Through a teacher-research project, I examined the tensions that emerged while negotiating with the students the curriculum for a Spanish for healthcare professionals course. I explore the tensions related to four emergent themes: student-centred versus teacher-centred learning, self-efficacy versus laissez faire work ethic, communication versus accuracy, and process versus product orientation. These themes are exemplified and analysed through the presentation of narratives based on the data collected. I present insights gained from this research and suggestions for teachers interested in engaging in curricular negotiation and/or innovation. (Contains 1 table and 1 note.)