Maria Parham Nurse Receives Significant Certification

6/20/2011

Pauline Liles, RN, BA Ed., the Spanish Patient Educator for Maria Parham Medical Center, recently received notification that she had met the requirements to become certified in Medical Interpretation through CCHI (Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters).  CCHI is a not-for-profit certification body whose main mission is to develop and administer a national, valid, credible, vendor-neutral certification program for healthcare interpreters.  The pilot test for this certification was done in November of 2010, and Liles was selected in a nation-wide search as one of twenty individuals to be trained for and to assist in the grading of the verbal portion of the pilot test.

Liles speaks fluent Spanish and has assisted for several years with interpreting for Spanish-speaking patients that come to Maria Parham for their healthcare.  While individuals who interpret in the healthcare industry are often proficient in both English and their language of choice, they often lack the medical background and special training in cultural nuances.  Having someone who understands the slight difference in those from different cultures and linguistic groups is especially helpful, as this can make interpreting for them much more accurate.  Having the distinction of certification, as Liles has, assures patients that the one interpreting for them is a competent, qualified professional who is held to high standards.

The Joint Commission, a major accrediting body for healthcare organizations, will soon require hospitals to have interpreters with this specialized certification.