What would say to a nurse shadowing you

SleeepyRN · Oct 9, 2015

I've read and re-read your post, yet can't understand your question. There isn't enough info. Why is this other RN there with me while I'm working? That would determine how I would go about interacting with him/her.

Can I be safe to assume this is English as a second language?

Are you looking for dialogue that you want your students to translate or come up with? Oddly specific content.

cloa513 · Oct 9, 2015

Thank you for your reply. Yes it is English as second language. He is there for a visit for a few days to learn from a nurse's experience. I am looking for dialogue/ monologue that you have said or think you'd say. I am sorry I forgot to write you in the title- It should have been "What would you say or have said to a "nurse" shadowing you?" He has a month to learn to speak and listen at a decent level and he has only poor quality English learning from Japan's schools and only partly in his case- (Japan's English education is the worst of developed countries) and probably some decent English learnt from university.

RN403, BSN, RN · Oct 9, 2015

So the nurse is shadowing you to learn English?

cloa513 · Oct 9, 2015

He is shadowing a RN to learn nursing.

NOADLS · Oct 9, 2015

"Unfortunately, I won't be doing much nursing this shift as I am responsible for overseeing some new hires and doing performance reviews. I will find another nurse for you to shadow."

This won't work unless you're in a position that allows you to make such a call. My candycrush time must not be infringed on.

cloa513 · Oct 9, 2015

The trip is pre-agreed with much higher ups like the head doctor- its a party of 4 with 3 doctors visiting including the head of anesthesia. So you tell your boss that you think your job is a joke.

Postpartum RN · Oct 9, 2015

I don't understand the question

Anna Flaxis, BSN, RN · Oct 9, 2015

I am so confused.

Guest838984 · Oct 9, 2015

I'm confused too

cloa513 · Oct 9, 2015

Why? If a nurse say coming from overseas for a conference wants to see your work in your hospital ( say its known for good for treating burns). How would show your work? Describe how you say to take them around- simple as that.

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · Oct 9, 2015

We often had students who shadowed nurses as a school to work situation. It gives students the opportunity to think about if nursing is something they want to pursue out of high school.

I would prepare for this well ahead of time--because of the language barrier. I would ask that the facility provide a few case studies to the student. To also provide a packet of evidence based practice on burn treatment, and the nurse's role in the same. "Typical" patient education. The art of the assessment, and the role in pain control with burn patients. I would get this through the nurse educator at the facility the young man is visiting. Then he will go in at least with a foundation, understanding of what the nursing role on this unit is, and what they do.

I would also pair him with a Skype partner from the facility--in America, there has to be (at least in the larger hospitals) translators. The purpose would be to have conversation regarding the information in both native language and English. This will be his partner throughout this experience. His role would be to observe, then have a more meaningful conversation with the translator outside of the clinical area.

There is also a virtual high school experience you could look into to further this. There is more than likely a student who is also learning this young man's native language. Then it could be a conversation partner. This would be a general conversation, away from the work experience or nursing experience, to get comfortable with using English.

English is a very difficult language for many, as one word has multiple meanings and dependent on how it is said. Hence why a face to face (Skype to Skype) meeting is crucial. I would also suggest (dare I suggest) that youtube, American TV, even simple video education modules would also be of benefit.

The experience for him will be wonderful, but realistically, mostly observation. Rarely does a student who is shadowing get hands on--so that is why it is important to prepare well ahead of time with a partner.

I would also see if in your local hospital there is a nurse who is fluent in English that would like to act as a language tutor. Or a nurse in America who would Skype with this young man. You would be amazed at how small this world is, and any relatives, friends, etc. who would be willing to assist this young man in improving his English would be a good thing. If the student is going to a major city, there is more than likely a neighborhood that is culturally made up of people from your country. See what neighborhood options are available. Some have English classes that perhaps can be conferenced in. There are groups, community organizations...lots of things. Use these references to connect the student to some cultural support.

Best wishes, and let us know how it goes!! It is an amazing experience for this young man!