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Before nursing and Spanish student Emily Baldarrago ‘22 began planning her Honors research thesis, she had identified language barriers as an issue that affected millions of people across the U.S.
For her research assignment, Baldarrago will focus on the importance of bilingualism in healthcare, specifically on Hispanic communities and how bilingual healthcare workers have positively impacted their experiences in comparison to patients that have had monolingual healthcare providers.
“Language barriers have been a real problem in the United States and have affected millions of people,” says Baldarrago. “Through my research, I have noticed that Hispanic communities are the areas that need the most support in having healthcare workers that are bilingual in both English and Spanish to help facilitate their treatment plan in the hospital or other health facilities.”
Baldarrago credits Joset Brown, assistant professor of nursing, and Megan Maguire ‘90, WP alumna and nurse practitioner who serves as a mentor to nursing students through the Career Development Center, with helping her accomplish her goals as an undergraduate student.
“Both have inspired me immensely to do my best in school and have motivated me to become the best nurse I know I can be,” says Baldarrago, who also serves as the president of Order of Omega, part of the Greek Honor Society.
After graduating, she plans to become a registered nurse with a specialty in either surgical, ICU, or labor and delivery. Eventually, Baldarrago hopes to return to school to become a nurse practitioner or advanced practice nurse.
“I strongly believe that WP has helped me become confident in my skills and has assisted me in feeling more comfortable speaking to patients and other nurses during my clinical rotations,” says Baldarrago. “I have been able to pick up knowledge on diseases, disorders, medications, and therapeutic interactions with patients.”
