Second Language Speaker

lala2017 · May 27, 2014

Dont be afraid, as long ad you understand the mAterial and can do the work you will be fine, just because one person previously did not pass does not mean it was because their first lang was not english, it could have been because they did not study enough, or had too much going on and was not focused. Im assuming the director did not and cannot go further into why they did not pass, so do not dwell on someone else. Stay focused!

Heliantus · May 27, 2014

Yes, I speak a second language. I'm in my second semester(one more week left hooray), and I'm doing okay. I get high 80's on my tests: I could do better, but I'm also a mommy to a toddler, and life gets in the way. Back to your question I do not see a reason how this could stand in your way. I don't know which state you're in, but I'm from a state where everyone is a foreigner. What you put out is what you get back, so work hard, and you will absolutely succeed.

cracklingkraken, ASN, RN · May 27, 2014

I agree with lala. Just because English is your second language, it does not automatically mean that you won't be able to complete the program. I know someone who came from a foreign country in the beginning of high school, studied her butt off, and was able to complete nursing school and is now a CRNA. As long as you can understand the material and apply that knowledge, I think you will be just fine. :) Plus, speaking Spanish will be a plus when communicating with patients (depending on your area). Good luck!

RunBabyRN · May 27, 2014

I think it has more to do with your fluency in English than in which language you're more proficient. I've seen plenty of ESL students and nurses be very successful. Just depends on how much you struggle with the complex language of nursing school. :)

christina731 · May 28, 2014

Hi,
I wanted to ask this question to anyone who has knowledge or has gone through this issue. I was admmitted to the nursing program and today I had my orientation part 1. I asked to my Nursing Director if she has had any second language speakers in the nursing program before and she said "yes" I asked her if these people who were second language speakers had passed the program and she said "no." This was really hard for me to hear because I'm an English Second Language Speaker. My first language is Spanish. I really want to become a nurse but I'm scare not to pass the classes because I speak a different language. I don't want to spend time and money going to nursing school if I'm going to fail. I was wondering if you know or if you are a second language speaker who has completed the nursing program successfully. I would appreciate any information you can give me.
Thank you

I don't think there's any reason to compare yourself to the student that supposedly did not pass because English was not their first language. Keep your chin up and do your best, I'm sure you will do fine. Being an ESL student doesn't mean automatic failure.

Guests · May 28, 2014

The nice thing is that English and Spanish are so similar - and so much of medicine derives from Latin (and Greek) terminology - that it shouldn't be an insurmountable challenge.

You don't need to possess native-speaker English skills but they need to be pretty solid. Are yours?

Guests · May 28, 2014

I would also point out that the teacher is probably wrong... and probably doesn't even realize how many ESL students she's had.

I know a number of people for whom English is not their mother tongue and yet are able to converse in English without difficulty and without revealing that they are ESL