communications with co-workers and the interdisciplinary team, in the clinical setting. Demonstrate the use of concrete nouns and vivid, professional speech, when giving shift report. Describe the use of exact language and how it can benefit the professional nurse when advocating for the patient.
What is Exact Language? Words that specifically describe what are meant to be said.
Resist the use of flowery speech or words that overstate the facts Choose vivid, specific words to support your statement Avoid misuse of words. Utilize a dictionary or thesaurus Avoid Clichs
Well Doctor Hes as dead as a doornail Avoid Clichs
Take two aspirin and call me in the morning! Use words appropriately
Emotional words have connotations that affect how people respond
Used incorrectly, the statement could be easily misunderstood
Is this statement misleading?
The patient was tortured with pain all night long. I had to medicate him with Roxanol 0.5mg to get him through it.
Incorrect use of a verb
Mr. D. died at 11:07pm., CMO. He was strong and tried to fight, but to no prevail. His family was by his side. T.O./Dr.B. accept to transport Mr.D. to funeral home. T.O. R.B./Dr.B/NanY.RN_
Be Specific
Specific, concrete nouns are used to focus on what is important.
How Much?
The medication cream is in the draweryou dont need too much for the wound, so whatever you think is good
What does funny describe?
Mary, the patient down the hall, says she is feeling a little funny
Exactly, What Are You Saying? Exact Language= Knowledge Use professional jargon appropriately when in the clinical setting. Be clear and concise when reporting patient information to the oncoming nurse. Utilize these skills when advocating for your patient. Be prepared. Use concrete nouns when speaking to a physician about a patient.
Pearl of wisdom If the source does not reach the receiver with the intended message, the source might just as well have talked to himself or herself Kearney-Nunnery, 2012, p.109 Thank You!
References Hacker, D., & Sommers, N. (2011). A writers reference (7 th ed.) (pp. 165- 169). Boston: Bedford Books of St. Martins Press. Kearney-Nunnery, R. (2012). Advancing your career: Concepts of professional nursing (4 th ed.) (pp. 108-125). Philadelphia: Davis.