Study on Awareness and Challenges in Using English Language among Nurses in a Multispeciality Hospital, Chennai

Abstract

Background: Nurses these days face tough competition in their field. In order to sustain in the healthcare industry they have to augment their language and communication skills especially English language. Lack of improvement in their language impact the impression of hospitals. The success of an effective healthcare has been attributed to strong communication skills between the health personnel and the patients. Objective: To assess the English communication skills among the nurses in a multispecialty hospital. Materials and Methods: A study was done with a sample size of 150 among nurses to identify the level of English language among them and to further identify causes for poor compliance in using English for communication. The respondents were assessed with a questionnaire prepared after a pilot study. Results: From the study, it was revealed that there is a strong relationship among the respondents in the aspect of training programme in English and its effectiveness on them. Most of the nurses gave an opinion that the difficulties faced by them were mostly related to grammar and the biggest challenge faced by a majority of them is the fear they carry. It is found that significant majority are of the opinion that a regular class for English speaking and communication is necessary for nurses to improve their diction. Conclusion: Specific English tutoring classes is mandatory for the nurses and should also be combined with counseling sessions to overcome the fear of the language and speaking in English without inhibitions.