I need your opinions please

[pretty70]

:yeah:I got a new admission about 3 weeks ago. the resident is the mother of a ex-coworker that I knew long time ago in a non-related nursing job. She is not my friend, but at the moment I met her in the unit she was so happy that I work there. I am fluent in a foreing language. Eventhough she speaks English very well, she prefer to talk with me in that language. Her mother does not speak English at all, so she is very happy that I speak her native language. I feel akward when she call to the unit to be updated how resident is doing and the nurse manager answer the phone and resident's daughter ask for me. I come to the nurse station and talk to her in that foreing language and only English speakers are around there. I feel very bad, I think is rude speak another language in front of only English speakers. Should I answer her in English when she talk to me in ------ language? I think that is rude too. Please give me your opinions or share your experiences with me. I make aware the nurse manager immediately about the conversation and document it.

[PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN]

I speak more than one language. I always say, "pardon me folks, I'm going to explain some things in Mrs._____ so and so's language. Thanks for understanding." Or you can ask permission...if you prefer.

Do what is best for your patient is always my motto.

[stellina615]

If your patient is more comfortable communicating in another language, and you feel comfortable in your language skills, then do it. Why do anything less than what makes your patient feel most at ease? :)

[morte, LPN, LVN]

i think it is fine, and thanks for the concern about the English only speakers! i appreciate it greatly.

[RR910]

if i were you id keep doin what your doin. i think like you said as long as you document it and let mabye who ever is in charge know what is going on it shouldnt be a problem. mabye make your co works aware that she doesnt speak english/prefers to speak in ___ that way they also know what is going on. but im sure it makes her feel 100% better and feels maybe she can feel more at ease when talking in __ __

[rn2bnwi, BSN, RN]

what a great ability to be able to speak to a patient in the language they are most comfortable with. Keep it up!

[nursenow]

I recommed doing what every biligual nurse I have ever worked with does. Just do it and dont even waste your time explaining. When I am at work I couldnt care less about what another nurse is saying to a patient in another language. I have alot of other more important things to worry about. I assume the nurse thought it was appropriate to use another language so I am not going to give it a second thought.