Question

17)   The Nurse must seek assistance from interpreters or other persons according to the communication needs of the client in the workplace. To ensure effective use of interpreter services Nurse must be trained in how to work with interpreters.

17.1)   Which clients need an interpreter? Provide 4 (four) examples.

17.2)   What seating position is most appropriate for 3 (three) people (you, interpreter and your client) when you are engaging an interpreter to communicate to a client?

17.3)   Outline 4 (four) considerations you must be aware of when booking an interpreter.

17.4)   Outline 4 (four) considerations you must be aware of when conducting a session with an interpreter and your client.

Answer 1

17.1 Four conditions that require an interpretator are:

- for patients with liguistic gap or lacking english proficiency

- for deaf or hard on hearing patients

- for patients with cultural or traditional issue interpretator serve as bridge between the pateint and the healthcare professional

- for patients with altered mental state

17.2 The seating between the nurse, patient and interpretator should such that it allows easy communication.

The most appropriate seating arrangement can be in a triangle or a circle. The interpretator can be made to sit by your side and just behind you. The distance between all three should equal.

17.3 When booking a interpretator you should consider following points:

- The first thing to consider is whether a interpretator is needed or not. If neede, do you need him on site or on call

- The interpretator should be professionally certified

- The interpretator should be reliable, focused and possess good communication skills

- if booking the interpretator for language reasons make sure he knows the language patient speaks and translate it properly to you

17.4 When conducting a session with interpretator following should be considered:

- educate the interpretator about the aim of the session

- the place where session is to be conducted should be quite and private

- seating arrangement should be such that it allows easy communication eg circle or triangle

- make sure to have conversion with simple clear and small sentences.