Final answer:
To communicate effectively with patients who have limited English proficiency, nurses should utilize interpreters for spoken communication and translators for written material. They should speak slowly and clearly and avoid making quick judgments about the patient's intent. Professionalism in communication is fundamental to good workplace practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
To ensure effective communication with a patient who speaks limited English, a nurse should engage the services of an interpreter to translate spoken words. While understanding the patient's language, including minor variations and distinctive dialects, might be ideal, it is often not practical. Therefore, having an interpreter is crucial to ensure clear and accurate communication. It is also important to avoid rushing to judgment regarding the patient's intent. Professional communication and etiquette are key components of workplace communication, which also include being patient and respectful while interacting with clients and team members.
Additionally, for written communication with non-English speaking patients, engaging the services of a good translator is essential to translate written words accurately. Alongside linguistic assistance, caregivers should practice speaking slowly and clearly, and be mindful of code-switching and the use of dialects that might affect how patients comprehend instructions and information.