The Importance of English Language Proficiency for the Success of Nursing Education in Sri Lanka

Abstract

There is an ever-growing demand for Sri Lankan nurses to be recruited for work placements overseas. Before being considered for employment abroad, nurses who are from the English as a Second Language context are usually asked to provide evidence of English language proficiency. Therefore, there is a parallel need to enhance their English language skills with the demand. Hence, improving the English Language among nursing students is vital as they seek to meet future healthcare needs globally. This study aimed to identify the challenges faced by nursing students due to low English Language proficiency and recommend mechanisms to overcome those challenges. Academic writing, understanding medical jargon, communication in health care settings, reading and comprehension are some of the major challenges seen among nursing students. These challenges lead to Second Language Anxiety, poor academic performance, and higher dropout rates in nursing education programmes. Therefore, it is high time policymakers and the authorities of higher education get together and mitigate the challenges in English language learning among nursing students in Sri Lanka by developing proper mechanisms; making English a compulsory subject, improving the use of medical terminology, improving communication skills in English and providing financial support to pursue professional courses in English. This will enable the nurses to provide quality and sustainable health care for the patients and pave the way for a promising future for the nursing profession in Sri Lanka.