Table of Contents

1. Unit 1 Booking a doctor’s appointment 3

 How a patient book a doctor’s appointment
2. Unit 2 Talking with patients 9
 Communication between nurses and patients
3. Unit 3 Communcation skills for nurses 12
 Ten communcation skill for nurses
4. Unit 4 Writing notes 18
 Nurse writes notes
 Example of a nurse’s note
5. Unit 5 Medical supplies and tools 21
 The most common supplies found in doctor's offices,
operating rooms, and medical kit
 Matching exercice
6. Unit 6 Doctor’s diagnosis 23
 Expressions used by physicians and patients
 Sample conversation between Doctor and patient
7. Unit 7 Visiting hours at the hospital 25
 When people may come to visit the patients
 Sample conversation between nurse and visitor
UTS ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. Unit 8 Medical specialists 28
 The most common types of specialists
 Matching exercise
9. Unit 9 Giving a shot 30
 Dialog between doctor and patient
 Expressions used when giving a shot

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 1

 10. Unit 10 Taking the patient’s blood pressure 33

 Key vocabulary associated with blood pressure

 Dialog between nurse and patient
 Expressions used when taking blood pressure
11. Unit 11 Getting a patient’s information 36
 Key vocabulary associated with patient’s info
 Dialog between nurse and patient
 What questions should a nurse ask to patient?
12. Unit 12 Giving medication and reading a prescription 41
 Dialog between a doctor and a patient
 Explaining medication
 Prescription directions shorthand
13. Unit 13 Taking a blood sample 45
 Vocabulary used when taking blood sample
 Dialog between nurse and patient
14. Unit 14 In the patient’s room 48
 Dialog between nurse and patient
 Explaining how to use something in the patient’s room
 Some useful verbs used in the patient’s room
UAS ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

References 51

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 2

 UNIT 1

BOOKING A DOCTOR’S APPOINTMENT

A. Patient

(Translate the following sentences according to daily expression)

 I need to make an appointment.

 _______________________________________
 I need to see the doctor.
 _______________________________________
 When is the doctor free?
 _______________________________________
 I need to renew my prescription.
 _______________________________________
 I need to make an appointment for my husband.
 _______________________________________
 My child needs to come in for a check-up.
 _______________________________________
 The doctor wants to see me again in two week's time.
 _____________________________________________

B. Receptionist

(Translate the following sentences according to daily expression)

 What is your chart number?

 ________________________________
 What is the appointment regarding?
 ________________________________
 Which day is good for you?
 ________________________________
 What time is good for you?

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 3

  ________________________________
 Is January the 3rd okay with you?
 ________________________________
 How does four o'clock sound?
 ________________________________________
 We'll see you then.
 ________________________________________
 I'm sorry the doctor is not taking new patients.
 ________________________________________
 We'll call you if there are any cancellations.
 ________________________________________
 We're running an hour behind schedule.
 ________________________________________
 Dr Jones is away. You'll be seeing Dr Lindsay.
 ________________________________________

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 4

Conversation

Receptionist: Doctor's office. Jane speaking. How can I help you?

Caller: I need to make an appointment with Dr. Harris.

Receptionist: Do you know your chart number?

Caller: No, sorry. It's at home and I'm at work right now.

Receptionist: No problem. What's your name, please?

Caller: George Mason.

Receptionist: Okay Mr Mason. Hold one moment while I grab your chart, please.

Caller: Sure.

Receptionist: Thanks for waiting. Now, what do you need to see the doctor about?

Caller: Well, I've been fighting a cold for more than a week, and I think I might
have a chest infection or something. My cough is getting worse each day.

Hmm. Doctor Harris is off tomorrow. Do you think it can wait until
Receptionist:
Wednesday?

Oh, I was really hoping to get in today or tomorrow in case I need some
Caller:
antibiotics. Maybe I'll have to go to the walk-in-clinic instead.

Actually, we had a cancellation for 2:00pm today if you can get away from
Receptionist:
the office.

Caller: Gee, it's almost 1:00pm already. I think I can make it if I leave right now.

We're running a bit behind schedule, so you can probably count on seeing
Receptionist:
the doctor around 2:30.

Caller: That's great. Thanks for fitting me in.

Receptionist: No problem, Mr. Mason. We'll see you in an hour or so.

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 5

 Answer the following questions

Check your understanding

1 Why does the caller phone the doctor's office?

2 Which is true about George Mason?

3 When will the doctor see Mr Mason?

1. _______________________________________________

2. _______________________________________________

3. _______________________________________________

C. Practise making 3-5 questions from the above conversation

1. _____________________________________________________

2. _____________________________________________________

3. _____________________________________________________

4. _____________________________________________________

5. _____________________________________________________

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 6

Making a Doctor's Appointment

Doctor's Assistant : Good morning, Doctor Jensen's office. How may I help you?

