Nurses maintain a very positive image in the community. How does this image evolve when nurses are seen using the "R" word, or other derogatory comments? Where should we draw the line?
I remember my first day on the job. I was sitting in education classes at a well respected children's hospital in the city. I felt lucky. Not only did I get to work at an amazing place dedicated to helping children, but from the looks of it, I was also going to be working with some amazing people. As I looked around, I saw smiling faces, brilliant minds, friendly chatter. These people were great, these people were awesome! These people were--wait, what did that girl over there just say?
Did she just say the word...retarded?
I reflect back on this day often. Since hearing one of my fellow co-workers utter the word "retarded" in a derogatory way, I have come to realize that many nurses that I work with use this as an insult. It seemed as if I was hearing the word being used more often than ever before. Now, I am no fool. I know that people use this word in a negative way all the time, but working in a children's hospital (plenty of kids with developmental delays and disabilities) confused me more than ever. How could we be taking care of kids with delays and still allow a word like that to echo through the hallways--even in private? Where do we draw the line?
Should nurses be expected to watch their language, even when not at work? Should they choose their words wisely even in a casual conversation with friends? Is the break room off limits for less than desirable talk? To me, the answer was already clear. I stand strongly against using the "R" word to shame others, regardless of who it is. It definitely hurt my heart to think of all the amazing patients I have, and to know that one day they might be called "retarded" by someone who doesn't understand the impact of such a word. It hurt me even more to think that that person could be a fellow nurse.
Some might say that we live in a world that is becoming too "politically correct." That we should be able to say what we want without being criticized. That society has gone too far in policing what we should and shouldn't say. I see the word "retarded" lumped into a collection of words that seems to be in an endless tug-of-war in terms of usability. Should we make a big deal out of it? Should we just ignore it? Does limiting any word ever do any good? It's a time when lines appear blurry and limits seem unclear. Where exactly does the "R" word fall and how does it apply to nurses?
It didn't take me long to realize that it doesn't matter whether or not you should be allowed to say a word or not. What matters is that everything you say will effect you and the perception of you as a professional. You may think that others cannot hear or see you use certain words, but you could be very wrong. I speak out now when I hear someone say the word "retarded." Sometimes I get the sarcastic eye roll and a half-hearted "sorry" from the offender. To me, that word isn't OK for anyone to use, nurse or not. I will gladly take the awkwardness if it means I can make someone think twice before they say that word.
I must have assumed that nurses were in agreement not to use this word. Sadly, my own career has proven otherwise. So, is it political correctness run rampant, or just common courtesy? I'd love to hear your thoughts!
Ah, nurses making much ado about nothing. Very refreshing.
Look, I get it. We live in a PC culture where everyone gets offended. In a professional setting you have to watch your tone because of professionalism and representing your organization (and covering yourself from HR headaches). But to build this mystique of a moral quandary over the use of "the R word" (good grief) is so hyperbolic. In short it's unprofessional because professional organizations don't want to offend potential clients and the word is just that -- offensive to some people.
I learned this lesson the hard way. I had mostly used the "R" word randomly without thinking when I first became a nurse that habit was quickly stopped in a uncomfortable and ridiculous way. I was working in a ICU psych unit and a mentally handicapped client came up to me and said, "Where is my present?" I said, "What present?" He said, "Chris (name changed, the other nurse on unit) said you had a present for me?" Then I realized he was talking about his meds. I then said, "Oh yeah, I have your meds, Chris is just being a retard." Then mortifyingly, the client started yelling down the hallway with the all patients present, "Retard! Retard! Chris is a retard!" OMG, I almost had a panic attack as I tried to shush him. Then of course Chris told him not to use that word. I had to have a conversation with the client about it and apologize for my word slip. I definitely learned a great lesson that day.
lmao. And nobody died. Totally harmless. Thanks for the good laugh, I would be mortified, too.
I don´t use the "R"-word (retarded=Zurückgeblieben). OK, my language is a bit different. I use to say : "She/he takes her-/himself a bit more time to learn."
By the way : Isn`t it the job of the pedriatican to talk with the parents about a diagnosis first ?
In my languange is the "H"-word (handicapped= Behindert) even worse.
But as said above : Let the doc talk first and don`t burn your mouth.
veggie530
249 Posts
Ah, nurses making much ado about nothing. Very refreshing.
Look, I get it. We live in a PC culture where everyone gets offended. In a professional setting you have to watch your tone because of professionalism and representing your organization (and covering yourself from HR headaches). But to build this mystique of a moral quandary over the use of "the R word" (good grief) is so hyperbolic. In short it's unprofessional because professional organizations don't want to offend potential clients and the word is just that -- offensive to some people.
lmao. And nobody died. Totally harmless. Thanks for the good laugh, I would be mortified, too.