Personal caregivers and RN responsibilities

[harnof]

I would like to know how to teach Personal care givers who speak little to no English.

I oversee client's who mainly are from 3rd world countries and whose care givers are also from those same cultures.

The PCA's know minimal to no English. I try to explain/teach on a reg. ongoing basis via interpreters but I know they do not understand what I'm saying. They just keep quiet when I ask questions. The client's themselves are Very Passive re. their own care. I am wondering what my legal responsibilities are re. PCA not complying with what has been taught to them by me and by the company I work for.

My interpreters are usually the PCA's and though very well mannered, they are also passive re. what I consider important issues.

Any advice?

Thanks.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

If your facility lacks an interpreter phone or interpreter service you are pretty much out of luck. There is no way you can learn every language. If your employer is certified by Joint Commission I wonder how they are living up to the standard set for cultural sensitivity, HIPAA, informed consent, etc

[harnof]

To Classicdame,

Thank you for your response.

Part of the problem isn't as much intrepretive as it is Passivity by both client and PCA who are both of the same culture.

I have difficulty getting clear information from them ( when did you last see your Dr.)

My frustratiton is that almost all of the client's don't seem to care and the PCA's just look at me as if to say the same thing.

Thanks again for letting me bend your ear...

[DogWmn]

Have you thought about pictures???? At least with a small notebook full of pictures to convey issues/questions you will at least cover your A$$ and you can document how you communicated.

[harnof]

Thank you so much!

Good idea.