I remember having a prof in school with an accent that impaired our understanding of his lectures. We were upset because we were paying a lot of money for the class and didn't understand him. Pt's feel the same way. My family is from Scotland, the accents can be thick and difficult to understand if you're not used to the language. We have traveled out of country many times. In most countries they do not cater to Americans. We adapted to them. The only time there was an exception to the rule was when tourism and money was involved. But in main stream living, we adapted to them. And I might add, that was OK with me, it is their country. If I wanted to work in a hospital in Germany, I would need to speak fluent German or they would not hire me. If a German pt had trouble understanding me it was my problem not theirs.
however in my case I do not have to learn english I speak englishhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. Do u guys know other ppl from my country. We are an English speakiiiiiiiing country.
There is a HUGE variation in spoken English among English-speaking countries. Proficiency in language skills does not guarantee that you will be understood. As time4meRN mentioned, Scottish accents can be a big challenge for those not used to hearing them. I make use of subtitles when I watch a DVD from an English-speaking region I'm not accustomed to. That would include Northern Ireland, New Zealand, Wales, and others. Yes, I can understand a good part of the dialogue, but when they are talking fast or using colloquialisms, I need that little bit of help to stay on top of what's happening.
The people in these films are all speaking English, but regions have flavors and nuances and different pronunciations and, yes, accents, that require extra effort to get the meaning. That's true even here in the US where a couple of hundred miles can make a big impact.
English proficiency (mastery of language skills) is no guarantee that your spoken English (accent, regional dialect, etc.) will be understood.
I am from England when I speak to my patients I slow down my speech, use American vocabulary and clarify they understand me because I know that it is paramount for my patients to understand what I am saying as they are the most important reason I am in nursing and I do not want them to feel any more uncomfortable, frightened or nervous than they already are.
I also know when I have a pt who is hard of hearing they have even more diffuculty than others so I have to work extra hard to ensure complete understanding.
I feel it is my responsibility to ensure they understand me. I also let them know that it is ok for them to tell me when they dont have complete understanding and that I have no problem with them questioning me further.
There is a secret and a gift with communication and it is not just the accent it is the whole self I happen to be excellent with communication so my accent doesnt really play apart of my daily interaction with my patient.
Specializes in Home Care, Primary care NP, QI, Nsg Adm.
On the flip side, I am the only western nurse in a hospital where the language is Arabic. Being a mental health and addiction facility it can get a little difficult at times but I get through. Actually, many Saudis speak English. I have enough staff who can translate. I often use my voice....of......America.....English,,,slow and deliberate.
Even that's problematic! I do a lot of teaching (staff and patients) and I can't tell you how many times people look at me at the end of the lecture and say "I am not sure what you said, I was too busy listening to that lovely accent". Grrr... !!
Off-topic posts and responses to off-topic posts removed.
Will keep thread open for now, but if the majority of posts go astray, we'll take that as a sign that the subject has been covered, and there is not much more to say.
hahah I would take that any time any day! I am a foreign nurse and people can't even tell I'm not from here. I think it's dedication in one's part to be the best you can be. And I do believe it is frustrating when you can't understand someone specially when it is as important as your own health, the patient has the right to be able to understand everything related to his health, therefore effective communication has to take place.
time4meRN
457 Posts
I remember having a prof in school with an accent that impaired our understanding of his lectures. We were upset because we were paying a lot of money for the class and didn't understand him. Pt's feel the same way. My family is from Scotland, the accents can be thick and difficult to understand if you're not used to the language. We have traveled out of country many times. In most countries they do not cater to Americans. We adapted to them. The only time there was an exception to the rule was when tourism and money was involved. But in main stream living, we adapted to them. And I might add, that was OK with me, it is their country. If I wanted to work in a hospital in Germany, I would need to speak fluent German or they would not hire me. If a German pt had trouble understanding me it was my problem not theirs.