Enhancing verbal communication skills and promoting effective socialization of newly hired Spanish-speaking registered nurses.

Eight Spanish-speaking registered nurses from Puerto Rico were hired at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, DC. Verbal communication with patients and staff was difficult for these highly skilled, competent nurses. This article describes a program to improve English language skills provided for the orientees. Such a program can assist staff development educators to attract well-qualified, professionally satisfied staff nurses during acute shortages in hospital settings.