Pet Peeve: Poor Grammar by Nurses

[FireStarterRN, BSN, RN]

One thing that is nails on chalkboard to me is when I hear my fellow nurses use double negatives and other blatant grammar mistakes. I'm speaking of English as a first language, domestically born and raised people.

I feel as this detracts from the professional image of nursing. We are supposed to be educated professionals. Poor grammar makes nursing look like a blue collar trade to those who are educated, such as our physicians and many members of the public.

Let me clarify that I don't harshly judge the intelligence or moral character of people with poor grammar. But, I feel strongly that nurses should project an image of being educated professionals in our speech and demeanor. Thanks for reading.

[bigsyis]

I seen the same thang abuncha times, ain't you? That, and speling like thay dont hav a clew what the wurd means.

I realize that we are all very busy, and not all are aces at spelling or grammar. However, the sloppier we talk and/or write, it reflects poorly on us. Observers might wonder if our Nursing skills are as sloppy as our vocabulary and writing might indicate.

Lest anyone think I am casting stones, I am not. I used the term "us" because I often discover mistakes I have made. The unfortunate thing is that I sometimes don't recognize them. Yikes!

[martha joan]

I had a manager in an ICU that used to come out of the office screaming, "DON'T YINS HEAR THEM ALARMS?" Completely embarrassing.

[deeDawntee, RN]

I can let most things go except when people use the term orientate rather than oriented. Drives me nutso!!!! hehehe

[BookwormRN]

i can let most things go except when people use the term orientate rather than oriented. drives me nutso!!!! hehehe

i know, i know, it drives me mad. unfortunately, it really is proper according to webster.

the double negatives-i cringe quietly to myself. would love to change it, but don't know that saying anything would change how some people speak.

[nightmare, RN]

I can let most things go except when people use the term orientate rather than oriented. Drives me nutso!!!! hehehe

Depends how you use it,I would expect to orientate someone new to the unit,with several days of orientation until they became orientated. How do you use "oriented"

[RJ---RN]

Boy, do I agree. When I taught, I lowered grades for poor grammar and spelling.:angryfire

Also, I told my students..............CHART AS IF THIS IS THE CHART THAT IS GOING TO COURT. An attorney will spot poor grammar and spelling, and your credibility goes down the tubes.:trout:

ALWAYS maintain professionalism in everything you do. That includes the above.

Sure, I know we get in a hurry, but your spelling and grammar are always important.

Just giving my 2 cent's worth, that's all!!!

[fultzymom]

This is one thing that bothers me, too!! It drives me insane. If you are not sure about it, then check or ask or something. And you are right, it is the people whom English is their primary language.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I find this phenomenon rather interesting, as I am frequently teased for speaking 'proper' English at the workplace.

[BookwormRN]

depends how you use it,i would expect to orientate someone new to the unit,with several days of orientation until they became orientated. how do you use "oriented"

don't mean to beat a dead horse but....

i would expect to orient someone to the unit. after a few weeks of orientation, they would have been oriented.

[Jo Dirt]

I Poor grammar makes nursing look like a blue collar trade to those who are educated, such as our physicians and many members of the public.

Let me clarify that I don't harshly judge the intelligence or moral character of people with poor grammar. But, I feel strongly that nurses should project an image of being educated professionals in our speech and demeanor. Thanks for reading.

I don't mind a few typos here and there but when I see people use slang like coz I feel like I could rip apart a car with my bare hands.

[nightmare, RN]

Don't mean to beat a dead horse but....

I would expect to orient someone to the unit. After a few weeks of orientation, they would have been oriented.

This would be the difference between GB english and US english!!!