"That having been said..."

A while back someone on here (a non-nurse, I believe) posted a thread about a friend not being treated well in the hopital, pt's pain not being controlled, pt's basic needs not being met, etc. (I don't say 'etc.' to minimize what she said, I just do not want to rehash it all). In the end, she asked what had happened to basic nursing care?. Again, I don't want to relive that post and I don't need an answer to that.

My question here is about one of the reponses. A person (a nurse, I believe) posted that nursing care has gone downhill because hospitals are now requiring BSN nurses and there is not a place for ADN or diploma nurses. She went on to say something to the effect that basic nursing care has been replaced by "stupid" phrases such as "that having been said..." Again, I don't want this to become an ADN vs. BSN thread. I just want to know what is wrong with saying "that having been said..." or similar phrases. Why is this phrase "stupid?" I say this a lot...does this make me stupid?

Feel free to add your thoughts. Any other examples of "stupid" phrases? Why do you consider them stupid? (Please!!! resist any urge to blast BSNs or ADNs.) Thanks! Last edit by brian on May 29, '11
I've heard grammar police here sometimes criticize the phrase "that being said" and I'm not sure what the problem is, but it must not be proper English. Personally, I have no problem with it and have used it myself when my opinion covers more than one point, or I have one opinion and can agree with parts of a differing opinion.I'm not understanding that the phrase is rampant in nursing, as it is in other professions/blogs/writers because I see it all the time, not just in nursing, so the criticism isn't a valid one in my opinion.

I'm not sure I'd label the expression "that having been said...." as stupid, but most of the time it does seem like people use it to mean "ignore what I just said". It's also a somewhat odd use of the passive voice, as though the words that were said just said themselves, as opposed to being said by a person (usually the same person who is saying "that having been said...").I don't use the expression myself, but see no reason to label it "stupid". I can't understand judging anyone based on using this expression, and I really don't see what it has to do with what type of nursing degree anyone has!!!

maybe the stupid one was the one who did not understand it

I remember the post and the poster. I respect that poster much, but don't take everything she says, as word. I use that phrase a lot and I am a LPN. Having said that, who cares...

It's no more or less trite than any one of countless other cliches; e.g., "at the end of the day". It doesn't do a lot to meaningfully advance the conversation.It has nothing to do with nursing, IMO.

Hmmm...I use that phrase all the time. It can be used instead of "however", or it can be used as a segue to another point. That being said, I don't think it is 'stupid'.

A stupid expression that instantly discounts anything that comes after it "Well we always used to..."

Hey, people can say whatever they want. Just don't expect me to listen to or read it.

Why not send a PM to the nurse and ask him/her what he/she means by that statement?

Maybe we could jazz it up a little and say "having said that"As long as I can determine the meaning I don't care how it's spelled or phrased.

Maybe the grammar police have too much time on their hands???

I've actually been brushing up my grammar in preparation for getting my BSN. From what I have read, the phrase is not grammatically wrong, but could come off as too casual in professional writing. I am also going to shamelessly plug the book Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing. It's perfect for anyone looking to brush up on grammar and usage and for advice on how to avoid common mistakes. (If I have mistakes in this post forgive me; I'm typing on my cellphone.) P.S. I'm a nerd