The Interpreter reflects the mission, vision, and values of Northwestern Medicine (NM), adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.
Conducts medical and general interpreting for patients and their families, physicians, and the healthcare team in accordance with the National Standards of Practice of NCIHC designed to facilitate the language needs at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Assesses and monitors patients’ understanding of information conveyed, and serves as a cultural mediator. Records and monitors interpretation activities according to department standards. Makes decisions regarding prioritization of multiple requests received at one time.
Responsibilities:
- Medical Interpreting:
- Provides medical and general interpreting services to patients, family members, support persons and healthcare providers and other staff in accordance with the National Standards of Practice (NCIHC). This includes interpreting during consultations and diagnostic testing; medical procedures and operations; the consent process and educational forums. Ensures that the patient’s and family’s needs are communicated to healthcare providers and staff.
- Screens multiple requests for interpreters and prioritizes requests based on urgency of need.
- Assists the healthcare team in problem solving and complaint resolution related to the limited English-Proficient population.
- Participates in ongoing professional development to maintain practice in accordance with professional medical interpreting standards.
- Communication and Collaboration:
- Initiates and develops positive relationships with patients, visitors, healthcare providers, fellow interpreters and staff, exhibiting respect, flexibility and cooperation at all times.
- Serves as a cultural mediator, as necessary and when appropriate, to enhance communication between American culture staff and native culture patients/families, as it relates to medical care.
- Supports and participates in the continuous assessment and improvement of the interpretation services program.
- Assists with other departmental functions as assigned
- Actively participates in staff meetings and mandatory in-services.
- Documentation:
- Maintains documentation of all interpretation encounters, to include relevant data such as location, duration, and purpose. Documents all interpreting encounters accurately and completely, including patient refusals of interpreting services.
- Maintains accurate records of productivity, work volumes, and interpreting requests.
- Additional Functions:
- Proven software competencies (Excel, Word)
- Adaptable to relevant software necessary for data tracking and trending