Is language a barrier for nursing?

vivianhuang · Mar 22, 2004

Suzan:

I am sorry about telling you my feeling now. I am considering to change my major to science:( actually I started to think about this since last stage, but untill now I still have no idea. Nursing is a good major to study and a good career, but after one-year study, I found I was not really really enjoy my study. Since I was a child, I liked everything about science, that was the reason why i chose Medicine to study in my country. After I came to NZ, I knew I couldn't study medicine. I though nursing was similar as medicine. But now I realized that was completely different.

The reason which I am thinking about changing the subject, is not the course. The course is great, but just I am not very interesting in it. I passed all the course and gained good marks in stage one. but i am thinking about if i am not interesting in this career, probably i will not work very well in my career.I mean if i countine my study, i will still try my best and work hard in the future. but .......i don't know how to describe my feeling.

i am so sorry telling you about this. maybe you will very disappointed about me.

I asked some of my tutors, especially my science tutors, they said i am good at science, i need to think about carefully. Could you give me some suggestions?? I really need your help!

Also do you know something about the science job opportunity? the reason why i cannot make a decision, is my career. can i find a job after graduate from science? my god!!what i need to do?

vivianhuang · Mar 22, 2004

Cera:

Don't give up your dream!! My changing is not the problems of the course or the nursing career! it's just my interests and my personality. Honestly nursing is not my dream. But anyway!! Keep going! and good luck!

suzanne4, RN · Mar 23, 2004

Vivian: My degree that I received first was in Biology with a major in physiology. The nice thing about nursing is that you can get a job in almost country in the world. You actually will never be out of a job. It is up to you to make the right decision for yourself, but aren't you already 1/2 way done with completing your studies? You can also use nursing as a stepping stone to other things. Are you familiar with any of the nurse practitioner programs that are being offered now? Perhaps you should look into those before you make any sudden decisions.................................

But remember that it is you and only you who should make the final decision.

Good luck.....Please keep me posted.................... :balloons:

vivianhuang · Mar 23, 2004

i know the best thing for nursing is: they are accepted all over the world. but sometimes i find i have no motivation to study the nursing courses. i can say now i am forcing myself to study. is ti a good thing for me ?

could you tell me how you feel about your biology study:)

suzanne4, RN · Mar 23, 2004

The biology and physiology classes that I took helped out tremendously through the years. I actually took a leave from nursing school for about 6 months because I also hated it back then. But I did complete my studies, and over the years I have done different things away from bedside nursing but medicine of some type is always in the background. At one point I was designing medical offices and facilities, worked as a flight nurse during that time prn, etc. it is a very nice thing to have to fall back on. I always try to keep my mind open to new things. And now I am trying to give back to a country that I love very much by helping the nurses over here increase their status, etc.

:balloons:

vivianhuang · Mar 23, 2004

oh! I just finished my first paid work! It's quite tired. Tonight I worked in a hospital. I was quite nervous. Honestly the stuff were not very nice. Because this was the first time I started my work. I didn't know what i needed to do and the routine. Damn! It's 5.5 hours. It looked I didn't help a lot. Eeve one time, I tried to take of the patient's denture. But it didn't work. and then I asked for help. I just felt guilty and embarassing. They were not really want to tell me. And the asked me to wash the kitchen!!?????Good experience? Anyway, I learnt some:)

suzanne4, RN · Mar 23, 2004

Vivian: Don't worry too much about today. It was the first day of just a beginning, and the bottom of the learning curve. Dentures have never been anyone's fun and I have friends that still have problems with them and they have been nurses for about 20 years plus. Everyday will bring you new experiences. Think of it that way.

But look on the bright side....................you will actually receive a paycheck. :balloons: :balloons:

Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN · Mar 23, 2004

... i am an international student... is language a barrier for future career?... can someone give me some suggestion???...

Vivian -- I've met several students taking prerequisites for the nursing program at my school. From my experience, if you're gonna be taking exams in English, then it's crucial that you master this language.

Several of the above students did / will not pass the class because of their poor English. Science and nursing class are tough enough (and tests are oftentimes worded in a "tricky" fashion) without the added challenge of trying to comprehend the language.

I felt those students were intelligent, but just didn't get what precisely was being asked, or didn't pick up on the gist of test questions based on how they were phrased. (Also consider that exams are timed, so understanding has to come quickly if we're to score well.)

And as mentioned, beyond school there are more tests, job interviews and performance on the job to be dealt with. English is critical to those intending to obtain a position in an English-speaking country.

Good luck!

cera · Mar 23, 2004

Cera, My suggestion to you also, try to watch as many movies as you can. That really helps. Pay attention to how they are using words to get their point across. I tried this with one of my students that started with me three months ago, and her speech is now completely fluent. I have several friends that did this over here in the past and it really worked for them.
Good luck to you........................ :balloons:

Suzanne, thanks a lot for your advice!

vivianhuang · Mar 24, 2004

Today I told to my classmates(they are all English-speckers) about my changing mind. They all suggested me to continue my nursing study. They said my English was much better than before:) Also my parents suggested me to continue. I think I nearly make my decision, probably I won't change. I have an idea to achieve my dream. If I can be a surgical nurse, I can learn something about the medicine and science.

Suzanne: is that right?or do you have any suggestion for me?

suzanne4, RN · Mar 24, 2004

Vivian:

Any area of medicine that you are interested in is also availalbe in nursing. You will be able to work and assist in the OR if that is what you prefer, you could take care of babies in a NICU, work in an Emergency Room, etc. You have all of the options open to you. Sure, we all have to do rotations to areas that we don't like but consider them a learning experience as well. It tells you that you would like to work in a different area when you finish school, it actually helps you decide on the area where you want to begin your career. But also keep in mind, that you are always able to change to other areas throughout your career, you are not limited to only one.

:balloons:

vivianhuang · Mar 25, 2004

Today is a wonderful day! My client is lovely! I took care for him all the morning. I did everything what I expected. The staff and the client said I am a good nurse:) It gave me lots of confidence. Suzanne: I have maken my decision to stay in nursing:) No matter whether is a good day or bad day. I won't change again. I will achieve my dream later.