Did everyone flunk their college writing courses?

[AZO49008]

I'm probably going to get lashed with a few tons of wet noodles but I can remain silent no longer. Can we all make an attempt to tighten up our communication skills around here? The basic grammar, punctuation, spelling and lack of rudimentary written communication skills on this board just kills me. Didn't we all have to pass college writing courses?

Many nurses claim they want people to take them more seriously as nurses. If patients read some of the written language skills here, they wouldn't let you near them in the hospital. I'm not talking about the occasional typo or misspelled word - we all do that. I'm talking about the epidemic lack of punctuation, typing in all lowercase, and constructing sentences that appear to be written by someone with a 2nd grade education.

Okay, flame away.

[EmmyBee]

The OP brings up a very good point. Some are using the excuse that this is a message board, and wondering why grammar matters. The answer is simple. If your posts are riddled with typos, grammatical errors, and you are unable to bring your point across, chances are, you are documenting the same way at work.

And when people read what you have written, like it or not, it’s a direct representation of you. And many times the reader IS judging you, based on how you are expressing yourself. It doesn’t matter how many degrees you hold or how many languages you know. Poor writing skills make you come across as uneducated. And unfortunately, some will perceive you to be lacking in your skills as a nurse, as well.

The OP made an observation that many people on here have noticed, and commented on in the past. It has nothing to do with whether or not he has a life. He is correct in what he is saying. No one is asking for every post to be perfect. That’s not possible. But if you know you are weak in writing, it wouldn’t hurt to brush up on your grammar a bit.

The problem is that most people, who actually do have a problem, don’t even realize it. So nothing will likely be done on their part, to improve their skills.

[whichone'spink, BSN, RN]

Bad grammar is bad enough on the message boards. What really gets me is the poor spelling and lack of punctuation used in nurse's notes. Does it really take long to put in a period in between sentences? It bothered me when I was reading nursing notes for my care plans.

[roser13, ASN, RN]

"What really gets me is the poor spelling and lack of punctuation used in nurse's notes. Does it really take long to put in a period in between sentences? It bothered me when I was reading nursing notes for my care plans. "

Exactly. If you have let your spelling/grammar/punctuation lapse so badly (or never bothered to learn), you will be hard-pressed to present a professional image to the world.

If anyone here has ever performed a mandatory nursing audit, you will agree that all of the above matter tremendously. That's all anyone is trying to say.....nurses should present their best efforts in communication of any sort.

[elizabeth321]

What upsets me most is not spelling or grammar..... is how we represent as professional group....interesting there is no forum like this for dentists, doctors, engineers etc.

[itsmejuli]

This topic has been covered ad nauseum.

[klone, MSN, RN]

It's especially painful for people such as me (OMGosh, now I'm paranoid...people such as I? Such as myself? I blame the wine), who are grammar wonks. I used to be a professional editor/proofreader before I became a nurse.

[Music in My Heart]

Didn't we all have to pass college writing courses?

As with most subjects, merely passing (C-) a course doesn't represent much competence in the subject, particularly with so many remedial avenues available to support the struggling student.

Of course, the poor writing skills are nothing compared to the dearth of fundamental mathematics skills in evidence on AN, in nursing school, and on the wards.

[Music in My Heart]

What upsets me most is not spelling or grammar..... is how we represent as professional group....interesting there is no forum like this for dentists, doctors, engineers etc.

Well, at least for engineers, there is. Check out the topic at Eng-Tips.org...

Never having been a physician, dentist, accountant, lawyer, etc, I can't comment on those except to say that attorneys and accountants generally rely on the written word to fulfill their duties and are therefore generally proficient.

[imintrouble, BSN, RN]

I told myself, admonished myself, not to post on this thread. I've fought it all day with remarkable restraint. But the very title of this thread is a judgement. Everyone who thinks poor grammar and punctuation skills = idiocy, is passing judgement. I don't believe someone who spells or writes poorly has nothing to say and should not be heard. Especially here. Here where we are supposed to support each other. A website that was specifically designed for nurses to find support.

I've lost my battle with self restraint. So much for the popcorn, beer, and being an observer

[Music in My Heart]

...poor grammar and punctuation skills = idiocy...

Welcome to the fray.

Poor writing skills don't equal idiocy. They do, though, equal poor education. That poor education may derive from laziness, inattention, learning disabilities, limited intellect, poor teachers, lack of motivation, or many other root causes (likely an amalgamation of several).

The reality is, though, that one component of professional nursing is communication, verbal and written, and someone who is a well-rounded, professional nurse should strive to be properly educated in these areas.

[imintrouble, BSN, RN]

Every RN here passed the same or similar tests to obtain their license. The state doesn't deem it important to throw in grammar questions to pass. I have never had to take a writing test on a job interview. No doctor has ever blasted me about my poor writing skills. Pts do not report me for not using good english. Therefore, I'll take a leap and asume that's because it's not important.

I am not goint to change any minds on this thread. I don't think writing skills are all that important, though I will admit I like to read a well written comment. Most of you here think it is very important.

I will agree to disagree. Good night:):)

[dudette10, MSN, RN]

I don't believe someone who spells or writes poorly has nothing to say and should not be heard.

Quoted for truth.

^^^sentence fragment