Spanish resources for psych nursing?

[SwampCat, BSN]

Yesterday we admitted a kiddo that is Spanish speaking only. Our facility is not particularly capable of handing this, and these past 24 hours have shown that our unit is probably the most poorly prepared unit in our facility. I made a cheat sheet of basic info (Sit down, this is quiet time, raise your hand, hands to yourself) but this obviously has become nothing more than mere babysitting. How am I supposed to have a conversation with this child about his SI if no one can translate? I would like to take a crash course in Spanish. Medical Spanish is probably not what I need, so what do I do? Is there such things as a Psych specific Spanish class?

[momof3lv]

Do you not have a translator phone? Other than that there are some apps on the iPhone that will translate what you say into the other language and vise versa. I never really used one but I know some people who like it. I would assume that only a certified translator or the phone is technically the official way to proceed.

[SwampCat, BSN]

Nope, no translator phone. I tried the translation app on my phone but it had a hard time understanding the kiddo. He doesn't get "hablar despacio". But I also think this would be a good thing to learn. This is my first fall semester in 7 years that I haven't taken a class, so I feel the need to learn something :)

[marshmallowstar, BSN, RN]

My understanding is under Title VI if your hospital receives medicaid/medicare funds it is required to provide a translator. My hospital has an interrupter come on site from 8am till 10pm for psych because the interactions are so varied, you can't get the pt to speak on the translation phone if they're escalated (I understand you don't even have the phone ) I would speak with your patient advocate/ombudsmen, it's not fair to your patient to receive such subpar care and it's potentially dangerous for staff and patient.

[SwampCat, BSN]

I didn't know that. I will ask this morning. Thanks!

[greenbeanio]

As a last resort, if you have a laptop, take it over to the kid and start using Google Translate. You will get some funny looks from him because the translations can be pretty hilarious and awkward, but at least he will get the gist of what you're trying to say and vice versa. Also, he will see that at least you're trying. Google Translate will also sometimes say the phrase for you.

[SwampCat, BSN]

Yeah I used Google translate on my phone and we had some dialogue. The problem was getting him to slow down so I could look up different words. An ADHD kid does not understand "hablar despacio".

I was told that we have "access" to a translator, but it is "quicker" and more "efficient" to use our own translation device. Thankfully we had a Spanish speaking tech on our sister unit who was able to come during one crisis. It was then we realized it was a defiance issue moreao than a language barrier

[twinkerrs]

They have to give him treatment in his language. They can lose their Medicare medicaid funding if they do get someone in there and quick. The apps may be good for a few things but he has the right to understand and be understood. Demand an in person translator. That is what my hospitals do immediately. I think one has to be present within 24 hours of admission.

[elkpark]

As already noted, the facility is obligated by Federal regs to provide an interpreter. Insist on having one.