Walkie Talkie

[ArrrrEnnn]

Have you heard the term Walkie talkie used towards a completely independent ambulatory patient? Do you find it offensive?

[HyperSaurus, RN, BSN]

Yes, I've heard it, used it, and am not offended by it. The NICU equivalent, so to speak, is feeder/grower. It's concise, gives you an idea of what the patient is like or will need in as few words as possible.

[applewhitern, BSN, RN]

That term has been around for many years, and I have never heard anyone claim it is derogatory. I agree, some people find offense in anything and everything.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

That's what I thought but someone on here told me it was demeaning and disrespectful.

Some people are offendonistas who take offense at every single phrase or occurrence when, in many cases, no one meant to offend.

I've personally used the term and do not find it offensive, nor would I take offense if I was the patient and my nurse referred to me as a "walkie/talkie" during report.

[Caffeine_IV]

I wouldn't be offended by it. It isn't a negative thing to say.

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

i don't find it offensive. It describes in non-subjective "short hand" what the patient can do. (much like A&Ox3)

AND it sure beats the heck out of terms like the patient is "crazy" or "whacked" or "narc seeking" or even "frequent flyer" --and other subjective terms that are often used to describe a patient's personality as opposed to function.

[BrandonLPN, LPN]

Yep, and I've also used the term "feeder" as shorthand in report in reference to residents who need to be fed. I suppose whover got the vapors over "walkie talkie" wouldn't like this one either.

[Jillybean48]

Yes I have heard it and yes I have used it. I don't use it in front of patients. It's just what I consider "nurse talk"; one of the many things we say to eachother.... we don't mean anything derogatory by it; it's like shorthand but verbal.

[Paws2people]

It's no more offensive than saying someone is a "total." (Total care pt)

[CT Pixie, BSN, RN]

I've heard it, used it and don't find it offensive. Of course, I don't use it in front of the patient or their family. It's just an easy and fast way to convey something.

[ayla2004, ASN, RN]

My favourite term is mobile and self caring probaly on iv abx etc

[ArrrrEnnn]

Thank you guys. I felt really bad when I used it and the person took offense. I thought I had been saying something awful and not realizing it.

[ICURN3020]

Thank you guys. I felt really bad when I used it and the person took offense. I thought I had been saying something awful and not realizing it.

Here's the reply that comes to mind for the offended person you speak of.....

Pull your panties out of a bunch!!!

Of course, I wouldn't actually say that to a coworker, but hey, we can think it, right?