I want to be a LVN.... but my English is no good. :c

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Hello Nurses.

Really I am very nervous to post here. I've been reading many post about nursing and I think all of you can give me some advises.

I am very sad because I want o be a nurse and I thought to be an LVN but my big problem is that I don't speak English very well. It's very basic. my main language is Spanish.

I really want to be a nurse but when thinking about my problem I think is not a good idea to follow this wish because I don't want to be unable to do this job. I mean to talk to the patients or nurses or doctors.( don't get through). So I'm very undecided.

I can understand what people say about (60%) I don't care about my accent, what happened is that sometimes is not fluent. But many people have told that my English sound good.

So I don't know if it that I'm very strict to myself or I don't know.

Please any advise or suggest will be helpful.

Also I thought that if I took a CNA program first and then the LVN to know if I can do it with my basic English.

Thank You.:unsure::banghead::sorry:

I live in Houston Texas.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Please any advise or suggest will be helpful.

Welcome!

To improve your written English skills, enroll in a developmental (a.k.a.) remedial English coursework at your local community college.

Since you are in Houston, you can take these classes at Lonestar Community College or any campus that is part of the Houston Community College system, whichever one is located closest to you. Good luck to you!

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Hello Nurses.

Really I am very nervous to post here. I've been reading many post about nursing and I think all of you can give me some advises.

I am very sad because I want o be a nurse and I thought to be an LVN but my big problem is that I don't speak English very well. It's very basic. my main language is Spanish.

I really want to be a nurse but when thinking about my problem I think is not a good idea to follow this wish because I don't want to be unable to do this job. I mean to talk to the patients or nurses or doctors.( don't get through). So I'm very undecided.

I can understand what people say about (60%) I don't care about my accent, what happened is that sometimes is not fluent. But many people have told that my English sound good.

So I don't know if it that I'm very strict to myself or I don't know.

Please any advise or suggest will be helpful.

Also I thought that if I took a CNA program first and then the LVN to know if I can do it with my basic English.

Thank You.:unsure::banghead::sorry:

I live in Houston Texas.

Many schools offer free ESL classes to improve your linguistic skills. You can practice by watching English speaking TV. But you are correct that a good comprehension of English is needed not only for patient communication but also interacting with other members of the healthcare team,and understanding the lectures and textbooks utilized in practical/vocational nursing school and CNA programs. In addition the licensing exam is only given in English and requires a reasonably high level of reading comprehension, decoding and critical thinking. It's not impossible but there are multiple opportunities for you to improve your English language skills. You most definitely need to comprehend more than 60% of a conversation or reading material. That 40% not understood could contain critical information that result in may harming a patient. I'm certain that you don't want anyone to be injured.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Welcome!

Don't be so had on yourself! Being fluent in another language and being able to translate into English...think of how many people you can help!

Go to the college. Check out courses to take that are just for you and learning English as your second language so you can have a better understanding of the English language. There is financial aid available the school will now about how to apply. It is important to have a better understanding of the English language and

the written word to pass the LPN exam to get your nursing license.

I found this site that lists ESL courses in your area! Watch TV read the posts here.

Follow your dream....:)

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You might also find ESL classes in the adult division of the nearest high school.

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Hello everyone and thank you for your answers, The true is that I already took those ESL classes in the community college, but I still don't have a fluent english speaking and comprehension.

Thank you for the sayings.

:yes:

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Take them again at a different center. Volunteer at the library to read to others. Read aloud to friends/family/children. Volunteer in a senior center. Many of the attendees will be happy to speak with you. If you can raise your comprehension (understanding) level then all you need to do is practice speaking to others to perfect diction. Watch English speaking tv and read English magazines. Try to see if you can find a book club even.

Get out there and talk to people. I know many non native speakers that increased their English language skills by immersing into a community. Much like English speakers wishing to learn French or Spanish go to areas where it's the primary language.

Try community level college ESL classes or see if a local college has an ESL teacher education program. Sometimes the students need field work and will tutor community members for very low if not no cost.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

I agree with Beachy focus on the college ESL courses they will be better at preparing you for college.

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Specializes in hospice.

I'm not gonna lie, English is an insane language. There is an episode of I Love Lucy where Ricky is trying to read a book to Little Ricky, and Lucy keeps correcting him. He finally gives up in exasperation because rough, through, bough, and though all sound different yet have the same spelling on the end. English is HARD to learn, so don't get down on yourself. Try a different teacher, different classes. Being bilingual in English and Spanish will make you extremely valuable in the job market!

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Thank you so much for all you comments.

I will start english classes.

By the way i've taking psychology, biology, english classes and my grades I've been A and B. So can understand but I need practice my speaking.

Thank you beautiful and handsome nurses jijij

So I think could do well in clases ( I think so):)

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