Walkie Talkie

ArrrrEnnn · Jun 22, 2014

Labeling a patient is tacky. Yes I know there are healthcare workers who are distasteful and yes I know it still happens.
But it leaves a lot to be desired in proportion to prefessionalism. I would not think any of us would like the label placed on our our loved ones by caregivers. It lacks compassion and is distasteful.

So people who use these terms lack compassion and is distasteful or just when they use the term?

ArrrrEnnn · Jun 22, 2014

It's not offensive to me. I makes me think you make poor choices when talking about a resident.

Seems like there are a whole bunch of us on here who make poor choices on here.

HappyWife77, BSN, RN · Jun 22, 2014

There are plenty of us that aren't perfect Jess. It's ok :).

Sometimes being open minded to what others have to say could be an opportunity for growth. Otherwise we could stagnate. I accept you like the term. It's ok.

Maybe call the patient by their name? Instead of personal labels ?

ArrrrEnnn · Jun 22, 2014

There are plenty of us that aren't perfect Jess. It's ok :).
Sometimes being open minded to what others have to say could be an opportunity for growth. Otherwise we could stagnate. I accept you like the term. It's ok.
Maybe call the patient by their name? Instead of personal labels ?

I wasn't stating I'm perfect and the fact that I'm new and came in to this thread wanting opinions, should be a clear sign that I'm seeking opinions.

With your opinion I would prefer explanation. No need to confuse that with defense :)

krisiepoo · Jun 22, 2014

I use it not only for their current state, but how they were previous to how they came in. I had a lady who had come in walkie/talkie for a back surgery, stroked twice and now could barely talk, couldn't stand and had a feeding tube. She was walkie/talkie before she came in, it helped to know her state prior when working with her and her family and understanding why her family was so (seemingly) over involved... because it was a HUGE change for them and this was how they were coping. it was just an easy no-nonsense way of saying how she used to be.

People get so uptight about some such simple things.

ClearBlueOctoberSky · Jun 22, 2014

I don't think it's a label. It's a description of the patient. I have used it both as a Nurse and more often as a Paramedic. It is no different than me saying "He's a Green, she's a Red, and he is a Black" when triaging. Or telling a new orientee "Ms. X is an exit seeker, you need to keep your eye on her. She's quick!"

It is a concise description of what the patient/resident is capable of doing.

ArrrrEnnn · Jun 22, 2014

I don't think it's a label. It's a description of the patient. I have used it both as a Nurse and more often as a Paramedic. It is no different than me saying "He's a Green, she's a Red, and he is a Black" when triaging. Or telling a new orientee "Ms. X is an exit seeker, you need to keep your eye on her. She's quick!"
It is a concise description of what the patient/resident is capable of doing.

I think that's a perfect description of it.

HappyWife77, BSN, RN · Jun 22, 2014

Good Luck!

ArrrrEnnn · Jun 22, 2014

Not sure what your asking here. But I gave my thoughts. Do with them what you will.
Good Luck!

I wasn't asking anything. I was stating that if you have an opinion, it would be nice to explain why you take offense and when you don't explain it fully, I will ask a question. Hence the questions I had for you that you seem to think means I felt I wasn't perfect.

RN_2012, BSN, RN · Jun 22, 2014

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?"

In the nursing home setting it is used and no I don't find it offensive.

RN_2012, BSN, RN · Jun 22, 2014

A walkie talkie isn't always AAOx3....sometimes just to self.

HappyWife77, BSN, RN · Jun 22, 2014

I said earlier that it was tacky and lacked professionalism when using any kind of label, for example....that patient is a frequent flier, a non compliant, what ever other labels people want to patients they're tacky.

That is putting our self formed opinions on people. It is not what your taught in school. It's not professional.