Patient : Hello, I'd like to make an appointment to see Doctor Jensen,

please.

Doctor's Assistant : Have you been in to see Doctor Jensen before?

Patient : Yes, I have. I had a physical last year.

Doctor's Assistant : Fine, what is your name?

Patient : This is Maria Sanchez.

Doctor's Assistant : Thank you Ms Sanchez, let me pull up your file.

Patient : I haven't been feeling very well lately.

Doctor's Assistant : Do you need urgent care?

Patient : No, not necessarily, but I'd like to see the doctor soon.

Doctor's Assistant : Of course, how about next Monday? There's a slot available at 10
in the morning.

Patient : I'm afraid I'm working at 10. Is there anything available after 3

Doctor's Assistant : Let me see. Not on Monday, but we have a three o'clock opening
next Wednesday. Would you like to come in then?

Patient : Yes, next Wednesday at three would be great.

Doctor's Assistant : Alright, I'll pencil you in for three o'clock next Wednesday.
Patient : Thank you for your help.

Doctor's Assistant : Your welcome. We'll see you next week. Goodbye.
Patient : Goodbye.

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 7

Key making an appointment phrases (then try translating them)

How may I help you?

________________________________________
I'd like to make an appointment
_________________________________________
Have you been in before?
_________________________________________
I had a physical (examination)
_________________________________________
This is ...
_________________________________________
I haven't been feeling very well.
_________________________________________
urgent care
_________________________________________
Is there anything open (available) ...
_________________________________________
Translate into English the following daily expression
1. Suster, jam berapa Dokter datang sore ini?
_____________________________________________
2. Apa bisa saya konsul dengan Dokter jam 5 sore?
_____________________________________________
3. Suster, apa masih ada waktu kosong jam 5 untuk konsul dengan Dokter?
_____________________________________________
4. Anda harus membuat janji sehari sebelumnya.
_____________________________________________
5. Semua Dokter sibuk hari ini, semua janji dibatalkan.
_____________________________________________

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 8

 UNIT 2
TALKING WITH PATIENTS

Communication between nurses and patients

Communication with patients can be defined as a transaction and message creation.
According to Hornby (1987) communication is the act communcating. The nurses create
message and give to patients. Communication between nurses and patients occurs all
day, every day. At times, the communication can be formal; for example, when a nurse
explain to a patient how to use a medical equipment. At other times, the communcation
situation might be informal, such as the nurse greets the patient, they do a small talk, and
then the nurse moves to the room.

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 9

Meeting patients

Most people who work in a hospital, of course, involved with patients every day. Some
patients spend a lot of time in the hospital. In these cases, the nurses will get to know them
well. Other patients are only in the hospital a day or two. Others are as outpatients (i.e.
thier surgery takes place during the day and they go home the same night).

Practising a dialogue
Situation : It’s been a busy day at Rossmoor Medical Center. The nurse is at the end of her
shift, but a new patient has been admitted, so she stops by to check on her (patient).
Practice the dialogue with a partner.

Good morning, Mrs. Chan. My name is Evelyn, and I’ll be one of the
Nurse: nurses taking care you here.

Patient: Nice to meet you. You look really young to be a nurse!

Nurse: Really? That’s nice to hear. I have been a nurse for three years now.

Patient: Well, I guess everyone is young compared to me. I’m just 72 years.

Nurse: Good for you! Well, I see that you are here for a hip replacement.

Patient: Yes, my orthopedic surgeon will come to see me soon.

Nurse: Are you nervous?

Patient: Not really.

Nurse: Will someone from your family be here with you?

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 10

Patient: Yes ... I think I hear them now.

Great! Well, my shift is over and I need to leave now, but I’ll be back
Nurse:
tomorrow at 7:00 AM. Good luck with your surgery.

Patient: Thanks.
Source: Ito, Nina and Mefford C. 2011. Take care: Communucating in English with U.S.
Health Care Workers. Michigan: Michigan ELT.

Creating a short dialogue

With a classmae, create a short dialogue between a nurse and a patient in the
hospital. First, describe the situation briefly.
Situation :
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Nurse:

Patient:

Nurse:

Patient:

Nurse:

Patient:

Nurse:

Patient:

Nurse:

Patient:

Nurse:

Patient:

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 11

Based on your dialogue, make 3 questions.

1. _______________________________________________________________?

2. _______________________________________________________________?

3. _______________________________________________________________?

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 12

 UNIT 3
COMMUNICATION SKILLS FOR NURSES

Ten communication skills for nurses

For a nurse, the ability to communicate is a very important skill and a
vital part of the job. Nurses speak to people of varying educational,
cultural and social backgrounds and must do so in an effective, caring
and professional manner, especially when communicating with
patients and their family.

