The Powerful Gift of Languages in Service

This month I was able to have multiple meaningful experiences with the patients who I was able to meet and help provide care to. But, one experience in particular stands out. A mother and her daughter came into the wound clinic needing attention for the mother's leg that hasn't healed from a knee surgery that took place almost a month ago. They didn't know english well enough to communication with the nurse. The doctor was able to communicate with them in their native language, and they were able to feel comfortable in this new environment and with the care that they were able to receive. After the doctor was finished with his visit the wound nurse and I stayed to bandage the wound back up. I was able to talk with the patient about patient about some of the important things that the doctor had mentioned to her, because I have learned that language. The mother and the daughter was so happy to feel welcomed and understood in the clinic while they were able to receive the care that she needed.   From this experience I learned about the feelings that are often, really almost always attached to healthcare and seeking help. Imagine being in a new country, with a new language, different ways of doing things. Even people who are from the local area, speak the prominent language, and are familiar with the layout of the hospital or the clinics experience this stress and anxiety about going to seek medical attention and consultations. It is such a cool opportunity to be in these setting to work with people in some of their most worrisome and stressful moments in their lives.
- Elle Crandall