Should I take Spanish?

[vflipo]

I've been looking at jobs thinking about the very distant future (since I haven't even started) and noticed a lot of places look for bilingual. I figure here in AZ especially there's a lot of spanish speaking patients/families. Would taking spanish increase my chances of getting a job/better pay once I graduate? Has anyone else taken spanish in conjunction with the nursing program, or while you're waiting to get in? If so, where? I'm looking at RIO and would like to know if anyone has experience with the online spanish classes and how easy/hard they can be... thanks

[prmenrs, RN]

It may increase your job opportunities, but probably not your pay. More important is that learning Spanish will make your work-a-day life infinitely easier.

[MsBruiser]

I'm fluent and in the medical field, at least, never received a cent more for it. In the business world, a different story.

The best way to learn a language for practical purposes is through conversation. So online is not the way to go - you need as much face time as possible practicing your oral communication. I think Phoenix College offers some oral Spanish classes.

[prmenrs, RN]

Re: rolling your "r's"---don't get hung up on that. We have a very similar sound in English that will get you going. Words w/double t's or d's in the middle like "middle", "letter", "butter" are similar to a single "r" sound. You can use that sound to get started. People actually quit taking Spanish cuz "I can't roll my "r's".

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

Go for it. It's fun.

:)

[AZMOMO2]

I'm enrolled for the Medical spanish at Rio as well. Not sure if I want to take it right now... but it may be worth it so you can communicate with the population.... at least thats what I think.

[caliotter3]

I'm in an area where Spanish proficiency is helpful also. I'm planning on taking it again and also am looking to take a medical Spanish course. It certainly wouldn't hurt your job qualifications, especially if you become proficient.

[groovy jeff, RN]

Take it now because you won't have time to take it in NS!! My intention is to take it once I graduate. Stay groovy!

[island40]

I learned a lot while working at the Douglas hospital (SEAMC) but it would have been a lot easier on my bilingual workmates if I had known a little to start with. Simple things like, are you thirsty? In pain? Show me? really help when working with a population that doesn't speak English.