I was able to witness a nursing student stepping up and advocating for two patients during clinical. One patient who was completely Spanish speaking was unable to understand or speak any English. The individual was in severe pain, yet the nursing staff felt that there was something else bothering the patient that was causing them even more concern than the pain. One of our first-year students had shared with me a few weeks prior that she was fluent in Spanish. After describing this patient's situation to the nursing student, Carmen Echegary, she agreed to change her patient assignment and care for this patient instead. Shortly after providing basic level cares for this patient, Carmen was able to build rapport and trust. The patient confided to her that their biggest concern was not having been able to contact their employer to let them know why they were not at work. The patient did not have a cell phone and did not know the number for the manager from memory. Carmen helped the patient find the number so they could make that call and put their mind at ease. As the patient had no family present, Carmen provided understanding and comfort for this patient regarding the treatment plan as well.
Later the same shift, another Spanish speaking-only patient came back to the floor from having surgery. Carmen was able to communicate with this patient and explain what was going on with this post-operative recovery, once again seizing the opportunity to make a difference for a patient in need. With both of these patients, Carmen stepped up to calmly and professionally advocate for the patients and help to meet their immediate needs.