Grammar Police

Nurses Professionalism

Published

Maybe I'm alone in my thinking (it sure seems that way sometimes), but I find the use of text speak/SMS language utterly annoying and unprofessional. It seems as though its use is becoming more and more prevalent and in situations that are totally inappropriate, in my opinion.

I may just be old-school (although I am relatively young), but using slang is just a no-no at work! Now, I understand there is a place for abbreviations in the healthcare field, but some things I have seen other nurses enter in a pt's chart (a LEGAL document, mind you) left me just shaking my head.

Our unit manager will sometimes text me on my days off if they are short: can u come in, we r short at 6. Seriously, you are the manager! Shouldn't you try to be professional?!?

Maybe I'm just overreacting :). I just tend to see it as the person makes themself look unintelligent when they communicate this way. I get it....it's faster, it's become acceptable and it's trendy, but it's just not for me.

Am I alone or does anyone agree/understand? Would love to hear what you all think!

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Totally agree with you!

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Meh. Sounds like a personal preference. Just keep in mind that something being personal is just for you and shouldn't have to apply for anyone else.

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

You aren't alone in your thinking, OP.

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Agree!

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I'm the exact same way!! There is a certain girl whom I do bit like who got in a "fight" over something unrelated to work, I being me didn't take it seriously and really ticked her off, she would use phrases like ur along with u and r and 2 and I just kept correcting her grammatical errors, it really works to do that to tick someone off!! But I cringe when people use those phrases, I always am sure to keep my text professional, work related or not! Because if you are communicating with someone through texting or similar forms of communication they are only seeing that, not the professional that you may be behind the screen.

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Meh. Sounds like a personal preference. Just keep in mind that something being personal is just for you and shouldn't have to apply for anyone else.

You're right.....to each his/her own! I can see where it has it's place, I just don't think it is in the work setting. We all have our pet peeves....this just happens to be one of mine :)

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I'm the exact same way!! There is a certain girl whom I do bit like who got in a "fight" over something unrelated to work, I being me didn't take it seriously and really ticked her off, she would use phrases like ur along with u and r and 2 and I just kept correcting her grammatical errors, it really works to do that to tick someone off!! But I cringe when people use those phrases, I always am sure to keep my text professional, work related or not! Because if you are communicating with someone through texting or similar forms of communication they are only seeing that, not the professional that you may be behind the screen.

Haha!!! And good point....I agree that how you "speak" whether verbally or in written form is a reflection of yourself.

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It all depends on who I am talking to via text what I use. If I am talking to my sister abbreviations are fine. Coworkers and the psychiatrist I work for I type everything out. Of course he will use text language with me at times and that makes me shudder.

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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

I will even correct my children when they try that crap with me in text. I don't allow text speak. Not with my kids, not with my coworkers.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

I agree. My four kids (ages 34-19) rely on texting as their primary form of communication. We all use complete sentences and proper capitalization and punctuation. Because if we didn't, my mother ( a founding member of the grammar Police) would haunt us from the grave! :)

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Specializes in Med/surg.

I completely agree with you! :D I just automatically see the written communication as a level of education, even though I've seen quite the experienced person text "ur on ur way" (no capitals, no punctuation). I don't mean to, and I have to consciously remind myself that it's considered 'acceptable', but I just can't help it.

It's the same for (please don't kill me for this) here on allnurses. I can't help but cringe when I see-- usually a pre-nursing student-- have a post like, "hi there im applying for nursing school in fall and i wanted to know if i have x grades will it be hard to get it ? im just so excited lol" :bored: I just have to keep moving, and accept that I'm what others would consider the 'grammar police'.

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