How valuable is speaking Spanish in health care?

[edwindelahiggins]

I'm hoping to start (pending acceptance) an accelerated BSN program either this fall or next January. I was thinking of investing in Rosetta stone this summer to learn spanish. I figure it will also help keep my mind fresh before the rigors of nursing school. I took 3 years of high school spanish a while ago (now 24) so I have the very basics down. Do you guys think that this would be a worthwhile use of my time? Also, has anyone used/had success with Rosetta Stone.

Thanks,

Ned

[DoGoodThenGo]

According to the latest census data the Hispanic population of the United States is not only growing but expanding into most every state/area of the country. In many places the white non-Hispanic population is now a minority (parts of NY), and that trend will only increase until about 2040 where it will be complete nationwide.

Spanish television programming, media and so forth are growing as well, indeed in some places far out pacing those of English language.

In short while one may not require the need to speak Spanish in one's area today, chances are that will change quite soon.

[Claritee]

Learning another language is a very good idea, even if it's just to exercise your brain. If you want to do it for more practical reasons, many community colleges have Medical Spanish courses in their continuing ed. department. I personally think it's a great idea and it can only benefit you. (I need to look into it myself.:))

[umcRN, BSN, RN]

Depends on where you are, I wish I knew it, i've used a spanish translator quite a few times this week alone

[linearthinker, DNP, RN]

I think it is an outstanding advantage for you as well as for patients. We actively looked for Spanish speakers. We wanted to hire a native speaking nurse last year, but the facility wouldn't let us b/c she only had a ADN, such a loss to the unit! I can't speak to rosetta stone, but I'm looking forward to hearing what others think of it.

I've been looking at job openings around the country and have seen an untold number requesting Spanish speakers. It can only help you personally and professionally.

[sweetnepenthe]

Rosetta Stone is worthless for anything other than the most basic stuff. You could do as well with a Spanish/English dictionary. It is expensive.

Get podcasts with medical Spanish, Coffeebreak spanish, online interactive courses, Berlitz total immersion courses, anything offered at a community college or your employers, and watch Telemundo or Univision. Also read the sides of boxes at the grocery and other stores.

I started learning Spanish when I was a kid in Florida when the Cubans first started coming over in large numbers in the early 60s.

If you are a young person or have young children, learn or have them learn Mandarin Chinese as well.

[hiddencatRN, BSN, RN]

Yes- and I would add that not only will it depend on the area, but certain neighborhoods you'll see it a lot more too. I had no idea how many exclusively Spanish speakers there were in my town until I started my job which is in a neighborhood with a very large latino population. Learning Spanish is something that's been on the to-do list for a while but now I can see it as something that would actually be beneficial here.

[tothepointeLVN, LVN]

I think it is an outstanding advantage for you as well as for patients. We actively looked for Spanish speakers. We wanted to hire a native speaking nurse last year, but the facility wouldn't let us b/c she only had a ADN, such a loss to the unit! I can't speak to rosetta stone, but I'm looking forward to hearing what others think of it.

I've been looking at job openings around the country and have seen an untold number requesting Spanish speakers. It can only help you personally and professionally.

I'm actively brushing up on my spanish for a job assignment I am getting ready to take through my nursing agency. The position was spanish speaking preferred and I guess I am close to spanish speaking as they could get. Of course it's my own fault for now knowing how to speak more I have been stubborn over the years feeling that people needed to learn to speak english. Now I understand that me speaking spanish will put money in my pocket.

[Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP]

I speak fluent Spanish and it has helped me in every job I've had since graduation. My current unit has a position for someone to do discharge teaching and other interpreting as needed for the Spanish speakers on our floor, that's how much Spanish gets used there.

[cbcle]

So very very valuable! It gives you the competitive edge over other candidates when applying for positions and it's so helpful for communicating with patients. I did Rosetta Stone and found it to be incredibly helpful, but I would also recommend getting a medical Spanish book to supplement your learning.

[lckrn2pa]

One thing you need to consider is the growing trend (what I've seen in Cali) of using certified interpreters. Two of the hospitals I worked at prior to staring PA school required certified interpreters to be used, even for Spanish speaking employees. They had to take a test that the hospital administered to prove proficiency in whatever language they were wanting to interpret for.

[kaiasunshine]

It's ALWAYS helpful to speak a second language! I currently speak conversational Spanish (am working on upgrading it) and am beginning Swahili with Rosetta Stone. I doubt Swahili will come up, that's mostly just for fun/a challenge/hopes of traveling to East Africa but I've found that even though I live in Canada where we have very few people who speak Spanish as a first language, it's been helpful on a few occasions!

Languages are assets that, at times, can help you in a competitive job market but more than that assist in situations where you may be the only person who can communicate with a patient. I say absolutely take some Spanish!

[anotherone, BSN, RN]

One thing you need to consider is the growing trend (what I've seen in Cali) of using certified interpreters. Two of the hospitals I worked at prior to staring PA school required certified interpreters to be used, even for Spanish speaking employees. They had to take a test that the hospital administered to prove proficiency in whatever language they were wanting to interpret for.

My place doesn't have these. I wish they did but we don't get too many non english speakers. If you understand that the pt wants water, pain meds, how to use the tv or the phone. that is very benneficial to the nurse since you don't have to waste time with the language line for simple things such as explaining how the remote to control the bed works.