Why is it that some CNA/LPN/RN think it's ok....

pagandeva2000, LPN · Mar 30, 2008

It may be difficult to state to people where they can speak their native tongue. If they are doing this during patient care, or directly in front of patients, it is uncomfortable for the client because they are constantly worrying about their health, and will become very suspicious if they suddenly see people speaking a language they don't understand, or even if the caretakers start speaking medical jardgorn they can't comprehend. Casual conversations between co-workers, however, is harder to control. This is why I say that I can't focus on it, unless I see gestures and other forms of non-verbal communication that seem to be threatening. If I see people pointing at me, using their middle finger, suddenly becoming quiet when I enter the area, smirks, points or whatever, then, I may state how I feel their behavior is targeting me and why. Otherwise, it has not been worth my energy to address.

It is the same as if I see other African Americans, and start speaking slang or ebonics, or Snoop Doggs "snizzle me izzle" language. Some people that see me speaking this way are shocked, because this is not how I address my supervisors or employees that really do not comprehend this. They may actually think that I am a gang member, but I am far from that. I am a homebody, read all the time and am a loner. But, I also automatically start speaking to other Black Americans in a manner we are more comfortable speaking in. Many times, I get patients that are gang members or street folks, and I noticed that some of the nurses that are naturally intimidated by hearing this sort of talk and come to get me to calm them down. When I speak to them, I realize that this person is not even remotely aggitated. Or if they are, I may have to start off with "Hey dude, it ain't all of that...let me break it down to you, homie"...doesn't mean that I condone aggresiveness, but it means that I can talk their talk.

Nursing is a multi-cultural vocation, I notice, and I see that we all bring our ways into it. If I can't understand it, and it does not involve the daily ebb and flow of my job performance, I have to accept it the same as they may have to accept me.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Mar 30, 2008

It is the same as if I see other African Americans, and start speaking slang or ebonics, or Snoop Doggs "snizzle me izzle" language. Some people that see me speaking this way are shocked, because this is not how I address my supervisors or employees that really do not comprehend this.

This is slightly off the original subject, but you're fortunate to possess the ability to 'switch' back and forth from speaking standard American English to communicating in 'Ebonics' or slang. I'm a black female who has never been able to do this. Although I grew up listening to slang and so-called 'black English' being spoken by my family, the only dialect I learned to speak is proper English. Thus, I lose credibility when talking to certain groups of people.

Oh, well. Meanwhile, back at the ranch... :yawn:

pagandeva2000, LPN · Mar 30, 2008

This is slightly off the original subject, but you're fortunate to possess the ability to 'switch' back and forth from speaking standard American English to communicating in 'Ebonics' or slang. I'm a black female who has never been able to do this. Although I grew up listening to slang and so-called 'black English' being spoken by my family, the only dialect I learned to speak is proper English. Thus, I lose credibility when talking to certain groups of people.
Oh, well. Meanwhile, back at the ranch...

:lol2:I remember you posting this some time before. It really became a necessity for me due to family members of questionable reput, to say the least, and the clientle I service at my hospital and the areas we visit in the summertime for health fairs. They are really some rough customers; the type that will take out a razor blade from their gums for petty reasons. I had to find a go between from speaking to make them understand without losing it's meaning to possibly saving my life.

I remember once a few years ago when I was a tech, we went to a health fair in one of the projects. We ran out of giveaways and they thought that we were being selective on who we gave the waterbottles to. I was working with a Punjabi Indian and a Philipino who lived a very sheltered life and I saw that they let their panic show. I had to "break it down", so to speak,by explaining that I felt that it was best to give the gifts to the children and the elderly because they are basically ignored, I found a way to calm them down and gracefully leave (although we were supposed to be there an extra few hours) , because I started seeing that they were making arrangements to start selling their drugs, and whatever else illegal they can get into. IOW, we had to get the he!! out of there before they started to refocus on us. They felt that they were being disrespected when one of the women got excited and said adruptly "We Have NO MORE...go away from us" (because she was afraid).

I have to laugh every time I think of that situation, because I had to say "Yo, bust this, dude...I felt that I had to look out for the seeds, the blood drops (the children of the gang members) and the pillars of hood and the old g's (the elderly). So, check, it, it ain't cool to diss them, you know what I'm feelin'...you got me??". That is not how I normally speak to people that have sense...but I saw where it could have gone and I planned to get home in one piece:yeah: I tell you...the things we put up with to make :twocents: ...

