Language impacts many aspects of Nursing care. Communication builds trust and rapport with patients, and trust eases anxiety during the hospital stay. During my shift, I try to bridge the gap between language barriers that may hinder me from performing quality care. Language barriers create challenges throughout the shift learning simple phrases and using the translation services are extremely helpful. Starting with soy tu Enfermera, I am your nurse. The night usually goes as follows.
Beginning of the shift
Upon entering the room, I give the patient a heart-warming introduction. Beginning with my most fluent Spanish phrase, “Hola senior/ senorita me llamo Taylor.” I have been saying this since Spanish I, sophomore year of high school. That phrase combined with my newest, favorite phrase.
Soy tu enfermera por la noche.
The patient usually smiles and nods in understanding, and I feel accomplished. When walking out of the room after the shift report, I sigh, anticipating the night’s events (especially if the patient is confused). Quickly, I adjust my attitude as the off-going nurse grabs me for the report on the next patient.
Upon returning to the patient’s room, I have already taken care of my other patients, expecting to spend more time ensuring the patient receives the care needed. The translation service is ready. I am confident and prepared. After going through my assessment and administering medication, I make sure the patient understands how to use the call light, and my initial round is complete.
Mid-shift
When checking in on the patient throughout the shift, I use phrases such as necesitas algo? Quieres agua o jugo? Tienes calor? Usually, it’s frio, and I give them another blanket.
Occasionally when rounding, a patient has an immediate request to be fulfilled and will begin speaking rapid-fire Spanish. I attempt to listen. Eventually, succumbing to the limitations of the language barrier, I search for the best way to tell them “no entiendo.” I explain to them in English that I would return with either the translation service or I would call one of my amazing Spanish-speaking coworkers if they were free. The patient searches for the best way to tell me;
No entiendo.
If I were an anime character, my coworkers could see my face shadow and cross-popping veins while I struggle to relate. As four o’clock in the morning rolls around, the patient begins to understand my weird mix of Spanglish. Communication is a bit easier. They’ll ask me how to say words in English, and I’ll ask them how to say phrases in Spanish as I’m cleaning them.
By the time dawn approaches, they thank me and my efforts, “gracias por todo.” My weary eyes smile, cheeks are pushing my mask upward. I grab their hand and tell them, “De nada, que tengas un buen dia.”
Y me voy.
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Christy B says
You are helping many! Good care goes beyond verbal language.
Tayッ says
That is such a great point because quality care is multifaceted! Thank you, I appreciate your feedback!