Pictured at the completion ceremony are back row: Monica Sweatt: Mimbres Memorial Hospital HR Generalist; Johanna Gramer, hospital GR Generalist; Susie Nolte, hospital administrative assistant; Joy Harrell; hospital Chief Nursing Officer; Steve Westenhofer, hospital Chief Executive Officer; Dr. Magdaleno Manzanarez, WNMU Vice President for External Affairs; Dr. Miguel Narvaez, WNMU professor and course instructor; Frida Gonzalez, course instructor; Christine Staley, WNMU Executive Assistant; and Manuel Rodriguez, Language Institute Director. Pictured in front row are course participants Frank Gramer, Camille Coloma, Sam Barion, Donna Cruz, Maryann Portiz, Martha Cabrera, Tayna Miller and Bill Delaney.
Deming, NM - A brave, first class of students participated in the first offering of a new Spanish language class offered through the Language Institute at Western New Mexico University.
The Deming-based hospital reached out to WNMU in an effort to increase the Spanish proficiency of its employees, some employees who are often facing life and death situations with patients whom only speak Spanish.
"Our employees will be able to communicate more effectively with our patients and the patient experience will become more personal," said Johanna Gramer, Mimbres Memorial Hospital Human Resources Director.
The first class of students included nurses and administrative level employees. The Level 1 Course was taught over several weeks covering 15 hours of class time. Students learned basic phrases helping them better understand patients who often speak through a translator provided by the hospital.
Frank Gramer, Therapy Director at the hospital, has worked in Deming for eight years. He was born and raised in Michigan.
"I was uncomfortable attempting to use the language but I am more confident now," said Gramer, one of eight students that completed the first course. "We learned so much in eight weeks that it is unbelievable. I am going to the next class and will continue going as long as they will let me go."
The partnership includes class expenses covered in large part by Mimbres Memorial Hospital. A new set of Level 1 classes will begin on April 8 and a more advanced speaking class will begin on April 15.
The Language Institute is looking to expand these courses to other businesses in Luna County.