID-19 pandemic.
During this time, provided support to family members in the Philippines - financial assistance, caregiving, sponsorship, or other forms of support.
A series of in-depth conversations exploring your experiences at work, your emotional wellbeing, and your connections with family during the pandemic.
Conversations with the family member in the Philippines you coordinate with most closely - the person you manage support for. Their perspective is a vital part of this study.
An optional opportunity to go further - learn to develop continuing education curriculum and become a certified CE provider through the nursing board.
This optional component invites you to take your participation a step further - by helping create the very curriculum that will teach others about your community's experiences.
Work collaboratively to create continuing education training content focused on Filipina nurses' representation and experiences in U.S. and global healthcare systems.
Go through the official accreditation process for certified continuing education providers through the nursing board - a meaningful professional credential.
Become part of a growing network of Filipina nurses advocating for mental health recognition, systemic change, and visibility in healthcare.
Raise awareness for fellow healthcare providers about the profound impact and contributions of Filipina nurses - told entirely from the inside.
Training content will center on representation, the realities of transnational caregiving, and the mental health experiences that mainstream nursing education rarely addresses.
CE Certification Advocacy Network OptionalI'm a PhD candidate in Anthropology and Social Change at the California Institute of Integral Studies, and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years of experience in both leadership and direct service roles.
I currently lead a team of approximately 230 therapists for a mental healthcare company, and my career has taken me through community mental health, inpatient settings, private practice, and documentary filmmaking centered on social justice and empowerment.
I was drawn to this research through my work in community mental healthcare settings, where I witnessed firsthand the invisible toll placed on Filipina nurses - and the profound absence of research that truly centered their voices and experiences.
At heart, I'm a therapist, educator, researcher, and mother - deeply committed to collaborative, compassionate care and systemic change. I'm honored to connect with fellow healthcare workers through this study.
For any questions about your participation, reach out to Caiti Crum at +1 (510) 239-3064, or dissertation chair Andrej Grubačić, Ph.D. at +1 (415) 575-6275.
To discuss your rights as a participant or raise any concerns - anonymously if you prefer - contact the HRRC (preferred) or by mail: HRRC Coordinator, 1453 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94103.
This study presents minimal psychological risk. Discussing past stressful or traumatic experiences - such as those during the COVID-19 pandemic - may bring up emotional responses. While Caiti is a licensed therapist in California, this study is anthropological research only and does not constitute psychotherapy or mental healthcare. If any concerns arise, Caiti will connect you with therapists, crisis lines, and other appropriate support.
Participation is completely voluntary. You may refuse any question, withdraw your consent, or discontinue at any time - for any reason - without penalty, retaliation, or prejudice.
If you're a Filipina nurse in the Bay Area whose story deserves to be told - we'd be honored to hear it. Express your interest below or reach out directly with any questions.