Addressing the needs of fellow Latinos in terms of medical care can be both gratifying and taxing at the same time. It takes dedication, experience and compassion to successfully do these. Being a Registered Latino Nurse, I have the characteristics and attitude to fully do all these. As communication is often a problem in caring for Latino patients, this would not be a difficulty for me since I am bilingual and proficient in both languages: English and my native tongue.
I can easily relate with patients, bridging whatever gap there is between other medical staff and patients. Receiving the patients’ concerns will not be a difficulty at all since I basically have the same cultural backgrounds of Latino patients. Knowledge of the cultural and racial background of fellow Latinos is also a great way in addressing issues that might not be normally addressed with non-Latino nurses and caregivers.It is also easier on my part to understand why Latino patients act the way they do compared to other nurses who might not be able to look at a patient in the same manner. Furthermore, being proficient in both languages will also help in the avoiding unnecessary or uncalled for delays which might inevitably become risks to the patients. Families of patients are more likely able to interact with Latino nurses than to those non-Latino ones.
Moreover, my experience as an emergency medical technician for five years has created and formed mutual respect between me and my colleagues.This in turn is crucial and beneficial to the patients as they will feel more confident that the nurse or medical staffs taking care of them is respected by his colleagues, thereby boosting patient-confidence with his or her primary caregiver. It cannot be reiterated enough that being professional while having a compassionate heart can do wonders to a patient’s recovery. Latino patients who are under the care of fellow Latino nurses will certainly feel secure that they are in the hands of experts and at the same time loving Samaritans.
