Learning Spanish is a plus, bilingual? trilingual?

[jtoms]

Hi guys,

From the articles that I've read, it shows that there is a growing Hispanic population in the U.S. (and other countries as well). Does this mean that we have to prepare ourselves to learn how to speak Spanish, or it's only optional? Would it boost your acceptance towards a school of your choice??

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Being bilingual or trilingual is a huge plus nowadays.

Will it guarantee you a job or admittance to nursing school? No. But it can't hurt...and would more likely help your chances.

[Music in My Heart]

I would learn Chinese language instead! China is growing, they have the biggest population! Its not an easy language and i dont like it at all, but it will be totally useful in the future. There are a lot of people who speak Spanish in US, there are so many interpreters. No need for nurses, businessman to learn Spanish .

Sure, learning Mandarin would be a fabulous skill but:

(a) I come across few Mandarin-only speakers (and here in NorCal, there's a fairly high density) and even fewer who present without family around

(b) As with any language, the only way to become proficient is through regular use; unless you have a friend or colleague with whom you can practice several times per week, or a regular patient base in Mandarin, you're not likely to get very far.

And for emphasis:

No need for nurses, businessman to learn Spanish.

I don't know about where you are but in these parts (urban NorCal), we have a hugh Spanish-only population and there aren't that many bilingual staff and even fewer interpreters *readily available* I have found Spanish to be incredibly useful in my day-to-day nursing and mine isn't even that good but it's sufficient for the basics of assessment and care.

For certain, Spanish is huge and I seriously doubt will be displaced by Mandarin... not even close, in fact.

[ak2190]

I'm trilingual but dang it if I don't wish one of them was Spanish.

[BlueDevil,DNP, DNP, RN]

We must have several staff members who speak Spanish, and it is an absolute requirement for the RN. Could not function safely otherwise.