A Foreign Grad Nurse in a Foreign Land

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Jul 12, 2009

I've seen how Filipino nurses chart, and it's blantly obvious that most aren't fluent in the English language. You're correct about the US taking over the Philippines from the Spanish. But that's something that most Filipinos shouldn't be proud. Actually If I were a Filipino I'd totally change the name of the country and demolish the name Philippines and Filipino since King Philip was horrible to your people as so was the United States.

But back to the English language, most on this board seem to have a problem passing their English exams, and I was merely suggesting what tools to use since a lot of them ask me. It's a great tool for anybody, even someone whose first language is English. So if you don't like my suggestion I don't know what to tell you.

mauiboy · Jul 12, 2009

Don't you know that these Filipino nurses you're talking about has to pass the IELTS or TOEFL before they can practice in the U.S.? The mere fact that they passed these exams are proof enough that they are competent in the english language.

Fortunately for me,you're not a Filipino because I don't want my country's name based on what you are saying. It's part of our history and our heritage and it's inappropriate for a foreigner to even suggest changing our country's name. If we are going by with the premise that you are raising, then America or your native country CUBA should also be changing their name.

Nurse!Nurse!Hello? · Jul 12, 2009

The poster is from Philippines, A former USA colony and English is the business langauge there.

English may well be the business language in the PI. However, the majority of nurses and CNA's I work with are from the provinces--English may be taught there, but it certainly doesn't mean they are proficient in the language. An English language review--from someone who speaks English as a native language--would be helpful to many people from the PI. The incorrect grammar that is so prevalent when speaking really make written nurse's notes look unprofessional. I don't mean to be harsh, but it's true.

Silverdragon102, BSN · Jul 12, 2009

I believe that applies only if the subject was not taught in English. Majority of Nursing School in Philippines the textbooks and classes are English based

But for visa screen certificate it doesn't matter they still have to sit and pass a English exam if they are the main applicant and a vsc is required

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Jul 13, 2009

Don't you know that these Filipino nurses you're talking about has to pass the IELTS or TOEFL before they can practice in the U.S.? The mere fact that they passed these exams are proof enough that they are competent in the english language.
Fortunately for me,you're not a Filipino because I don't want my country's name based on what you are saying. It's part of our history and our heritage and it's inappropriate for a foreigner to even suggest changing our country's name. If we are going by with the premise that you are raising, then America or your native country CUBA should also be changing their name.

Passing a basic exam doesn't make them fluent in English. All it means is that they passed an exam within minimum standards or maximum standards depending on their score.

Cuba already kicked out the Americans when Castro took over from Batista. Cuba has been restored, and I'm not saying that it's the best of conditions there, but it's sure a lot better than what was there before.

mauiboy · Jul 13, 2009

Passing the IELTS together with passing the NCLEX is a requirement set by the US gov't for a IEN to be able to practice in the US. If they passed that, then it means they are competent enough to meet the standards set by the government.

Fluency is a different issue but i don't see why not being fluent in english will affect your duties as a nurse. Fluency is just talk and as the saying goes "talk is cheap". As long as the chart notes are legible and comprehensible, thats fine by me.

BTW, have you heard of any Filipinos who died while crossing the ocean just to get to the States? 'cause I heard of a lot of Cubans who did.

Fiona59 · Jul 13, 2009

Not being fluent in English DOES affect the nurses duties on the floors and in their patient care.

We've had patients brought the wrong medications because the patient asked for pain relief and was given plain Tylenol instead of T3 (which was also ordered) Tylenol (OTC) is headache strenght not post op.

Teaching requires a certain level of fluency because teaching is a huge part of the discharge process. If the patient can't understand what the nurse is saying, I don't care how perfect their charting is, the patient needs to be able to talk to the nurse about their needs once they leave the facility.

I mean I've "Passed" French at the University level but there is no way, I'm proficient enough to work in Quebec.

Nurse!Nurse!Hello? · Jul 13, 2009

Fluency is a different issue but i don't see why not being fluent in english will affect your duties as a nurse. Fluency is just talk and as the saying goes "talk is cheap". As long as the chart notes are legible and comprehensible, thats fine by me.
BTW, have you heard of any Filipinos who died while crossing the ocean just to get to the States? 'cause I heard of a lot of Cubans who did.

