First impressions! The power of language in the health care setting.

The nurse who wants to be recognized as an expert clinician and a respected colleague will find that linguistic competence, combined with nursing knowledge, facilitates entrance into the professional mainstream. This study examines the role of the nurse educator in identifying the use of nonstandard English in the health care setting. The purpose of the following discussion is to increase awareness of nonstandard English usage by students and to show its negative impact on professional growth. Assessment and referral approaches are also identified.