Walkie Talkie

Nurses Relations

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Have you heard the term Walkie talkie used towards a completely independent ambulatory patient? Do you find it offensive?

Specializes in Gerontology RN-BC and FNP MSN student.
I'm also confused as to how 'non compliant' is putting a self formed opinion on people. They either are or are not compliant with care. They may have a good reason, or simply not understand what or why something is ordered, but that doesn't change that they are non compliant.

Yes!! You included why rather than just labeling them. That's what I'm referring to. Why are they non compliant....Are they unable to afford their meds? reasoning behind the labels on those particular labels.

I agree walkie talkie is easily understandable. However I choose to use "ambulates alert etc.etc......

I think we've all worked with certain people who its almost painful to get report from them because of their self imposed opinions of patients rather than the facts. Yes walkie talkie is a fact and yes its easily understood. No I don't use it.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, maternal/child/newborn.

We use it a lot in memory care units. Most memory care locked units are for "walkie/talkies" only. Ive used it in my longterm facilities as well, because I have had a patient who walks BUT doesn't talk. You are a nurse...stop being so sensitive over lingo that makes it easier to talk amongst other healthcare professionals.

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Specializes in retired LTC.

Walkie/talkie is OK by me. I've also used 'walks, talks and feeds self'.

'Crispy critter' is one I don't like for burns.

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Specializes in Outpatient Psychiatry.

I've heard it for many years, and I don't see anything wrong with it. The person walks and talks. That's an easy way to describe a subculture's (healthcare provider's) lingo. I'm not sure what anyone could take offense to..?

When I came onto this thread I thought it was about walkie talkies (radios). I've often wondered why nurses in the hospital setting don't use them to communicate. Disciplined radio use is a fast, concise communication method.

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Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.
I said earlier that it was tacky and lacked professionalism when using any kind of label, for example....that patient is a frequent flier, a non compliant, what ever other labels people want to patients they're tacky.

That is putting our self formed opinions on people. It is not what your taught in school. It's not professional.

Things like "frequent flier" are subjective ."Walky-talky" is objective,descriptive.-like LOL..

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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.
Some people are offendonistas who take offense at every single phrase or occurrence when, in many cases, no one meant to offend.

Offendonistas!

Now that is a new term, and one I'm very excited about using. ;)

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Walkie/talkie is OK by me. I've also used 'walks, talks and feeds self'.

'Crispy critter' is one I don't like for burns.

I don't like it either. That is a term that is demeaning and insensitive, and adds nothing.

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I don't like it either. That is a term that is demeaning and insensitive, and adds nothing.

I don't think I've ever heard the term crispy critter towards a patient. Wow.

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I don't think I've ever heard the term crispy critter towards a patient. Wow.

"Crispy Critter" is one term that literally makes me want to punch the person using it. I've worked ER, and I've dealt with severe burn patients (MVA's, house fires), and if I ever hear anyone refer to my mom, dad, brother, sister etc., as a "Cripsy Critter" should they ever suffer such an abhorrent tragedy, well, suffice it to say I'll be in jail.

I realize there is a place, and perhaps a need for "dark humor" in trauma, but this one crosses the line.

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I don't find it offensive.

Sometimes in report with a particularly difficult patient (like a 1:1 or safety care pt, or someone who sundowns intensely, etc) I'll say to my coworker, "Well... They are A & O minus 100..." This usually cracks a smile and let's them know they need to pay extra attention to the patient. Is that offensive too? I don't know. I'm a firm believer that in healthcare you need a sense of humor or you'll never make it :D The job is stressful and demanding enough without colleagues nitpicking on one another.

Abbreviations and nurse lingo will always be here. ;)

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