Classes

shyviolet78, LPN, LVN · Jun 23, 2001

I'll definitely be taking some Spanish classes down the road. I've heard the only way to learn to speak it properly is by total immersion, but that's okay, I don't mind a trip to Mexico (preferrably Cancun :cool: ) jk. I would like to work in the county hospital here in Dallas when I graduate and I think being able to speak Spanish would be a great help. The school I plan on going to offers a class "Communicating with Spanish-Speaking Patients" so maybe that'll be helpful also. I say go for it, it'll be worth it living in the south.

essarge · Jun 23, 2001

Excellent idea!!! Spanish is quickly becoming a second language in our country.

I can't imagine not being able to speak english, and having a caretaker not understanding my wants and needs as a patient. We are required to take two semesters, but I plan on taking some more after that.

I think it should be madatory for all healthcare workers to at least know enough to understand a patients needs!!!!!:)

Robin61970 · Jun 23, 2001

We aren't required, but I think it should be.....

shyviolet78, LPN, LVN · Jun 23, 2001

I too think it should be required - in elementary, jr high, high school and college. Spanish is already this country's second language, and I believe that eventually, it will be designated as the "official" second language.

crnasomeday · Jun 23, 2001

Well, here goes my unpopular opinion: I do plan on taking Spanish, but I'm going to audit the class so it won't count on my GPA. I do want to learn the language so that I'll best be able to care for my patients, and I do feel that learning Spanish would be most beneficial to all health care workers. I have to say though that I am offended when people start talking about making Spanish a requirement for any level of education in this country. Many years back my family emmigrated from Germany, and my husbands family came from Poland. No one ever considered making German or Polish an "official" second language. Likewise, I live in a town which was founded by a strongly Italian ethnic population, all of which learned to speak English because there was no thought given to making Italian classes a requirement for the English speaking population. America is a "melting pot" and it's wonderful and diverse, and I love the differences of our country's residents, but I don't think it is right, or fair, to ask the already resident population of an area to learn a different way of communication because you would like to move there.

BTW, I also plan to learn sign language which is another area I feel that would be beneficial to all health care workers.

Robin61970 · Jun 24, 2001

I was just looking at sign language books today as well....they have CD Roms to teach Spanish too. I want to know spanish so I will be able to properly take care of my patients and understand them.....and you may not agree, but I do believe it should be required....that is my opinion though. In the city that I live in we have so many that speak spanish.....that is why I am going to learn it.

BrandyBSN · Jun 26, 2001

I dont think that Spanish should be require, but I do feel that it should be "strongly encouraged", and that translators should always be available. I took french, because my high school did not offer anything else, so when i came to college, i just stuck with french. learning spanish will help you be more of an advocate for your patients, and care for them more effectively.

I have taken sign language, and found it to be wonderful, and i highly recommend it as well. But i would never say that it should be required.

We work in an American healthcare industry, were the system is in english. You must speak english to work in the system, anything in addition to that is just a benefit, not a requirement