Advice for nurses - Communicating in the US patient setting

A clear understanding of the language and its nuances will help build good, respectful and robust relationships.  A US nurse will always say ‘please ‘ and ‘thankyou’ when asking for something or stating ones’ appreciation. This is regardless of whether you are talking to someone who is in a lower position than you. Similarly it is a valuable thing to do to offer praise of someones’ positive actions eg ‘well done’ or ‘good job’.

2. Americanisms

Hollywood, US television, computer games etc have flooded the world with US slang or ‘Americanisms’ . For the most part a US nurse will already coversant with them even though he/she only uses them sparingly or if at all.  A phrase such as ‘that’s crazy’ does not indicate a mental illness but just that it is silly.

3. Eye Contact

When nursing in the USA you will find that your colleagues, even your superiors, prefer direct eye contact. Avoiding it is sometimes seen as a sign of dishonesty and some people think that you are hiding something from them

4. Be Assertive

In a busy hospital assertive communication is valued. The US nurse should be clear and respectful when asking others about their feelings.

5. Amusement or Discomfort?

In many Asian cultures giggling is seen as a sign of discomfort. So if prior to your US nursing job you and are a native of say Thailand or the Philippines then you may have to explain to others so that they do not take it as a sign of disrespect.

6. The Lingua Franca

Extremely few Americans have travelled abroad and have a clear conception of different cultures and languages. Some view foreign languages with a degree of distrust.

Accordingly, even though you may feel quite at ease speaking your native tongue with your fellow nurses, others may believe that you are talking about them. In a clinical setting it is best to avoid speaking your language when in mixed company.

7. Tone of Voice

In a critical situation it is your tone of voice that indicates its seriousness. You may get an inappropriate response if your tone does not match your words