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 13

If you are looking to improve your communication skills, here are ten
tips that may help:

1 – Speak Slowly

Certain words sound very similar to one another if they are spoken
very quickly. Take the time to speak slowly and carefully.

2 – Speak Clearly, Not Loudly

With some people, especially those who are older, the inclination
might be to raise your voice dramatically in an effort to make them
understand you. Instead of speaking louder, try speaking more
clearly, especially when communicating with older patients.

3 – Avoid Using Slang

A common mistake that many people make is to try to use bigger and
more complicated words. Another common mistake is to try to
use slang terms that are not fitting or appropriate. Avoid both of
these mistakes for better communication.

4 – Remember Your Audience

What you might say to a doctor or a fellow nurse might be very

different from what you would say to a patient or a patient’s family.
For example, use the word ‘medicine’ rather than ‘drug’ when talking
to patients. Choose your words to fit the situation and the audience.

5 – Stop and Listen

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 14

One of the most important skills you can have for effective
communication is being able to actually stop and listen to what is
being said by the other person. Listening is a very powerful
communication tool.

6 – Reflect

To make sure that the communication is flowing, learn the simple

trick of reflecting on what the person is saying to you. To do so,
you simply repeat what has been said in your own words, back to the
person. If you are wrong, the person can say so before you walk away.

7 – Use Body Language

In addition to the words that you say, you communicate with those
around you with your face, your hands your posture etc. Make sure
that what you are saying and what your body is saying are in
agreement.

8 – Know Your Communication Roadblock

If you have ever stumbled on a word or you have ever found yourself
so frustrated that you could not communicate at all, then you know
the roadblocks. Everyone has a few of them, knowing yours can help
you to find ways around those issues. For instance, if you know that a
person crying will effectively make your communication skills
disintegrate then learn ways to manage such situations better.

9 – Consider Learning a Foreign Language

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 15

It might sound strange but learning a new language puts you in better
touch with your native tongue and can open your eyes to the way you
use the words you already know.

10 – Don’t Forget Other Methods of Communication

In addition to speaking and listening, don’t forget that there are other
skills that you should work on such as reading and writing.

11. .......

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 16

Adding another two communication skills

With a classmae, discuss another two communication skills and then write down
below, explain in brief.

11 -- _________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

12 -- _________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

Interacting with patients

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 17

For some patients, hospitals are interesting places to stay for two or three days, but it is
boring to have to stay in a hospital room more than three days (Ito & Mefford, 2011).
Nurses’ interactions with patients (e.g., using small talk and follow-up questions) may
make the days a little more interesting.

Practising a dialogue
Situation : A nurese is helping a patient to fill out a form. While she does this, they have a
conversation. Practice the dialogue with a partner.

Hello, Mr. Dross. I’m here to help you fill out this form for your health
Nurse: insurance company.

Patient: Hi.Thanks. My printing is not good these days.

Nurse: O.K. What is your initial?

Patient: “X.” My middle name is Xavier.

Nurse: Well, that’s an interesting name. Now what’s your address, and zip code?

Patient: 1320 Elmwood Street. That is in Riverside. The zip code is 92505.

Nurse: All right. What’s your date of birth?

Patient: June 1st, 1974.

Oh, my father was born on June 1st, too. Now they need to know what
Nurse: medication you’re taking. We can get that from your chart. How about
substance use? I know that you smoke. How often do you smoke?

Patient: I can’t smoke in here. Usually, I smoke about a pack a week—not much.

O.K., well, we can fill out the rest of the form based on your chart. We’ll
Nurse:
submit the form as soon as possible.

Patient: Thanks.
Source: Ito, Nina and Mefford C. 2011. Take care: Communucating in English with U.S.
Health Care Workers. Michigan: Michigan ELT.

UNIT 4

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 18

 WRITING NOTES

A nurse observes her patient carefully. She observes what happens to him and what
treatment the doctor gives him. She gives information about the patient’s health to other
member of medical staff. Sometimes, she must write down information about the patient.
When she does this, it must be easy for other nurses and doctors to read it quickly. For this
reason, she must use clear handwriting and write brief notes.

Some words can be shortened. She can write “pt” instead of “patient”, and ‘c/o’
instead of ‘complain of’. Here are some examples of how to write information down
briefly. Instead of the patient was sitting in a chair, a nurse can write ‘pt in chair’. If she
gives a patient some water to drink, but the patient says ‘I don’t want it’, she can write ‘pt
refused water’. If a patient has been vomiting a lot, but then he drinks some water and does
not vomit, she writes ‘pt tolerated water’.

The following is presented the common abbreviation.

