Published Jun 21, 2014
ArrrrEnnn
42 Posts
Have you heard the term Walkie talkie used towards a completely independent ambulatory patient? Do you find it offensive?
kiszi, RN
1 Article; 604 Posts
I've heard it used, and I guess I find it more irksome than offensive. What's so hard about saying "A&Ox3; ambulates independently?"
ICURN3020
392 Posts
Yes I have heard that term, however it never struck me as offensive.
Quicker to say when you are in a hurry.
littlemznurse
17 Posts
I can't say I've ever found it offensive and I've heard it too many times to count in report.
That's what I thought but someone on here told me it was demeaning and disrespectful.
Ruas61, BSN, RN
1,368 Posts
It's a common term for PA1 in the MDS world. However, it is not something I normally say in front of anyone as it can be considered dehumanizing particularly in reimbursement.
RNsRWe, ASN, RN
3 Articles; 10,428 Posts
I have heard it, I have used it, and have never considered it offensive at all. That doesn't mean I would use it in general conversation outside of hand-off report, that would be silly.
For report, it's fast and to the point; it's just shorthand for "he walks, he talks, so no bedpans/foleys or communication issues".
I swear people can find offense in ANYTHING.
Emergent, RN
4,278 Posts
It's handy slang that those outside our field don't understand. It's kinda fun to have lingo that is nurse talk. I think it'd be nice if the PC police would let the language alone, for a change.
K+MgSO4, BSN
1,753 Posts
I tend to use a term that our infection control team use. Competent and continent. I use it in handover only, would never dream of saying to a pt face.
I think there is a lot of terms we don't use in front of patients. I don't see anything wrong with them either. I was just wondering because someone said something to me in another post.
calivianya, BSN, RN
2,418 Posts
I don't find it offensive. Even if I was a patient and I heard it used about me, I still wouldn't be offended. What's wrong with saying that I can walk and talk just fine? I'd be happy to be a walkie-talkie instead of a paralyzed patient, or a sedated ventilator patient... I don't get where the offense comes from.