CNA instructor

[pkt00]

I am teaching a new CNA class. This program is new at the school where it is taking place. The issue that I'm having is that the class contains a fair amount of students that do not speak English very well ( that's me being nice ) the students need an explanation for every other word which I don't mind doing BUT it takes away from teaching what I need to teach to the students to become a nursing assistant. The location where the school is located primarily has a certain ethnicity, which I prefer not to say. I am thinking of telling the director of the school to have the students take an ESL course before taking any other courses. I personally feel as If the students are not understanding anything. Any advice besides the what I have in mind to do would be greatly appreciated.

Thx

[Kooky Korky, BSN, RN]

Maybe the local church can help. Where I live, war refugees were brought in by the local parish and put to work as CNA's. They all spoke good English, which makes me think they learned English growing up in their original country. But maybe not. Maybe the religious leaders in their own community can help, can see to it that the students learn ESL.

I think your Admin at the school needs to be made aware of the language problem if they are not already aware. Also, how do other teachers handle this problem?

You might have to go public, go to future employers of these students, go to whoever licenses the school where you teach. Anonymously, of course.

[Kooky Korky, BSN, RN]

don't know what the "that's me being nice" comment is about, but its obvious you are not the right person for the job. Prometric does have options for taking the CNA in written portion in Spanish. More than likely, the school either needs someone who speaks their language or one can try to become more innovative at teaching. I bet $100 than there is a dual speaker in your class, have you even bothered to ask them? Have you consulted your boss for a translator? have you exhausted all resources to be able to teach?

https://www.prometric.com/en-us/clients/Nurseaide/Documents/Florida/FLCNACIB_20120625WebVersion.pdf

What if the language the students speak is not Spanish?

[kalevra, BSN, RN]

In theory, it's a no-brainer. In reality, "should" doesn't cut it. Do you have any practical suggestions for the OP?

Require them to be able to comprehend English.

No English = No Class.

These are grown adults we are talking about.

[RN/MSN1984]

i AGREE VERY MUCH. ENGLISH NEEDS TO BE THEIR FIRST LANUGUAGE. YOU MAKE A VERY VALID POINT.