"Talk is cheap?" You've got to be kidding. There have been numerous cases where I have received phone calls from patients' family members who "don't understand" the instructions the Filipino nurse gave them. Obviously, these nurses passed the required English exam, but still cannot communicate effectively with others.

And chart notes? Please. Filipino nurses I work with repeatedly refer to male patients as "she." For example, "She refused his therapy session." How professional does that look?? :bugeyes:

I am not sure where the comment about Cubans is coming from, but it sounds very racist. Good thing you're not in the US--most Americans find that type of comment offensive.

mauiboy · Jul 14, 2009

"Talk is cheap?" You've got to be kidding. There have been numerous cases where I have received phone calls from patients' family members who "don't understand" the instructions the Filipino nurse gave them. Obviously, these nurses passed the required English exam, but still cannot communicate effectively with others.
And chart notes? Please. Filipino nurses I work with repeatedly refer to male patients as "she." For example, "She refused his therapy session." How professional does that look??
I am not sure where the comment about Cubans is coming from, but it sounds very racist. Good thing you're not in the US--most Americans find that type of comment offensive.

Then what you are saying is....the very standard that the US gov't is asking from IEN is not good enough? Let's go on a little experiment here if you don't mind. What if you take these exams yourself ( i'll be all too happy to refund you the costs ) and see how you do.

You don't know where the comments about the Cubans came from? Try to backread a little before you stick your nose into the topic.

BTW, how do you know that i'm not in the good ole US of A yet? For all you know, i may be the one who did the chart that you read. :yeah: :lol2: :lol2:

mauiboy · Jul 14, 2009

Before we agree to disagree...let me just provide the people in these thread who are fortunate enough of not needing take the IELTS to prove how "fluent" they are, what the IELTS or TOEFL really is. Bear also in mind that IENs are required to take the more difficult Academic tests to prove their so called "fluency"

http://www.britishcouncil.org/learning-ielts-what-is-it.htm

mauiboy · Jul 14, 2009

Not being fluent in English DOES affect the nurses duties on the floors and in their patient care.
We've had patients brought the wrong medications because the patient asked for pain relief and was given plain Tylenol instead of T3 (which was also ordered) Tylenol (OTC) is headache strenght not post op.
Teaching requires a certain level of fluency because teaching is a huge part of the discharge process. If the patient can't understand what the nurse is saying, I don't care how perfect their charting is, the patient needs to be able to talk to the nurse about their needs once they leave the facility.
I mean I've "Passed" French at the University level but there is no way, I'm proficient enough to work in Quebec.

I'm very sorry to hear that after all the studying you've done and living close to the French, you still consider yourself not proficient . My two cents advise is... "practice makes perfect":smokin:

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Jul 14, 2009

"Talk is cheap?" You've got to be kidding. There have been numerous cases where I have received phone calls from patients' family members who "don't understand" the instructions the Filipino nurse gave them. Obviously, these nurses passed the required English exam, but still cannot communicate effectively with others.
And chart notes? Please. Filipino nurses I work with repeatedly refer to male patients as "she." For example, "She refused his therapy session." How professional does that look??
I am not sure where the comment about Cubans is coming from, but it sounds very racist. Good thing you're not in the US--most Americans find that type of comment offensive.

Yup, I have to agree, that's how they chart. I've had a nurse chart that "Pt given O2 @ 2L per therapy." I was like what the heck is she talking about? Which therapy? Respiratory Therapy, Physical Thearpy, or Occupational Therapy? Apprently in the nurses notes the RN had noted that the patient returned from therapy, well geez Louise which therapy did she return from? If an attorney would have gotten a hold of the patients chart the attorney would have barbecued that nurse for lunch.

Most of the Filipino nurses can't chart to save their lives, I admire the older generation Filipino nuress, they know their stuff. But I'm finding that even Filipino nurses critisize their own people. One of them was even questioning a supposed nurse about their education. She was convinced this person bought their transcripts and diploma out in the streets of Manila. This same nurse even said there are schools in the Philippines that will pass you as long as you pay them. Pretty sad, and those types of people ruin it for a lot of Filipinos who worked hard for their diploma.