Functional English for Nursing: Semester 1 Communication Notes

Nursing English is practical English. The goal is to communicate clearly with patients, families, teachers, and healthcare teams while reading and writing accurately enough for academic and clinical work.

1. Core Grammar

Review parts of speech, subject-verb agreement, sentence structure, tenses, articles, prepositions, and punctuation. In healthcare communication, short and unambiguous sentences are usually safer than complicated ones.

2. Building Nursing Vocabulary

Learn common prefixes, roots, and suffixes such as hypo-, hyper-, tachy-, brady-, -itis, -ectomy, -emia, cardio-, neuro-, gastro-, and nephro-. Break unfamiliar terms into parts instead of memorizing them as whole words.

3. Patient Communication

Introduce yourself, confirm identity, explain what you are going to do, ask permission where appropriate, and check understanding. Use open-ended questions to explore symptoms and closed questions when a specific fact is required.

4. Therapeutic Language

Helpful phrases include: “Tell me more about that,” “What worries you most right now?” and “Let me make sure I understood correctly.” Avoid blame, judgment, false reassurance, and language that dismisses concerns.

5. Telephone and Team Communication

State your name and role, identify the patient correctly, give the key issue early, and repeat critical information when needed. A structured handover such as SBAR can improve clarity: Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation.

6. Reading Skills

Before reading, scan headings and keywords. During reading, identify the main idea, supporting details, unfamiliar vocabulary, and evidence. After reading, summarize the content in your own words. Distinguish facts from opinions and avoid copying text without attribution.

7. Paragraph and Report Writing

A strong paragraph usually has a topic sentence, supporting information, and a concluding or linking sentence. Clinical and field reports should be chronological, factual, and organized. Avoid emotional or vague wording when objective description is possible.

8. Presentation Skills

Plan a clear opening, 2-4 main points, and a brief conclusion. Use readable slides, do not overcrowd them, speak to the audience rather than reading the slide, and prepare for questions. Practice improves confidence more than memorizing a script.

9. Common Academic Errors

• Long sentences without punctuation
• Mixing tenses without reason
• Using informal texting language in assignments
• Copy-pasting material without citation
• Using medical abbreviations the audience may not understand

10. Daily Practice

Read one short health article, learn five medical terms, write a five-sentence summary, and practice explaining one nursing concept aloud in simple English. Small daily practice is more effective than occasional cramming.