S3BW · Apr 25, 2008

I think you will continue to have the same problem that I have and I must say I agree with you. English should be spoken at all times on the job reguardless of what is being said (about what or who) I think it is not a matter of someone talking about anyone but a matter of comfort and preception. My employer her in FL has a policy that only english is to be sopken on the job unless the need to translate for a resident. I also have traveled and spent many years in the military. Each country expected there primary language to be spoken at all times unless it was unadvoidable. I must say that for co-worker to speak in there native tongue in front of you knowing that you do not understand them is VERY RUDE and should not be done.

DarciaMoonz, LPN · Apr 25, 2008

It doesn't bother me. I work with a team of spanish speaking cnas (whom I love) and I am actually slowly learning the language just from listening to them. I don't see why some people take it to heart. What is that you are trying to find out from their conversation. If it doesn't concern you and it is of private matters than why are you so curious and causing yourself undo stress to hear. To me it is just being plain nosy. Better yet how would you feel if you went to another country and they told you that you could not speak english in front of them? Maybe it is done out of respect to not offend anyone because what they may or may not be saying is laced with racy terms. This is supposed to be America, One of the most diverse countries in the world. We do have many foreign people here and they deserve the same respect of cultural practices as we do. Also some cultures are more animated when speaking than others, so what you may see as being a heated debate may be nothing at all. I say as long as they (geez I hate that term "they", it seems so impersonal) speak english when addressing any concerns to you or when gathering information to get whatever work assignment done, then it shouldn't be an issue. Did you ever stop to think that it may be easier for them to convey information to one another using their native tongue being that it has been spoken by them far more than our language?

caliotter3 · Apr 26, 2008

I've referred to a situation where a group of nurses and nursing assistants were talking very loudly about a resident who had complained about this practice. I was the only employee present who did not speak their language. The conversation was being held in English for my benefit as well as the benefit of the resident, who resided in the room next to the nurse's station. There was no place I could go to and I was aware that the resident could hear every word. The people engaged in this conversation were being very open in stating what they intended to do to the resident who had complained about them. I was only too happy that I was planning to leave this employment. I had been warned about the workplace atmosphere when I was hired. People like this are very rude and vicious and know it. They have no intention of changing their behavior and take great pride in their ability to get away with whatever they do. As far as they were concerned, they owned the place. Those not of this ethnicity always left after a certain amount of time. So, in fact, the administration only paid lip service to their "English in the workplace" policy. I knew better than to go to anyone with what I had heard. I knew that if I went against the majority (after all they were planning to harm the resident; in reality, I had a duty to report their conversation), that I would develop a bad reputation in the entire community and wouldn't be able to safely hold a job. Did I know that I wouldn't get any support from administration? You bet I did. I just took the easy way out and left the job. Would I do the same? Maybe. But now I have a license. I've reported wrongdoing and paid the price. I now weigh the consequences. Be quiet and get in trouble, or speak up and get in trouble. When one needs a job, one learns to put their qualms aside. Sad.

Ginger45 · Apr 27, 2008

What is really funny is when you understand the language and know what they are saying. Not that what they are saying does not hurt but it sure takes the wind of their sails when you answer them in their own language.

I vote for English! If I were in another country, I would use that language. :yeah:

nursingis4me · May 1, 2008

Omtime-saye ey-mey end-freys and eye-a eak-spay ig-pay atin-lay in ont-fray ofa ose-they oo-hay eakspay eir-they anguage-lay ithout-way egaurd-ray or-fay other-say.
(sometimes my friends and I speak pig latin in front of those who speak their language without regard for others). I think it is extremely rude to speak a language, at work, other then English. Just as whispering to another person is rude. Save it for your smoke break.
Oh, by the way- The pig latin thing always seems to work, they usually get the point and start speaking English.

LOL---that is so funny---LOL :yeah:

bjames_ging · May 1, 2008

hello kuya,

i know for a fact that im not in the right thread to ask questions. Im at lost where to post my questions. I just joined this site hoping to find relief in my agony. I am just a new member i know you are Filipino and i am hoping you and others can help me with my questions.I am just new here in florida. I am still in a crying,miss Pinas mode. I dont have a job. I dont know how to establish my career. I am planning to study CNA, LPN, RN. is there any free CNA trainings? Can i study RN right away or do i need to take up LPN first and then proceed to RN? Is there any hospitals or healthcare that accept LPN and RN students to work? Can i get a student loan, a grant even if my status is temporary and if yes, how can do it?I need your answers badly. Thank you guys! God bless us ol