Healthcare professionals using insulting language

bagladyrn, RN · Feb 24, 2012

What is needed is for more of us to speak up at the time that someone uses those terms in that manner. I generally do, saying "I find that term offensive, could you please not use it around me".

Takes some guts to do this but it makes an impression.

mazy · Feb 24, 2012

I think you could have used other terms to generate interest in the topic.

You took the easy way out by using those terms. The reason we need to steer away from that kind of language is that is the quickest way to a provoke a nasty negative reaction, and should not be used to identify people who are different.

When we talk about our differences we need to put some thought into the language we use, and not resort to the immediate, most provocative words at hand.

So really, you've now managed to get people annoyed at you, rather than the article in question.

aachavez · Feb 24, 2012

I use 'retarded' all the time. And I certainly mean no harm by it. I say it without really thinking much of it, as I'm sure alot of other people out there do as well. But if someone ever called me out on it, It would definetly make me think twice and be more careful what I say.

It is brave to be the one to call out someone, who wan't be labled that super sensitive person that created extra drama over something that other people consider pretty insignificant?

yelnikmcwawa · Feb 24, 2012

I agree that those words are insensitive, but this is also an online forum for people, and sometimes people vent without thinking. Baglady RN is right that speaking up and politely reminding the post starter that those words may be offensive is a tactful way to handle it.

Not everyone who says the word "retarded" or "gay" is a bad person :uhoh21:, sometimes we just have a lapse in judgement and need to be brought back.

allnurses Guide · Feb 24, 2012

I use 'retarded' all the time. And I certainly mean no harm by it. I say it without really thinking much of it, as I'm sure alot of other people out there do as well. But if someone ever called me out on it, It would definetly make me think twice and be more careful what I say.
It is brave to be the one to call out someone, who wan't be labled that super sensitive person that created extra drama over something that other people consider pretty insignificant?

Just on the off chance that other people may think it's significant - say if they have a child with a developmental delay or Down's or what have you who would be hurt by that I wouldn't want to chance it. People don't always speak up about things like that.

leslie :-D · Feb 24, 2012

(too) many people use those words casually yet ignorantly.

they are disrespectful and derisive, and many do not think of these descriptors in their literal sense.

we/nurses are judged by how we express ourselves...

whether it is verbally or through writing.

(and it's not just the words we use - this includes grammar and spelling too. it all makes a difference.)

besides, it's disrespectful to oneself, when expressing yourself in a way that renders you incapable of intelligently communicating.

that's how i see it, anyways.

there are many more vulgar and abhorrent terminologies used, that i can't even say or write.

leslie

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · Feb 24, 2012

I'm not going to lie, I have caught myself using them socially. Never at work. Not that it makes it even better. I agree that people should not use these terms casually. It is and can be very offensive. At the same time, we can't control what people say. I personally hate it when nurses drop the f bomb at work, but what can I do?

kids · Feb 24, 2012

This is one of my favorite pieces Rolling Around In My Head: The People Who 'ARE'

It's my experience that people who toss out 'the R word' typically fall in two categories: those who haven't considered how offensive it is and those who simply don't care.

And appending 'tard' to another word doesn't make it any less offensive.

Most (normal) people would think twice about using a racial slur, using retard or 'tard' is just as derogatory, demeaning and degrading. I put people who use retard or tard in the same group as people who use "the N word", no matter how educated, rich or famous, using hate speech identifies you as a classless ***hole.

beckster_01, BSN, RN · Feb 24, 2012

I used to say "retarded" all the time, until I worked in a group home for people with DD for 5 years. The f-bomb is more well received in that environment. Before that job, I didn't even relate the word "retarded" to people with disabilities. Once I realized how hurtful it can be, I successfully introduced "ridiculous" into my list of adjectives.

kids · Feb 24, 2012

I use 'retarded' all the time. And I certainly mean no harm by it. I say it without really thinking much of it, as I'm sure alot of other people out there do as well. But if someone ever called me out on it, It would definetly make me think twice and be more careful what I say.
It is brave to be the one to call out someone, who wan't be labled that super sensitive person that created extra drama over something that other people consider pretty insignificant?

Consider yourself called out on it.

Do you use racial slurs "all the time" as well?

A lot of people DON'T consider it pretty insignifacant, change takes time.

Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP · Feb 24, 2012

I said the 'r-word' at work once, and it was in fairly recent history. I said it in front of a nurse, who is a GREAT nurse, whom I respect and admire.....who has a son with severe mental/developmental challenges. Don't even know if she heard it, but I felt about as low as whale crap on the ocean floor (as well I should have), and swore to not say that word ever again, and I haven't. Lesson learned, and unfortunately, at someone else's expense.