Objectives

Recognize how to use exact words to improve

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.