Any advantages in marketplace for bilingual nurse?

[Russ&Caro 1,549]

After 1.5 years of study of both English and pursuing certifications in Assistant Nursing and Phlebotomy, my wife is preparing to enter the job market.

 

Just curious if others have found speaking English and Spanish as a nurse or assistant nurse has given them more opportunities, better pay, better shifts, better bennies, etc. Of course, I understand that any leverage that a bilingual candidate might have relates to living and working in a bilingual place - which applies in this case as we live in New Mexico.

 

I was surprised by her experiences in the practice portion of her education out in a laboratory. She related stories how customers would come in who spoke only Spanish, and if the 1 staff person who spoke Spanish happened to be on break or off shift, then the others pretty much looked to my wife to translate - and she was the non-paid student in those situations.

Edited April 18, 2017 by Russ&Caro
add for clarification

[Ben&Zian 4,398]

In most southern states it is a bonus, but don't think it is any financial benefit or anything. 

 

 

[databit 328]

Many hospitals offer a wage differential (slightly more per hour) for bilingual Spanish, but most outpatient medical or lab offices do not.