A while back someone on here (a non-nurse, I believe) posted a thread about a friend not being treated well in the hopital, pt's pain not being controlled, pt's basic needs not being met, etc. (I don't say 'etc.' to minimize what she said, I just do not want to rehash it all). In the end, she asked what had happened to basic nursing care?. Again, I don't want to relive that post and I don't need an answer to that.
My question here is about one of the reponses. A person (a nurse, I believe) posted that nursing care has gone downhill because hospitals are now requiring BSN nurses and there is not a place for ADN or diploma nurses. She went on to say something to the effect that basic nursing care has been replaced by "stupid" phrases such as "that having been said..." Again, I don't want this to become an ADN vs. BSN thread. I just want to know what is wrong with saying "that having been said..." or similar phrases. Why is this phrase "stupid?" I say this a lot...does this make me stupid?
Feel free to add your thoughts. Any other examples of "stupid" phrases? Why do you consider them stupid? (Please!!! resist any urge to blast BSNs or ADNs.) Thanks!
I've actually been brushing up my grammar in preparation for getting my BSN. From what I have read, the phrase is not grammatically wrong, but could come off as too casual in professional writing. I am also going to shamelessly plug the book Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing. It's perfect for anyone looking to brush up on grammar and usage and for advice on how to avoid common mistakes. (If I have mistakes in this post forgive me; I'm typing on my cellphone.)
I think the thread about the "AN Grammar Police" contains enough comments about spelling bloopers, use of cliches, mixing of metaphors and bad paragraphing to render any comments here redundant; personally I couldn't give a hoot, unless the post is so garbled as to be entirely unintelligible - in which case I skip it and move on to something else. Generally I tend to type as the words form, and if the most succint way of expressing myself involves using a cliche or other colloquialism, why then I use it. If you were to ask me if the way I type or write reflects the way I speak, the answer is, on the whole, yes.
If I express an opinion regarding a controversial subject, I may use the phrase "that said" in order to introduce contrasting or qualifying views. Why should it be regarded as stupid? These threads don't fall into the category of "Articles", so why should precise grammar and language usage be such an issue? We're not composing classic novels here, we're indulging in conversations over the internet. I see no problem with people typing as they would normally communicate.
I have to admit I do feel that maybe some people should proof read their posts. What you write is all people have to go on here and when you write poorly it reflects on you poorly. I do not, however, think people should be publicly ridiculed when they make mistakes but bear in mind, especially if you're here trying to network, when your writing sounds stupid you sound stupid.
I think the thread about the "AN Grammar Police" contains enough comments about spelling bloopers, use of cliches, mixing of metaphors and bad paragraphing to render any comments here redundant; personally I couldn't give a hoot, unless the post is so garbled as to be entirely unintelligible - in which case I skip it and move on to something else. Generally I tend to type as the words form, and if the most succint way of expressing myself involves using a cliche or other colloquialism, why then I use it. If you were to ask me if the way I type or write reflects the way I speak, the answer is, on the whole, yes.
If I express an opinion regarding a controversial subject, I may use the phrase "that said" in order to introduce contrasting or qualifying views. Why should it be regarded as stupid? These threads don't fall into the category of "Articles", so why should precise grammar and language usage be such an issue? We're not composing classic novels here, we're indulging in conversations over the internet. I see no problem with people typing as they would normally communicate.
My only problem is reading something that lacks capitalization and punctuation. Seriously, how hard is it to hit the Shift key or add a . every now and then?
I have to say that it really bothers me when people ask for advisewhen they mean advice. Advice is a noun; advise is a verb. That's not a spelling error or typo; it's a grammar mistake. In my opinion, this kind of error makes the writer seem less professional and gives others the wrong impression. I realize that nursing is a science-based profession, but isn't communication also a big part of the job?
On the other hand, my appreciation of the generous and useful advice on this site outweighs my irritation with the glaring grammar and spelling issues. :)
Spedtacular and ScottE, I agree with you, it's far easier to read a properly punctuated post than to wade your way through seas of poorly-spelled words and poorly-constructed sentences. I try to bear in mind that many members follow AN via their smartphones - at least, that has been given as the reason for their bad grammar, abbreviations and lack of commas and full stops, but no way am I going to punish myself by trying to read long vents in which one sentence runs into the next, and there's no spacing between paragraphs.
Any guilty parties out there - sorry friends, your contributions give me headaches and crossed eyes.
Spedtacular and ScottE, I agree with you, it's far easier to read a properly punctuated post than to wade your way through seas of poorly-spelled words and poorly-constructed sentences. I try to bear in mind that many members follow AN via their smartphones - at least, that has been given as the reason for their bad grammar, abbreviations and lack of commas and full stops, but no way am I going to punish myself by trying to read long vents in which one sentence runs into the next, and there's no spacing between paragraphs.
Any guilty parties out there - sorry friends, your contributions give me headaches and crossed eyes.
I seem to do okay from the smartphone (this is actually my first computer post) so....
Then again, I also freely admit that I am a nerd and can be a bit neurotic. Either way, people who think that their writing doesn't matter are sadly mistaken. If you want people to be able to understand you, put a little effort into your writing. It doesn't have to be perfect but little things like showing you know the difference between you're and your; their, there, and they're; affect, effect; advise, advice; and so on goes a long way.
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
A stupid expression that instantly discounts anything that comes after it "Well we always used to..."
Oh my:eek:.....one of my favourite phrases:lol2:.......That being said:yawn:.....I'll have to go look at my posts and see if it's mine to see what's "stupid" the post or the phrase....
Technically it is grammatically correct. Those of us who "always used to" learned write in long hand without spell check and grammar check. Us old folk.....We sometimes have a different way of expressing ourselves that the young uns don't understand:cool:. I think a lot of the advise for advice is the auto correct on the I phones and I pads and their fast flying fingers are trying to keep up with their thoughts or they are typing to finish by the end of the stoplight. Being gramatically correct is not their forte.
As I watch my teens text sitting next to each other in the car, I realize that the formal written word and cursive writing are becomming more like hyroglifics to the Egyptians. The ADN, BSN debate will go on until the nursing decides what level of education for entry will be required. There are still diploma schools, very few but they exist. As long as my education is beter than yours...there will be debate.
But this is technically a chat room. A place to share and vent. If I thought the posts were being graded as a dissertation...I'd be more careful....maybe..
You young uns...be careful what you ridicule for you too shall wake up one day and find yourself out dated and out to pasture:eek:. It creeps up behind you insidious and evil to trip you from behind... Someday before you know it.... you too will say....."Well we always used to..."too. :twocents:
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Someday before you know it.... you too will say....."Well we always used to..."too. 
SpEdtacular, MSN, RN, EMT-P
199 Posts
I've actually been brushing up my grammar in preparation for getting my BSN. From what I have read, the phrase is not grammatically wrong, but could come off as too casual in professional writing. I am also going to shamelessly plug the book Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing. It's perfect for anyone looking to brush up on grammar and usage and for advice on how to avoid common mistakes. (If I have mistakes in this post forgive me; I'm typing on my cellphone.)
P.S. I'm a nerd