Student Blogs

By Koralys Rodriguez

Good communication skills are very important when working in a diverse environment. It is the foundation or cornerstone of our interaction with our patients, effectively choosing the best words to help them feel secure. As a result, communication brings us closer to them.

During my years of working in healthcare, I have encountered countless patients who speak very little English or none at all. I have been lucky enough to be raised fluent in English and Spanish, as it has been valuable when communicating with Spanish patients.

Official translators are rare in the hospital setting, and electronic translation services can be inefficient. Despite this, we owe all of our patients the best care we can offer to them. So I’m here to share some of the most important Spanish phrases to know as a nursing student:

Hello, my name is ____________ and I’ll be your nurse.

Hola, me llamo ____________ y soy su enfermera (o).

I am here to help you.

Estoy aquí para ayudarle.

I’m sorry, I don’t speak Spanish.

Lo siento, no hablo español.

What is your name?

Como se llama?

Are you in pain?

Tiene dolor?

Where?

Dónde?

Please stand up/Please sit down.

Parece, por favor. Siéntese, por favor.

Breathe deeply.

Respire profundamente.

Do you need to use the bathroom?

Necesita usar el baño?

Use the call light if you need help.

Use el botón para ayuda.

I am going to take your temperature/blood pressure.

Le voy a tomar su temperatura/presión sanguínea.

Would you like something to drink or eat?

Quiere usted algo de tomar o tiene hambre?

What medicines are you allergic to?

A qué medicinas tiene usted alergia?

Do you have any family that you want us to call?

Usted tiene algún familiar a quien podamos llamar?

Common illnesses/symptoms/body parts to ask about:

(a) None (b) Diabetes (c) Heart (d) Lungs (e) Kidneys (f) Ulcer (g) High blood pressure (h) Seizures (i) Arthritis

(a) Ninguna (b) Diabetes (c) El corazón (d) Los pulmones (e) Los riñones (f) úlceras (g) Presión alta (h) Convulsiones (i) Artritis

Becoming an official translator for a hospital takes separate certifications. Certified translators are still necessary when it comes to translating documents, interpreting procedures, and more. For more details about this, you could check out your hospital’s policy. It is important to keep this in mind for legal purposes. But don’t let this stop you from using basic Spanish for routines like assessments, hourly rounds!

This list is far from being comprehensive, but it can take you a long way if a Spanish translator isn’t available. Whatever language it may be, always try to imagine yourself in your patients’ shoes. Imagine being in an overwhelming environment while you’re sick or hurt. Knowing and having knowledge of your patient’s native language will give them comfort that will ensure them that you really care for their situation. This, to me, is quality care!

 I hope these phrases will stick with you when you encounter a Spanish speaking patient!