nurses and spelling

Published

I believe nurses to be some of the most well educated, bright and savvy professionals across all disciplines. My question is, why can't a large majority spell? I am talking basics here, for example their, there and they're. Is this a general failure of education or specifically science-oriented curriculum? It is embarassing.

I had to read this thread because I too am a stickler for grammar and spelling. After reading through the posts, I have come to the conclusion that I would be more irritated at improper grammar than I would be about misspelled words. When working as a nurse or anyone that has to chart for others to read, it should look professional and it is part of the profession; to be clear and concise. Our instructor reminded us that at any time, your chart can be used in court cases and you certainly would not want your grammar to be an issue. As someone stated earlier, I would fall over dead to see "boi, lol, cuz" or any other type of texting style chat on a chart! Even though I would love to write "lol" after something funny, I would recognize it is not the place to use that type of abbreviation. I do not think doctors should be excused from proper spelling and grammar.

I think it is one thing to misspell a word here or there. But to constantly have misspelled words and improper grammar all of the time you have to admit, makes a person look unprofessional. Especially if the mistakes are on elementary words/grammar and not something like hippopottomonstrosesquippedali phobia ;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I hate to admitt to this, but I am a nursing student who can't spell. What can I do to correct this major prollum?:)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I catch myself having some errors and end up fixing them.

In LTC, we have to chart on everyone and every silly little thing. If I have 25 or so residents to chart on and I've been doing a med pass for goodness knows how many hours and my shift is only 8 hrs long and I don't wanna be saying for hrs after....sometimes the brain is working faster than the pen.....

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I hate to admitt to this, but I am a nursing student who can't spell. What can I do to correct this major prollum?:)

I couldn't tell if you were being serious or kidding in your post :) None-the-less, I would say if you or whoever knows they have issues with grammar (like to, two and too or their, there and they're) then I would suggest learning them. Take the time to look them up and learn the differences. As far as spelling goes, look the words up and over time you will remember them. I know that on shift you may not have that kind of time but if you do, I think it makes a world of difference ;) Even look them up later if you have to. I waitress part time while I go to nursing school and to this day, "fettuccine" still gets me when I have to write it out! :p

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I couldn't tell if you were being serious or kidding in your post :) None-the-less, I would say if you or whoever knows they have issues with grammar (like to, two and too or their, there and they're) then I would suggest learning them. Take the time to look them up and learn the differences. As far as spelling goes, look the words up and over time you will remember them. I know that on shift you may not have that kind of time but if you do, I think it makes a world of difference ;) Even look them up later if you have to. I waitress part time while I go to nursing school and to this day, "fettuccine" still gets me when I have to write it out! :p

Thanks, will do!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
You are right - it is a grammar issue and something we should all remember from grammar school! I wonder if all of the abbreviations and short cuts in the health care vernacular is a contributing factor - not to mention texting and Facebook!

This is exactly true for me. I am an excellent speller and know the difference in variations of different words. But since texting has come of age I find myself using the shortest version of the word for texting whether it is correct or not and I also find myself doing it when I write, without thinking about it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have said "I couldn't care less" meaning that truly my caring could not be less

also said " I could care less" meaning I could care less-but do you want me to care less?

otessa

Up Vote Up Vote ×

A pet peeve of mine is when a colleague puts an extra "r" in "phenergan", making it sound like "phenergRan". It makes my hair stand on end to hear it pronounced like that. Like maybe no one had ever looked up that drug before.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.
As usual I agree with nurse56 (which horrifies her to no end, I am sure) :D

Nah. I think you were the only person who read my long drawn out debunking of someone's aspartame will kill you claims some months back on the Gum Chewing thread. I am grateful. ;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Medical/Surgical.

I was always taught that you should never judge somebody by their spelling. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I believe nurses to be some of the most well educated, bright and savvy professionals across all disciplines. My question is, why can't a large majority spell? I am talking basics here, for example their, there and they're. Is this a general failure of education or specifically science-oriented curriculum? It is embarassing.

Embarrassing is the correct spelling for the last word in your post. Not trying to be difficult, just it looked wrong to me, I looked it up, dictionary says 2 r's.

I agree with you that it is embarrassing how many nurses, including DON's, have trouble spelling, punctuating, and using proper grammar. Example: People use i.e. (for example) when they mean e.g. (that is) and vice versa.

They say "those kinds of problems" when the example is only 1 kind. They should say "that kind of problem". They say "her and me" went swimming instead of "she and I" went swimming.

They say "definate" when they mean "definite" and frequently substitute an "a" when there should be an "e". Happens waaaay too often.

This is all a result of schools concentrating on the wrong things. Schools are used to socialize kids, to forward certain social agendas instead of teaching the 3 R's.

Of course, not to be rude, but I think you should have said, "well-educated, brightest, most savvy" or "best-educated, brightest, savviest". Sorry.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I was always taught that you should never judge somebody by their spelling. :)

It's not judging. It's just wanting spelling to be correct.

Exactly how do you define "judging"?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion