Nursing Slang 101: When to use it and how

When you begin your nursing career, you will use certain terminology and slang to communicate with other healthcare professionals. This type of communication can be spoken or in written form. Many of these slang terms are unique and have become standardized among nurses across the world. These terms are mostly used to describe aspects of patient care.

In nursing school, you learn medical terminology that you will use everyday in your nursing career. This terminology is professional and standardized among all healthcare professionals. This terminology is taught to healthcare professionals to ensure effective communication during patient care. Using standardized terms will allow all team members to be on the same page.

Here is a list of some common terminology terms you will learn in school and use daily in your nursing career.

NPO- this means “nothing by mouth” and is derived from a latin term.
Ad Lib- this term means “as desired” and is also derived from a short latin term.
PRN- this term means “as needed” or “as necessary” 4. BID- this term means “twice a day”

The four terms listed above are an example of standardized terminology. As a nurse, you will be able to use these terms daily when working. You can either write them down or say them outloud.

When discussing patient care with other healthcare professionals, it is important to only use standardized terminology. Using slang or terminology that is not taught everywhere, may result in a miscommunication. As a new nurse, you may only know the basics. If you hear a term you are unfamiliar with, make sure to clarify with your preceptor or other nursing staff. When talking with other healthcare workers, ensure you are both in understanding of what is being discussed. Some slang words are frequently used by nurses but may not be taught in school.

Here are some of those frequently used terms that may not be taught in nursing school.

Banana bag- A banana bag is a yellow-colored IV bag. It contains a lot of nutrients and vitamins which gives it the yellow color. You may use this term when talking to other nurses or healthcare professionals. When

discussing this treatment with the patient, it may be best to explain what is in the bag and why they might hear it called “banana bag”.

Walkie-talkie- This term is used when the patient needs minimal bedside care. This term is acceptable to use when talking to other nurses or healthcare professionals.

Tachy- is the abbreviation of tachycardia. You should only use this abbreviation when talking to other nurses or healthcare workers. The patient may not even understand the term tachycardia. When discussing this with the patient you may need to first say fast heart rate.

Brady- is short for bradycardia. Again, you should only use this term when talking with other nurses or staff. The patient may not know what bradycardia is.

The slang used by nurses doesn’t always have to be professional. Nurses may find humor in some slang used. Although they are common, not all nurses use this type of communication. These funny slang words may relieve stress and lighten up the mood. Being a nurse can be stressful at times so why not have a little fun! Just remember to be mindful of your surroundings. Some slang terms used by nurses may not sit well with the patient or their families. Some of these terms may only want to be shared in the nurses lounge or station.

Here are some of the funnier slang used by nurses.

Trainwreck- The patient is considered a trainwreck when they have a lot of health problems. This slang term may be offensive to the patient or family members. Only use this term with other nurses in a private area.

Happy juice- a cocktail of narcotics. This term should only be used around other nurses and healthcare workers.

Noctor- This is a nurse who acts like a doctor. This slang should only be used with other nurses and in private. Doctors may not find it appropriate.

Pothole sign- This term is used when discussing a patient with appendicitis. The patient had severe abdominal pain for every bump or pothole they went over. This term may be used with patients, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. The meaning may need to be explained because it is not that common.

Bloodsucker- This term refers to a phlebotomist (the people who draw blood). This is another term that should only be shared with other nurses. It may be offensive to the phlebotomist or scare the patients.

Frequent flyer- this term refers to a patient that frequently visits the hospital. This term may upset the patient or family member. Only use this slang with other nurses or healthcare professionals.

Conversations between nurses and other healthcare professionals is vital to patient care. Terminology and slang are used to ensure staff and team members communicate effectively. Some slang/terminology is standardized, some are not. It may be challenging to keep up with the slang, especially for new nurses. Make sure everyone is on the same page when discussing patient care.