English as a second language Nurse How did you guys overcome fear of bad grammar?

I'm always afraid making mistakes in my grammar. I can overcome the the verbal conversation but writing a long grammar scared me most. Right now I'm really scared on making chart because what if my charting sucks because of bad grammar??What if they fire me because of the wrong grammar???! Does anyone here have this kind of problem? What if someone critic your chart because of the wrong grammar what do you guys usually do? Thanks.


Oh BTW I'm really amazed on a foreign Nurses who can't even speak English very well still working at very well known Hospital like kaiser etc. Even though they can't speak English well their confidence is still there!! I really admire them I hope I have that kind of confidence.. Last edit by Datu on Jan 28, '11
Well based off your post, your grammar seems to be good, just try to gain some confidence, don't get intimidated by anyone and do what you do best. Try getting some practice on writing charts that should help ,best of luck

Actually, if your posting is an example of your wriiten English skills you do quite well.I saw very few errors and your post was easily understood.I'd suggest continuing to post and read on this forum as practice, though some for whom English is a first language don't post as clearly as you.For charting I'd suggest talking with a coworker who writes well and ask permission to read some of their charting as a guideline. Perhaps ask them to review any of your charting about which you are unsure. I'm going to probably annoy some readers here but I would suggest asking an older coworker - someone who grew up in an era when grammar and spelling were taught more rigorously and who doesn't communicate in "text speak".

Thanks Ackeem ang bagladyrn ^_^

I agree. Your writing in your post is clear with very few grammar errors. I doubt you will have too much trouble finding a colleague who is very proficient in grammar & composition. In college I did a lot of proofreading. If you are comfortable with the spoken word, try reading what you write aloud. Also look up a list of homophones--words that sound alike but have different spellings/meanings. For example: threw vs. through Good luck, you already have a good start.

as other posters have said, your grammar seems fine. I am continually surprised (in a bad way) by the poor grammar of native English speaking doctors and nurses. I can't imagine anyone but the biggest jerk in the world giving you a problem with a few incorrect sentences here and there.

english is my second language as well. just keep your nursing notes short and clear. no need for using big words or making complex senteces. after all you're not required to write full essay for each patient

Nobody has fired the MD/surgeon whose handwriting cannot be read. Their orders get delayed for poor communication, service get delayed,nursing supervisor is informed, families get angry about delay, you tell them to complain to the vice president, you write up the MD (it's more effective to write them up after families have made a documented complain), MD/surgeon get their privilege suspended for two weeks, come back and gives you a dirty look blah blah blah. My point is that you are not writing an order as a nurse. Careplan is usually typed so don't worry. Your notes are your notes. The next nurse is required to recieve report and follow doctors' orders so they cannot question you about your notes. The notes are your own way of documenting what was done/not done for the patients. Never let another nurse argue with you about what you write in your note. It's your license, not their cup of tea( I don't mean like real tea in a cup. It's an idiomatic expression. Means not thier business) hehe

The grammar in a nursing note is far less important than correct terminology. Make sure what you actually charted is what you intended to chart. The best way to accomplish that is to get feedback from other nurses. Once you've worked in a given unit for a good period of time, you will learn the particular language for your specialty. Good luck-don't hesitate to ask, ask, ask if you are unsure. Your charting is your best protection later on in the event of any kind of controversy over the patient's care.

Quote from Ayeloflo Never let another nurse argue with you about what you write in your note. It's your license, not their cup of tea( I don't mean like real tea in a cup. It's an idiomatic expression. Means not thier business) hehe

Thanks a lot guys for reply. I will do my best to improve my English grammar and accent. ^_^

Most importantly, have a sense of humor. Most of us have made funny charting errors, including native speakers, and it is certainly more likely when adapting to a new language. If in doubt, google "charting bloopers" or the phrase "Ich bin ein Berliner" for examples.Learning a new language is a brave and difficult thing. If anyone is rude about an error, it shows there is something wrong with them. Just laugh, learn from your errors, and move on. I've had some hilarious moments with my patients as I try to master Spanish and fail miserably often, yet they appreciate my efforts. Your coworkers should appreciate your willingness to learn also.

Read this site a bit more. It will become obvious to you that many English-speaking nurses have no fear of bad grammar. They use and abuse their native language. Having read your posts, I'd say you're doing great!