Care Provider Focus: Caring enough to learn the language
Debbie (fourth from left) with host family and other students
In an ongoing effort to be better able to communicate and explain medical information to all of her patients, Debbie Van Winkle, an RN in Cascade Valley Hospital's Acute Care, challenged herself to travel alone to a Medical Spanish School in the quaint fishing village of La Paz, Mexico. Dropped off at Sea-Tac Airport with a kiss from her husband and an admonition to "be safe," she realized she had no idea of what she would face during her two-week sojourn.
At 10 that evening a shuttle driver dropped her off at the front door of the home-stay family arranged by the school. The family did not speak English and her Spanish could "barely get me through a Mexican restaurant menu." Somehow the graciousness of the Hispanic community and her home-stay family buoyed her through the next two weeks.
After renting a bicycle, Debbie navigated her way around the city with her backpack brimming with the essentials of an American Gringo: peso conversion chart, ATM card, map, and bottled water. During the week she attended classes with other American and Canadian students, re-learning the basics of the Spanish language they had managed to lose since high school.
"Each day I found opportunities to utilize what I had just learned in class. I spent breakfast and lunch with my 'family', studied in my bedroom during the hottest part of the afternoon. Then I hopped on my bike for a tour of a different part of the city. I would eat dinner at restaurants I discovered or that locals or other students recommended."
The whole philosophy of an "immersion" program such as this is to be surrounded in the language and culture; to be compelled to use the language to negotiate one's self through a typical day. Shopping, dining, seeking directions, are all a challenge--a challenge Debbie enjoyed and thrived in. Her two weeks ended with a bittersweet sense of accomplishment. She had learned to use the basics of a second language, met some new friends, and survived in a country with a culture and conditions so unlike home. The teachers at Se Hable La Paz had admonished on a daily basis the importance of "Practica, practica, practica. Es muy importante." (Practice, practice, practice. It is very important.)
Upon returning to the States, Debbie was concerned about how best to help those needing medical care and struggling with a foreign language--English. She also wanted to retain and further develop her knowledge of the Spanish language. Dr. Erskine to the rescue! This physician at the Sea-Mar Clinic in Marysville encouraged Debbie to join their clini, where 50 percent of the patients speak only Spanish. She now works in the clinic two days a month as a triage nurse. While still depending upon the Spanish-speaking staff when necessary, Debbie attempts to use the language and understand patients before resorting to an interpreter.
"I have leaps and bounds to go in making this language a true and useful tool in my nursing belt, but my desire to communicate with and educate my patients drives me forward in this pursuit. Fortunately the Spanish speaking community has been very, very gracious!"
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only. It should not replace a visit with your health care professional. Call your doctor if you need more information or have additional questions.