International Nurses in the USA

Nursebarebari · Dec 16, 2008

Don't be hard on yourself, you are still new in the country and it takes a foreigner some time to understand slangs and those codes. Just let your co-workers and preceptor know that you don't understand slang and that you may need to ask some questions more than ones. Tell them in a nice way so they don't feel offended.

Good luck to you.

RITYLISHKA · Dec 16, 2008

Thank You.

I said to preceptors and other co-workers and they are trying speak clearly but I am afraid don't understand important things in the critical situations or during the Pt's admission. It's hard , but I am trying. Some of my preceptors really wonderful but others let me knew that I am only little peace and I need to say thanks every minute for their patients. I feel bad but can't do with this nothing. What I need to do in this situation? :cry:

xenonaut · Dec 16, 2008

Just keep at it -- it will get easier after a while. We all need to think about what it would be like to live in a foreign country where you are learning the language. Do you have a coworker with whom you could meet occasionally (like over lunch) to clarify some things?

RITYLISHKA · Dec 17, 2008

Just keep at it -- it will get easier after a while. We all need to think about what it would be like to live in a foreign country where you are learning the language. Do you have a coworker with whom you could meet occasionally (like over lunch) to clarify some things?

Not really , I know a lot of people but they have their own friends and I haven't such coworker. I know that I need to talk with somebody but .... :banghead:

*LadyJane* · Dec 17, 2008

Please try to be much more patient with yourself! English is a difficult language to learn because it is a language that absorbs lots of words from other languages, so there is no set rule that doesn't have exceptions. Sorry about that, but that's why it's tricky.

Give yourself some time. Try to speak English at home too. If you speak a foreign language at home, it will be more difficult for you to absorb and immerse your ability in using English. This can be done!

As far as getting a friend at work, well, you might have to wait awhile. There are regional differences in American people, and some are friendlier and more welcoming than others.

Try not to worry about this...

Jane:)

2lip · Dec 17, 2008

Take it easy on yourself , i'm not sure the english man will find it very easy learning to speak your native language.

i suggest you try to practice more speaknig . never be too shy to, speak the language any where and anytime, even if you are afraid you may be wrong or might be laughed at., if you get laughed at. just shrug it off and move on. some day i assure you u'lll become a master.

Wishing you the best dearie

lucinka · Dec 17, 2008

I understand you. I want to work in USA too. I have passed NCLEX, no problem, but I am feared that I will not understand normal speak on the floor. English is so ridiculous language for me - so many exclusions, so many idioms. How can american people understand each other, I dont know. But may be my language would be much more difficult for foreign nurses. Pleas, pleas be patient. We are not uneducated or stupid (most of us) and we do our best. We have only other mother language.

mikeicurn, ASN, RN · Dec 17, 2008

English is a difficult language at times. There are often many ways to say the same thing. I am sorry you are having these problems, but with time I am sure your comprehension will improve. I hope you find someone to help you. I have worked for 2 foreign companies and we often had engineers from Germany and Sweden coming and going. I was asked several times if I would mind helping them with their English, and I always did, with pleasure. When talking with these people I would find myself adapting my speech to theirs. When I spoke with them I would try to avoid using slang. If you can find someone willing to work with you a little that might help. Even if it isn't someone at work. You would also talk to your co-workers and ask them to try to not use slang as much.

Good luck and God bless.

Koyaanisqatsi-RN · Dec 17, 2008

Don't worry so much! I am in the process of learning another language as well, and what I realized was that when I speak to someone who doesn't speak my language natively, that it's ok when they don't speak it perfectly. They are still understood! For example, I understood your post perfectly.

Remember that even native speakers don't speak it perfectly. The best thing to do is practice always, watch movies and listen to music in the language you want to learn, it has helped me very much.

Good luck, you will be fine, i promise!

zuzi · Dec 17, 2008

Rity... come here to give ou a hug sweety. I am a foreign nurse also and yes is not about english is about any foreign language and people cultural issue and how open they are for foreigners.

Advices:

1. not blame you so much... medical orders don't come in "slangs"

2. Using slangs or tricky expression in front of you... ..you need to give them feeback about it, if you don't understand or if is somenthing related to your profession, if not.... keep in your mind and verify after. People use slangs in chitchat also... I hope that you don't want to be in, looooool at your work place, is safe.

3. Keep in mind that are nurses who could do it by purpose, looool....always a bad one somewhere

4. Yes you need a friend (hard huh to be so open to explain why, and with what reason they behave like)

FOR NURSING: clasic english is on the papers, on professional communication. If someone else don't use it for this purpose... somenthing is not ok.

You will do great...you are a such a good heart honey...you will be OK, or if you fell frustated...send me a PM to talk in details, I am foreign also, and I know how you fell. Tons of love till then :heartbeat:heartbeat:heartbeat:heartbeat

RITYLISHKA · Dec 17, 2008

Thank You !!

I'll try to do my best in this country, because I am a good nurse and I want to take my choice here.