Communication we were taught from day one in nursing school is the key to effective patient care. I remember one instructor telling the class that we may sometimes have to speak to patients on their level without making them feel stupid. I thought I had been doing a good job of this after working in substance abuse for so long. Now, that I am in the jail it is another story. Have any of you learned ay new phrases or words that will help all of us? The ER nurses probably have a plethora of phrases. I bet the ER nurses know what a Triple D or Special K is.

ctrum; you got it! It is sometimes called kitty as well. Kids were breaking into vets' offices to steal it. How 'bot this one: "He pulled on me" anyone know this one? I

It is quite difficult to talk to many patients - especially the younger ones. Last night I was preparing an injection and the kid said, "Whoa wicked!" I thought I was doing something bad but I suppose "wicked" means good? Since when?

I knew the "K" one it's a cat tranq - ketamine. What's "triple d" though?

actually, ketamine is a horse tranquilizer.

Having worked as an Aide in an inner city ER, an RN in a Rural LTC MR facility, and also a Camp RN at a Bible Camp and Boy Scout camp, I have had to learn a lot of "languages". It seems to me that it is no differant than learning the predominant languages spoken in your community. For my MR/DD clients I had to speak a modified sign language. While I do not swear in everyday speach, and abhor the use of foul language, there are times that I must use words I find distasteful to communicate effectively with my patients. No differant than having to speak Spanish to someone who has Spanish as thieir primary language.
I do not use foul language for shock value to get a patient's attention, however. I have found that speaking more quietly will do just as well, since they are not used to that! Especially from a male RN who is 6 and a half feet tall. Every ER/Trauma nurse and EMS person knows what the language of the streets is and the current drugs that are being used. We should keep up with them as well. We are going to run into them, no matter what area we work in. Being prepared ahead of time will help you and your patients, potentially preventing the loss of life or permanent injury due to use of recreational drugs.
God bless all, Paul. Lander, WY

Having worked as an Aide in an inner city ER, an RN in a Rural LTC MR facility, and also a Camp RN at a Bible Camp and Boy Scout camp, I have had to learn a lot of "languages". It seems to me that it is no differant than learning the predominant languages spoken in your community. For my MR/DD clients I had to speak a modified sign language. While I do not swear in everyday speach, and abhor the use of foul language, there are times that I must use words I find distasteful to communicate effectively with my patients. No differant than having to speak Spanish to someone who has Spanish as thieir primary language.
I do not use foul language for shock value to get a patient's attention, however. I have found that speaking more quietly will do just as well, since they are not used to that! Especially from a male RN who is 6 and a half feet tall. Every ER/Trauma nurse and EMS person knows what the language of the streets is and the current drugs that are being used. We should keep up with them as well. We are going to run into them, no matter what area we work in. Being prepared ahead of time will help you and your patients, potentially preventing the loss of life or permanent injury due to use of recreational drugs.
God bless all, Paul. Lander, WY

do they use triple d for something other than it's medical use?

triple d is used by the kids to get high.