"We want a nurse who speaks CLEAR English"

2 I'm currently a peds home health nurse and met with the parents of a client I might me working with. The parents have had bad experiences with foreign nurses mainly from African countries due to their accents. All through the meeting the parents kept mentioning how much they want a nurse who speaks clear English. The parents have had difficulty with communicating with these nurses that have led bad consequences. I have empathize with the parents but at the same time feel sorry for those nurses whom English is hard to understand.

I have worked with nurses and docs who were foreign with thick accents and know how challenging it can be, I can imagine how frustrated the parents may be.

What are your thoughts ? Last edit by NurseLoveJoy88 on Aug 8, '11
Why did they keep bringing up the subject with you if your English was clear? Even nervousness does not require bringing it up too many times. Hope there is no hidden agenda there that puts you in the middle of something that makes you uncomfortable.

Breakdowns in communication are where most errors arise. We have to be able to understand you, doctor or nurse. It's one thing if they wanted a nurse who spoke clear english because they don't like foreigners, but they have already had negative consequences due to communication issues so this is a perfectly valid reason.

I am assuming you are talking about being in the US. Since english is the "language" of our country I don't think it's out of line. I know others will disagree about english being the language here because so many areas cater to other cultures. I wonder if people could work on their accents by speaking slowly or some other means. When I took a math course the instuctor was from another country and he said he wanted to blend in more with the american culture and was self conscious about having an accent so he worked on it and eventually lost the majority of his accent.I have a hard time with people who have a thick accent and unfortunately believe errors can be made due to miscommunication. I try very hard and repeat back to make sure I understand what was said. Back to your question I believe they should be able to make that request. I know if I was looking for a new doc I would not choose one with a thick accent. I'd want somebody I'm comfortable with and could understand. If I am having a hard time understanding them, well, then they may also be having a hard time understanding me.

Quote from NurseLoveJoy88I'm currently a peds hh nurse and met with the parents of a client I might me working with. The parents have had bad experiences with foreign nurses mainly from African countries due to their accents. All through the meeting the parents kept mentioning how much they want a nurse who speaks clear English. The parents have had difficulty with communicating with these nurses that have led bad consequences. I have empathize with the parents but at the same time feel sorry for those nurses whom English is hard to understand. I have worked with nurses and docs who were foreign with thick accents and know how challenging it can be, I can imagine how frustrated the parents may be. What are your thoughts ?

Quote from caliotter3Why did they keep bringing up the subject with you if your English was clear? Even nervousness does not require bringing it up too many times. Hope there is no hidden agenda there that puts you in the middle of something that makes you uncomfortable.

I agree that while it may not seem politically correct, it is a very valid concern. Clear communication in the medical field is essential, and I applaud the parents for being up front with their needs.I can deal with a thick accent from the grocery clerk or my child's Spanish teacher: I can nod and smile when I really don't understand 100% of what they said. I can't afford to do that with my medical provider.

You know what I will throw this out there -People living in USA and do not speak english for 5-10-20-30 years AND get mad when you dont speak their language irks me the most. Why am I getting a frown from you when you're in MY country and not able to speak MY language? Why must I cater to you?They blame not knowing/speaking English on the fact that they have "right" to freedom and "right to health" so I am automatically responsible to learn their language?!The entitlement attitude needs to end. Only in America. And thus, its downfall.

I have issues with thick accents too. But will admit my issues with thick accents, regardless of where they are from, are entirely selfish. I have very little patience and hate asking the same thing over and over again. I also fear a mistake being made related to poor communication. I as a professional must accomodate and make an attempt to be gracious. Sad to say, the families do not and create a lot of problems for those still learning the language and various nuances called, American English. I believe it is the hardest or one of the hardest languages to learn. Foreign nurses need the time, to master it and we all need to be willing to assist them in any way we can. I notice many foreigners speak a multitude of tongues, while Americans insist on learning just one. What was your question again? Peace!

I can understand how this can be hard to deal with. Time and time again, they tell nurses to speak English at my job. Patient was non verbal and nurses speaking in another language. I think it is a big problem. BUT some jobs want you to speak Spanish. ?

I've worked with many, many professionals from other countries and I can count on one hand the number of them I have had difficulty understanding. It happens but it's rare. The fact that they have had a string of nurses they could not understand is.......odd. Maybe it's as Sandra Dee explained to Bobby Darin: "People hear what they see". You betcha Sandra.

Quote from RoyalPrinceYou know what I will throw this out there -People living in USA and do not speak english for 5-10-20-30 years AND get mad when you dont speak their language irks me the most. Why am I getting a frown from you when you're in MY country and not able to speak MY language? Why must I cater to you?They blame not knowing/speaking English on the fact that they have "right" to freedom and "right to health" so I am automatically responsible to learn their language?!The entitlement attitude needs to end. Only in America. And thus, its downfall.

Quote from SharonH, RNI've worked with many, many professionals from other countries and I can count on one hand the number of them I have had difficulty understanding. It happens but it's rare. The fact that they have had a string of nurses they could not understand is.......odd. Maybe it's as Sandra Dee explained to Bobby Darin: "People hear what they see". You betcha Sandra.