INTRODUCTION: The Hispanic population has increased nationwide. This research examines the potential of the nursing profession for building a future of diversity in the health care workforce by examining the Hispanic population in the heartland. OBJECTIVE: A discussion of the health care needs of the migrant workers living in America's heartland was derived by this study that was specifically designed to assess the level of understanding of health care needs by the migrants, how people made sense of these needs, and how health structures their daily routines at the community level. METHOD: A qualitative study was performed in a Midwestern city using a focus group methodology and narrative analyses. RESULTS: Significant themes regarding access to health care, preconceived misconceptions, preventive care, payment for services, and communication barriers were identified. CONCLUSION: Results were used to develop Hispanic nursing education programs in Midwestern colleges.

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information processing human health service Agriculture Hispanic Americans Health Services Needs and Demand United States Humans Hispanic male female verbal communication Narration Article migration Transients and Migrants Focus Groups Health Services Accessibility Midwestern United States health care delivery