Today I received an email from one of our clients who runs a medical facility, and I thought it was great information that our followers, and the interpreting community at large, should be aware of.
The email consisted of a policy notice for interpreters who work in settings where germs can easily be passed from one person to the next-—most specifically, medical settings.
The policy she mentioned was that during the cold and flu season, we must remain alert of who is sent to medical interpreting assignments. If an interpreter shows any signs of an ailment (rash, sore throat, fever, cough, and/or chills, etc.), he or she must not accept medical interpreting jobs until all symptoms have passed.
I know what you’re thinking: “Easy for you to say; I have to pay my bills!”
While declining interpreting jobs may be difficult in the short run, especially during the holiday season, preventing your cold or flu from spreading to someone with a weakened immune system may save a life. And isn’t that what medical interpreting is all about—-helping doctors and nurses keep people healthy and save lives?
