When the medical interpreter becomes the target of poor behavior, it's helpful to be prepared to respond appropriately and professionally.
Posts filed under Interpreter
Medical Interpreter Dress Code: What Not to Wear
This post in the series on a dress code fore medical interpreters focuses on colors, how to select them to your professional advantage and what to avoid.
Interpreting for Children and Parents
The purpose of this paper is to leave you with an overview of how pediatric encounters differ from adult ones, as well as a concrete set of strategies you can use in order to minimize the potential for errors and the stress associated with the encounter, while maximizing your accuracy.
Accuracy and Communication Styles - How can healthcare interpreters navigate between the two safely?
Rosanna Balistreri shares insights on her presentation for the 2014 California Healthcare Interpreting Association (CHIA) Educational Conference, which focuses on interpreting across communication styles, paralanguage and body language.
ID Badges: Don't crowd precious real estate
In the last post I introduced the idea of a dress code for medical interpreters. There is one thing that all dress codes need: The ID Badge.
Good Book on Interpreting in Healthcare May Have Wrong Title
Beverly Treumann shares insights on her presentation for the 2014 California Health Care Interpreting Association's Educational Conference, which focuses on the content of the California Standards for Healthcare Interpreters: Ethical Principles, Protocols, and Guidance on Roles & Intervention.
Medical Interpreter Dress Code: Integrity at a Glance
Following a dress code is about more than just style. It's about professionalism and integrity at-a-glance, critical things for medical interpreters.
Improve ER Operations: Learn the Challenges for Interpreters in Emergency Services
Jason Roberson summarizes his presentation “Interpreting in Emergency Services: Challenges for Face-to-Face and Telephonic Interpreters,” which he'll present at the CHIA 14th Annual Educational Conference.
5 Things I Know About Interpreting
Rashelle LeCaptain shares five givens when it comes to interpreting in healthcare.
Healthcare Interpreter’s Guide to Webinar-based Learning
As a healthcare interpreter, you have developed strategies to be as prepared as possible to navigate all the twists and turns of interpreting in a medical environment. But when it comes to your own professional development, have you developed strategies to help you navigate the world of professional development?
So Many Conferences, So Many Conflicts – But Wait!
Conferences offer great opportunities for professional development and the ability to connect with industry colleagues and pioneers. However, scheduling conflicts can sometimes get in the way. Here's a simple tip to making the most of an event you're interested in but cannot physically attend.
Treasure Box for the Healthcare Interpreter’s Senses
Healthcare interpreters’ senses are constantly bombarded with information. Sometimes this information is a cause for joy. Other times this information is a cause for sorrow. As part of an interpreter’s daily self-care practices, it is helpful to incorporate strategies that soothe and renew the senses.
Consistency Is Key When Interpreters Work with Medical Providers
Interpreters frequently express struggles with trying to get healthcare providers to use their services.. Many times the struggles are expressed only from the point of view of the interpreter. Very infrequently, is the perspective of the healthcare provider considered.
Interpreter Self-Care: Being affected by what you do
Prior to becoming a healthcare interpreter, I was informed of the many challenges that healthcare interpreters face in their field — the emotionally charged encounters; the unpleasant sights, sounds and smells; the odd hours and long shifts. I knew of all these and other challenges ahead of time, and, as such, was able to identify and respond to them reasonably well. I also knew that working in the field of healthcare would have an impact on me personally, but I was a little surprised about the self-discoveries I made.
Superpower Wish List for Medical Interpreters
Have you ever wished for a particular superpower to help you better handle interpreting encounters? I know I have. It might seem silly to daydream about having superpowers, but doing so can help to uncover superpower alternatives that are realistic and produce the desired outcome — even if it does take a bit more effort. Here are my top four.