What Is the Most Suitable Second Language for Nursing Students to Learn?
Knowing another language well can be advantageous for both you and your patients. Let’s explore the top second languages that nursing students can benefit from. Language barriers between nurses and patients can put patient safety and results at risk. Having good fluency in another language can greatly benefit your nursing career.
The best second language to learn depends on the languages most widely spoken in the areas where you work.
When we talk about “effective communication with patients,” we often think about updating them on their care plan, giving them proper education about their health, or maintaining professionalism while talking to them.
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But effective communication goes beyond just how you deliver information – it’s also about making sure patients truly understand.
Language is the most fundamental way we communicate. You can be clear and kind when you talk to patients, but if there’s a language barrier, the communication might break down. This is where knowing a second language comes in handy. Let’s look into the best second languages for nursing students and see why being bilingual is so valuable.
How Language Barriers Affect Patient Care
The group of patients is becoming more diverse, and healthcare must adapt to provide culturally sensitive care. Understanding workplace culture is crucial for nurses, and being able to speak different languages is just as important.
A review in the Oman Medical Journal from 2020 collected data from 14 studies across various countries. These studies highlighted the negative effects of language barriers on both healthcare workers and patients.
The results showed that language barriers can lead to poorer patient safety, lower quality healthcare, and less satisfaction for everyone involved. Some studies found that patients who couldn’t communicate effectively in the local language had worse health outcomes. In fact, patients with limited English skills were more likely to experience complications.
When nurses know different languages, these problems can often be avoided, especially if those languages are spoken by the community they serve.
Best Second Languages for Nursing Students to Learn
As a nursing student, picking up a second language could be a smart move. It won’t just boost your confidence when dealing with patients who speak that language – it can also lead to better patient outcomes.
But which language should you choose? According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Spanish (or Spanish Creole) was the most commonly spoken non-English language in 2019. Other languages like Chinese (both Mandarin and Cantonese), Tagalog, Vietnamese, and Arabic are also commonly spoken.
Here are a few second languages that could be useful for you and why they matter. Remember, the best language to learn depends on what’s commonly spoken where you plan to work.
Spanish
Learning Spanish can be really helpful since it’s the most common second language in the U.S.
Around 41 million people in the U.S. spoke Spanish at home in 2019. A 2021 report from the Migration Policy Institute (MPI) even found that, after English, Spanish was the most common language in all states except for four (Alaska, Hawaii, Maine, and Vermont).
Chinese
Learning Chinese could be valuable because it’s the third most common language in the U.S., after English and Spanish.
According to a 2021 Pew Research report, the Asian American population is expected to grow significantly by 2060, and Chinese is the most spoken language among this group. If you’re in California or New York, learning Chinese could be a good idea – these states have a high number of Chinese immigrants.
Vietnamese
Learning Vietnamese might be beneficial since it’s among the top five most common languages in the U.S.
The Pew Research report shows that Vietnamese Americans are the fourth fastest-growing Asian American group. Knowing Vietnamese could be useful because many Vietnamese immigrants struggle with English, according to data from 2018.
The Advantages of Learning a Second Language for Nurses
Learning a second language isn’t just good for patients who speak that language – it’s also great for your career.
Global Work Opportunities
Bilingual nurses might find more chances to work in countries where English isn’t the main language. You could work as a nurse in a foreign country or even take on emergency assignments abroad.
Local Job Openings
Knowing a second language could open up doors for you in the U.S. Many employers look for bilingual nurses to fill different positions – from bedside care to remote roles like telephonic triage or virtual health coaching.
Better Pay Potential
Being bilingual means you can also help as a translator in the healthcare team. Some employers might even offer extra incentives for bilingual services, but you might have to pass a language test first. According to ZipRecruiter data from June 2023, bilingual RNs in the U.S. make around $8 more per hour than those without language skills.
Your ability to speak another language can make a real difference for patients, your fellow healthcare professionals, and your career growth. Are you up for the challenge? Think about starting your language journey today.
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