Currently, the global nursing shortage is in crisis. In fact, the number of Hispanics living in the United States is growing at an exponential rate. This has consequences on both American society and healthcare. As a result, healthcare providers are trying to recruit more bilingual healthcare professionals. Some hospitals are even paying their bilingual employees more than their non-bilingual counterparts! Therefore, hiring a bilingual nurse will make you more competitive in the nursing industry.
Increasing demand for bilingual nurses
A shortage of qualified bilingual nurses will affect the healthcare system throughout the US, but the shortage is even greater in states bordering Mexico. With a large Hispanic population living in the US, the healthcare system will have an increasing number of patients with limited or no English skills. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook, the number of nursing jobs will increase by 15% from 2012 to 2022, which is faster than the overall growth rate for all occupations. Bilingual nurses will be in great demand in the coming years, and you will find more opportunities for nursing jobs as a result.
There are several reasons why healthcare organizations would want to hire bilingual nurses. Bilingual nurses are more likely to have a diverse background and demonstrate cultural competency. Healthcare professionals are increasingly required to communicate effectively with different patients and respect their culture. In fact, one in four healthcare organizations is now advertising for bilingual nurses. That means that there is a growing need for bilingual nurses. Listed below are some reasons why there is a growing demand for bilingual nurses.
Impact of COVID-19 on the global nursing shortage
The impact of COVID-19 on the global nursing workforce is a major concern, with a critical need for a long-term action plan to resolve the crisis. Global nursing leaders published a report on the nursing workforce and identified the actions needed at the national and international level to help guide worldwide planning. The report also examines the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the nursing workforce, highlighting concerns about staff shortages and the reliance on international recruitment in some countries.
The report notes several challenges facing nursing staff in the face of the pandemic, including the need for personal protective equipment and the risk of infection and death. In addition, the global nursing shortage will be exacerbated as the demands for COVID-19 care far exceed the usual care for non-COVID patients. This multitudinous effect is expected to further increase nursing attrition and poor mental health.
Benefits of having a bilingual nurse
One of the greatest advantages of having a bilingual nurse at your healthcare facility is her ability to communicate with patients in their own language. This allows her to better assess patients’ conditions and find the most appropriate treatment. Additionally, a bilingual nurse understands the cultural and healthcare issues of her patients, which helps to improve communication and ease patient fears. The benefits of having a bilingual nurse in your healthcare facility are many, and are worth considering if you are considering hiring bilingual nurses.
A bilingual nurse is highly sought after in healthcare. Although English is the main language for most people in the U.S., a third of the country doesn’t speak it as their primary language. In the UK, there are currently 138,000 people who do not speak English at all, including immigrants and other minorities. This number doubles when undocumented people are included. In addition, bilingual nurses have higher job prospects than their monolingual counterparts.
Ways to recruit bilingual nurses
One way to attract qualified multi-lingual nurses is to offer a bonus for being bilingual. A nurse with a second language can be an asset in an underserved area. Many facilities need to ensure that all patients are treated as if they were from their own community. It is especially important that the nurses understand the cultural norms and beliefs of the patients they serve. Bilingual nurses can speak the language of the patients and ensure that the information they collect about them is accurate.
Many healthcare facilities and offices want to hire bilingual nurses to increase capacity. Hiring these professionals is a great way to show you are culturally competent. Bilingual healthcare workers are essential in every hospital setting as they are required to communicate with patients of various cultures and honor their cultural values. It is also possible to get top candidates for your job by using a nursing staffing agency. The agency will be able to identify candidates with bilingual skills and relieve the pressure of hiring the best.
