The Prejudice of Language: Effects of Word Choice on Impressions Formed by Nurses

Abstract

The language which nurses use to report to other nurses about their patients may have a significant impact on the impressions formed by the nurse and on the subsequent nurse/patient relationship. Not only intended but also unintended messages may be transmitted through the reporting nurse's choice of words and may create faulty prejudgements of the patient and impede the nursing process. For this reason, communication between nurses about patients is an important focus for nursing research. An important part in socialization to any profession is the adoption of a common language. According to Yearwood-Grazette (1978) many professions devise exclusive languages, not understandable to those outside the group. Such technical language enables quick, concise communication. In nursing there are many examples of the type of code words to which Yearwood-Grazette refers. "Complain" may be used in patients' charts instead of more neutral words such as "states" or "reports." This may result in a negative bias toward the patients.