Published
I just started a new job, in my specialty that I LOVE, but the problem is I feel like an orphan because all my co-workers speak spanish to each other,and my spanish is not that great. I have worked in the miami area for years and this hasn't been a problem until this particular hospital. I do pretty good with my spanish patients but when I'm in a procedure where EVERYONE is speaking spanish (including the doctor/pt/techs etc.) I feel very left out and kinda sad. Is it because I'm new? I mean, I'm 55 years old, should I care that much about "fitting in?"
Of course, sometimes I wonder If I'm missing something important in regard to the patient, but I just can't stand there and say, "could you translate that into english" when they speak it constantly to each other.
My supervisor, on hiring me, knew I spoke only "medical" spanish. and he emphasized the importance of TEAM WORK but how can I be part of a team if I can't communicate fully?
Should I find another job that won't reject this gringa?