Should I Learn Spanish?

[MauriceLPN]

I am a new nurse and will not be able to begin my career for a few months due to an obstacle. I am seriously considering taking this time to learn Spanish as I believe it will make me more valuable to future employers. This is a major decision as I will be taking away time from other areas of my life. Please I will appreciate any insight from healthcare professionals. Will this decision increase my value? If I had to choose between speaking Spanish and working to buy a car for reliable transportation what should I do?

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Not much as one cannot become fluent at the healthcare translator level in a few months. It will be helpful if you take conversational Spanish so you can converse but you likely won't be qualified to translate or interpret in a few months.

Honestly Id go to work & make $$$ as reliable transportation will increase your opportunities more than a semester of Spanish. Especially as a new grad.

[jennycRN]

Agree with PP on this... A credential such as 'medical interpreter' or 'bilingual in Spanish' is extremely valuable to an employer but those of us who claim to speak 'conversational Spanish' are a dime a dozen and it won't set you apart in any meaningful way even if you become quite proficient.

Go for the car! That being said, any effort to learn Spanish will greatly enhance your nursing practice (if you work with Spanish speakers). A consistent effort of a few minutes a day will reward you more than expensive courses or materials. There are many free and cheap online learning materials and podcasts to get you started.