is a spanish course needed for nursing

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Sep 5, 2003

Spainish isnt a required class, but if you can swing it, it sure wouldnt hurt. We are all the time trying to find someone to interpret when we have spainish speaking patients because 9 out of 10 of the adults dont speak english. Usually it is a minor child who is in school here that interprets for the parent, unless we can call one of our paid interpreters to come in.

I have seen kids as young as 8 interpreting for a parent in the doctors office. So yes if you can learn it, become halfway fluent in it do it. It will save you a whole bunch of time and headache.

iliel · Sep 5, 2003

i don't know any schools where spanish is req. but it couldn't hurt. there are many areas of the country where spanish is as common as english.

Cs Jinx · Sep 5, 2003

Well actually i took spanish 101 and was now taking 102, and it is kid of confusing... so i think i will just drop it and move on. thanks for the info.. :kiss

TaraSC · Sep 5, 2003

In places like Texas, Spanish is very common, especially south Texas regions. I'm applying to about 5 different BSN programs throughout the state, but none require you to have spanish. One school recommends that if you take a foreign language as an elective, it should be Spanish. I actually took German:chuckle . I guess it's really up to you if you think you should take it if the school doesn't require it. It can't hurt to know more than one language whichever it may be.

Cheers!

Louie18 · Sep 5, 2003

I live in Michigan and wish I had learned it. I feel so helpless when I am not able to communicate with any person.

I'm Louie

essarge · Sep 5, 2003

Actually, the Spanish language is now the "2nd" language of the U.S.

I took two semesters of it and it has come in handy many many time when I worked in the ER and now on med/surg.

If you can do it, I would highly recommend it!

Roxie187 · Sep 6, 2003

I was thinking of taking a Spanish class myself. It's not required, but I personally think it's good to have under your belt.

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Sep 6, 2003

Some colleges require a foreign language as it is.

I plan on becoming fluent in Spanish due to the high Spanish population in this area. I can make another 5 bucks an hour for being bilingual.

Shamrock, BSN, RN · Sep 6, 2003

Being bilinguil is AlWAYS a plus.

Jen2 · Sep 6, 2003

I had four years of Spanish in H.S., so I'm pretty good with the language part. As one of my electives for nursing school, I took Spanish 131. It was a class that was based on culture and politics of the carribean. We learned all about how their governments work and their values, and ethics. What a great class to understand the culture and beliefs of these people. If I ever have a pt. from this culture, I am confident that I will be able to understabd and care for them better. My next step is to take a sign language class.

JudithL_in_NH · Sep 6, 2003

Because of my state's proximity to Québec, several nurses have told me it's an advantage that I can speak French, and, to be honest, it's only rarely necessary. In LTC you sometimes encounter a mémé whose Engish is pretty sporifice, or a family member from Canada inquiring about a loved one. But really, most of the Québeçois I've encountered speak fine English.

I can only imagine how useful that second language would be if your patient base has a large percentage of Spanish speakers!

With an eye toward the changing demographics, even in white bread NH, I'd like to work on my Spanish (had some in high school), but my school's Spanish classes all conflict with the required Nursing classes.