"Language Barrier" I AM CURSED!!

[oopymoss]

Hey, you guys!

Something about myself- I'm an international student, studying business in Australia for the past 11 months. English is not my first language. I've applied for a nursing programme and the University requires 6.0 bands in IELTS, which I have. I sent them all my academic documents and I got an offer letter!

Twist- After a couple of weeks they told me that I have to pass a test, in which I will have to prove my listening, reading, and writing skills. I even passed that exam too. Now, the pathway to my school is clear, but, when I was reading all you people's posts, it got me thinking that one needs to have strong communication skills and writing skills to succeed in nursing schools.

And then, I got depressed and thought that no matter how many tests I pass I will never be able to communicate with a patient as an English speaker does.

How the hell am I going to remember all names of those medicines and anatomy and all that stuff?

Will I be a good nurse?

How can I get rid of this fear of me not doing well in the programme?

I'd really appreciate some help.

P.S- please don't discourage my efforts by saying such things as- ha! You will never pass the programme, we've been speaking, reading, writing, listening English since our birth whereas you haven't.

[Hagazussa]

Hi ya :)

Well, I am a second year student here in UK. My first language isn't English either.

Regarding your question if you would be a good nurse, proficiency in a language does not make anyone a good nurse. You need to look at other qualities, such as emotional intelligence.

Most of the anatomical/medical terminology is actually Latin or Greek, so this will be something new to learn for most of the students, native English speaker or not. I guess that every university will have a department that offers help and support to students who may have additional academical/learning needs, might be useful to get you going with your assignments.

:) Good luck.

Julie

[LaughingRN]

If you speak as well as you write in English, you'll be fine:)

For what it's worth, I know many adults who cannot write as well as you do, and English is not only their primary language, it is their only language...

Don't stress ahead of time, see how you do!

I can only speak English, and trust me, pharmacology sounded like a foreign language for a longtime it was time and experience that helped!

[JenniferSews]

If you speak as well as you write in English, you'll be fine:)

For what it's worth, I know many adults who cannot write as well as you do, and English is not only their primary language, it is their only language...

Don't stress ahead of time, see how you do!

I can only speak English, and trust me, pharmacology sounded like a foreign language for a longtime it was time and experience that helped!

I couldn't agree more.

This really stood out to me-

I will never be able to communicate with a patient as an English speaker does.

I have worked with EASL nurses who were terrible, and those who were amazing. As long as you continue to work on your language skills you will be fine. You can do this, your written language has very few mistakes and shows a great understanding of the language. Keep it up!

[9livesRN, BSN, RN]

Brazilian here, and I will tell you what, just be confident and competent! try to be as clear as you can when it comes to pronunciation... and you will have no problems!!!!

[SAHMStudent]

I agree with pp. You write well, and clearly. If you are this articulate in person, you should be fine. I will also agree there are many native English speakers who are so grammatically incorrect and speak so poorly it makes me cringe. My father was an English professor, and though I've tried many times to forget his lessons :) bad spelling grates on my nerves.

Good Luck!

[nneokill175]

wow, i think you can write better than i can! lol. you shouldnt have any problems

[elkpark]

I've spent my whole career working with native English speakers who can't deal with anatomical/medical/pharmacological terminology (and they're all functioning successfully in their careers), so I wouldn't worry too much about that aspect of your studies. :) Best wishes!

[DolceVita, ADN, BSN, RN]

I think your anxiety will go away once you realize that most people in the program must learn the same unfamiliar terms and pronunciation as you. You English appears to be excellent.

Be excited -- I think you will do well.

[springing]

Err, your English skills seem excellent to me! I would never have any idea that you weren't a native English speaker if you hadn't said so. In fact, without being rude to my fellow allnurses members...you communicate much better than a lot of native speakers on these forums. Sometimes I am completely surprised that such-and-such person actually graduated from college...

If you worry about your accent, I recommend picking up a Pimsleur course. You'll be mimicking different phrases and sentences and if you really work at it, you can completely eliminate any accent. On the other hand, some people love an exotic voice :)

[sophie<3]

be confident in yourself!

nursing school is hard for every individual, no matter what language you speak! you just have to believe in yourself that you have what it takes to succeed and you have to be willing to give the effort that it takes. if you find yourself struggling with anatomy or pharmacology (the drug courses) then ask for help! find a tutor! there are many people out there that will go the extra mile to help you succeed but i will tell you that they will NOT come looking for you, you have to get out there and find them and ask for the help you need!

good luck to you

[One1, BSN, RN]

English is not my first (or second) language either. Don't worry, you'll do fine! As you go through your classes you will learn the new (medical) vocabulary like all other students. In fact, there are many medical terms that I now know in English (because I learned them here) but do not know in my native language because I never learned them there. That makes for interesting conversations with my family abroad..

Regarding pronounciation - I guess my pronounciation offers entertainment from time to time, but people always know what I am talking about and with time I usually adjust to the local pronounciation. I had years of Latin in high school so I pronounce a lot of medical terms differently. I don't insist on my pronounciation however - once I hear how locals say it I adapt to that pronounciation. Like I said, you'll do fine, don't worry!