While over 90% of Filipino nurses already possess bilingual skills, fluent in both Filipino and English, one might wonder if adding another language to their resume is truly beneficial.
The demand for Filipino nurses has been consistently high across the globe, especially in English speaking countries like the USA, Canada, the UK, Ireland and Australia. However in recent years, we have seen Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Japan hire from the Philippines; with Germany leading the pack followed by the Netherlands.
So is learning German or Dutch a good idea?
First off let’s understand where these languages are used.
German Language
Officially, there are six German speaking countries in Europe:
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- Germany – more than 80 million speakers
- Austria – 8 million speakers
- Switzerland – 4.6 million speakers
- Belgium – 75.000 speakers
- Luxembourg – 390.000 speakers
- Liechtenstein – 35,000 speakers
In addition, German has official status and is a recognised minority language in the following countries: Italy (Bolzano/Südtirol)
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- France (Alsatian)
- Czech Republic
- Hungary
- Denmark
- Poland (Silesia)
- Russia
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Vatican City
Dutch Language
Dutch is in eighth place in the European Union by number of native speakers, with around 24 million people. The two biggest groups of native speakers are the 17 million people that live in the Netherlands and the 6.5 million in Belgium.
Apart from Netherlands and Belgium, Dutch is officially spoken on the following territories
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- Curaçao
- Saint Maarten
- Aruba
- Suriname
Now that we understand where these languages can be used, let’s delve into some of the most significant benefits of being a multilingual Filipino nurse
Improved Patient Care
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- Effective communication is vital in nursing. By knowing multiple languages, Filipino nurses can better understand and cater to the diverse linguistic needs of their patients, leading to more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.
Enhanced Cultural Sensitivity
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- Multilingualism often comes with a heightened understanding of various cultures. Filipino nurses who speak multiple languages can approach their patients with greater cultural sensitivity, ensuring more inclusive and respectful healthcare.
Personal Growth and Cognitive Benefits
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- Several studies have shown that multilingual individuals have improved memory, better problem-solving skills, and enhanced concentration. These cognitive advantages can be invaluable in the fast-paced and demanding environment of nursing.
Professional Networking
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- Being multilingual opens doors to connect with healthcare professionals from different linguistic backgrounds. This can lead to enriching professional interactions, collaborations, and learning experiences, further enhancing a nurse’s skill set and knowledge.
Boosted Professional Reputation
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- In the global healthcare community, multilingual nurses are often seen as highly sought after assets. They not only bridge language barriers but also reflect an openness to learning and adaptability, which are essential qualities in nursing. This can also lead to having a language premium pay.
Greater Job Satisfaction
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- Being able to communicate in a patient’s native tongue can lead to deeper connections and trust. Such interactions can be rewarding, leading to higher job satisfaction for Filipino nurses.
Ease in Global Conferences and Training
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- Many international nursing conferences, seminars, and training programs are conducted in languages other than English. Being multilingual allows Filipino nurses to participate actively and gain knowledge from these platforms without the barriers of language.
While the inherent nurturing quality, unmatched professionalism, and dedication of Filipino nurses are already renowned worldwide, adding multilingualism to their repertoire can further elevate their position in global healthcare. It’s not merely about speaking multiple languages; it’s about bridging cultures, ensuring effective patient care, and standing out in the global nursing arena.
Curious about job opportunities that require language training? Feel free to send your CV to [email protected] and one of our specialists will get in touch with you for an initial discussion.
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