poor spelling -- it matters

RNIAM, BSN, RN · Apr 16, 2003

You know what bothers me more than spelling? Reading some Dr's writing! I could care a less about whether something is spelled correctly . I want to be able to read it. You can have the best speller in the world but if their sloppy, well good luck trying to figure it out. Just my humble opinion.

This is truly from someone who spells ok but is too lazy to correct it.

ceecel.dee, MSN, RN · Apr 16, 2003

I agree totally! Spelling goes with professionalism (did I spell that right? :imbar)

P_RN, ADN, RN · Apr 16, 2003

I really should have been a proof reader...my sister was one actually.

This does NOT apply to allnurses. When I read ANYTHING from novels to toilet paper wrappers I spellcheck.

Small misspellings like -ible or -able etc. aren't too bad, but the two, too, to ; their, they're, there......REALLY bother me.

In chat it's considered OK to use Eng-wish....short cuts.

And I'm sorry... I LOVE elipses...my High School English teacher got me started on it. It's called conversational writing. Go figure!

cpgrn · Apr 16, 2003

I try to spell well but sometimes goof - is it bad spelling or bad typing? I work with a lot of people with very advanced degrees who can't spell at all. I think it's very individual.

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Apr 16, 2003

Check out:

http://www.iespell.com/download.php

Brian said he uses to spell check. I downloaded it on upstairs computer 2 weeks ago and helpful--now have to get hubby to install on downstairs since he reinstalled Windows.

Even saw that my health system had it installed as addition to Outlook!

gwenith, BSN, RN · Apr 16, 2003

Mea Culpa! I try to keep the spelling, grammar and punctuation correct but between my dyslexic typing and late night sleepiness some bad posts go through. When I reread them I edit.

But why the cringe factor?

Is this BB perceptably worse than others and if so by how much?

Are we so outstandingly bad that the public will think less of us or will they merely think - poor people you MUST be overworked to write like that!"

Do other BB have spell checkers to pick up typo's?

I am actually proud of the level of grammar and spelling on the board given there is no spell checker. I think most people make their points eloquently and if an occasional bad spelling gets posted then it can go hang.

Besides this board is not just for fully qulaified, university trained registered nurses. It is also a forum for the untrained assistants to nursing whatever they are called in whichever country. Many assistant are as intelligent as you or I, and a significant number ar MORE intelligent! The only difference between "them" and "us" is education. Take it from one who has interviewed and taught and done all of that - there are people in nursing with only marginal literacy. That they can make it onto the forum is a plus.

Their writing no matter how bad should be encouraged at all times for only through media like this will their literacy skills improve.

I will warn you now any attempt to GAG those less literate because it offends some ideal of what a nurse should be will be met with resistance, at least from this writer.

If you wish to discuss this further feel free to either PM me or Email me.

I only place this reply in the public forum to voice support for all those intimidated by their own percieved lack of eloquence.

Gator,SN · Apr 16, 2003

I will warn you now any attempt to GAG those less literate because it offends some ideal of what a nurse should be will be met with resistance, at least from this writer.

I only place this reply in the public forum to voice support for all those intimidated by their own percieved lack of eloquence.

Gwenith, I totally agree with you and I think this has all been said before.

Gator

nurse2002 · Apr 16, 2003

Originally posted by glow_worm
I just read one of my own posts & cringed when I discovered all of the misspelled words. Luckily we have an "edit" button.

Yes, we're not in school. And yes, a post is not an essay. But the sloppy spelling does matter, for this is a public domain. We represent nursing to the consumers & potential nurses perusing this board, and to one another. Poor spelling makes the writer look like an idiot (ditto with charting).

Each time this issue is brought up, the messenger is beaten to a pulp. Please forgive me for pointing this out, but it does matter.

Sometimes when I put a post up ive just come home from work,

made dinner, did laundry, helped with homework and/or have just gotten finished with many other things. So Ive worked diligently throughout the day. I might burn something for dinner every once in awhile, but pretty much get everything accomplished the way I need and/or want.

Well, I burn dinner sometimes, forget the fabric softener at times, sometimes I dont even understand the kids' homework.

Sometimes I misspell words. Sometimes I miss the words that have been misspelled when I edit. If these were the worst of my

worries I would be doing pretty darn good. Ooooops, I might misspell a word...sorry, Im human. :eek:

gwenith, BSN, RN · Apr 16, 2003

P.S. Which dictionary are you using - Webster or Oxford?

Tweety, BSN, RN · Apr 16, 2003

I'm not going to flame you but just tell you how I feel. You bring up a lot of good points.

But when I come here, I don't think of it as professional writing. I'm am probably the worst speller (mostly typos from trying to type too fast). I'll edit those mistakes I find (love that edit button). But I'm not using spellcheck.

I'm sorry if I bring down the professionalism of nursing in the eyes of the public that comes here. I'm sorry I make many of you cringe when you read my posts.

On second thought, no I'm not sorry. I'm just me and I make a lot of typos. Thanks for reminding me to double check and be more careful, since it does matter to some people and I should respect that. But if anyone makes typos, I promise not to judge you.

Gator,SN · Apr 16, 2003

I'm sorry I make many of you cringe when you read my posts.

I never cringe when I read your posts!:) I just figure that anytime something is spelled wrong, by anyone, that it is a typo. As for the common mistakes with spelling, well I get the meaning so, big deal. I personally do not feel that professionalism should be based on quickly written replys on a BB that people frequent for pleasure. JMHO

Gator