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 19

1. Vocabulary
Find the synonym of the words below (1-6) and make a sentence for each word!

1. patient 4. briefly a. clients d. shortly

2. happen 5. treatment b. notice e. occur
3. write down 6. observe c. care f. make a note

2. Writing activity
Write a short report about a patient with the following situation.
1. Her name is Ms Anita.
2. She came to the hospital with a terrible headache.
3. She stayed 2 days.
4. Write also the medicine she took and treatment you gave to her.
5. She left hospital two days ago.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 20

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

UNIT 5

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 21

 MEDICAL SUPPLIES AND TOOLS
1. Here is a list of some of the most common supplies found in doctor's offices, operating
rooms, and medical kits. Study the vocabularies and try the matching exercise.

Antiseptic liquid used to sterilize (clean) the surface of the skin

a cloth covering that is placed over a wound to prevent bleeding,

Bandage
swelling and infection

Bandage scissors tool used to cut bandages

Blood pressure
a tool that measures the force of blood flow through a person's body
monitor

Dressing protective covering that is placed over a wound

Elastic tape a thin roll of stretchy material that is sticky on one side

a poster of letter, word, and number combinations of various sizes

Eye chart
used to test a person's eyesight

instrument used during operations and medical procedures (assists the

Forceps
doctor in pulling, holding, and retrieving)

Gauze thin, netted material used for dressing wounds

sharp pointed metal piece that pricks the skin (attached to a syringe),
Hypodermic needle
used for taking blood or administering medicine

IV bag the pouch that contains liquids to be pumped into a patient's body

Medicine cup small plastic measuring cup

Microscope equipment that makes small things appear larger than they are

Otoscope a device used for looking into a patient's ears

Oxygen mask equipment that fits over the nose and mouth and supplies oxygen

an object that is used to separate the doctor and patient from others in
Privacy screen
an open room

Scales a device that measures a person's weight

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 22

Stethoscope equipment for listening to a person's heart and lungs

a cylinder-shaped piece that attaches to a needle and can be filled with

Syringe
liquid

Table and head-rest paper that is placed on an examining table or head-rest to prevent the
paper spread of germs

glass cylinder that is filled with blood or other liquids and can be
Test tube
capped and placed in a storage area

Thermometer an instrument used to check a person's body temperature

Vial a small bottle or container used for storing liquids

2. Matching Exercise
Match the comments with the supplies that are needed:

1 I can't catch my breath. a Table and head-rest paper

2 Prepare the examining table for the next b Thermometer

patient.
3 We'll have to get a blood sample. c Oxygen mask
4 I need to sterilize the wound. d Hypodermic needle
5 We'll have to feed him with liquids. e Bandage scissors
6 Let's find out your weight. f Scales
7 I need to examine the patient in private. g Eye chart
8 Let's check your vision. h Antiseptic
9 Let's see if you are running a fever. i IV bag
10 Can you cut this gauze for me? j Privacy screen

UNIT 6
for internal use only English for nursing students Page 23
 Doctor’s Diagnosis
Useful expressions for:
Physician
 Your test results have come in.
 I'm afraid the prognosis isn't good.
 You have a long road to recovery.
 We have several options to discuss.
 The blood test came back negative.
 The transfusion was a success.
 It looks like you're ready to go home.
 I'd like to keep you here over night.
 We'll know more in a few days.
 You're not in the clear yet.
 We've ruled out diabetes.
 I'm hoping to get to the bottom of this soon.

Patient

 I don't understand what this means.

 Am I going to need surgery?
 Is it good news or bad?
 When will the tests results come in?
 How long do I have to stay in the hospital?
 What is the success rate?
 Are they going to run more tests?
 Is this a common problem for people my age?
 I'd like to discuss other options.
 I'm going to get a second opinion.

Source: https://www.englishclub.com/english-for-work/medical-diagnosis.htm dated 28 March 2022.

Definition:

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 24

A diagnosis is typically obtained by a doctor or other healthcare provider and usually begins
with a physical examination and an exploration of the patient's history. From there, tests
and other diagnostic procedures are recommended in order to determine the underlying
illness or injury that is causing the symptoms.

Source: https://www.emedicinehealth.com/how_do_i_get_a_medical_diagnosis/article_em.htm

Medical diagnosis (abbreviated Dx,[1] Dx, or Ds) is the process of determining which disease or condition
explains a person's symptoms and signs. The information required for diagnosis is typically collected
from a history and physical examination of the person seeking medical care.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_diagnosis

Conversation
Doctor: Hi Jessica. How are you feeling today?
Patient: A bit better.
Doctor: That's good to hear. Are you still feeling nauseous?
Patient: No, I haven't felt sick to my stomach since you switched my medication.
Doctor: Great. Say, your test results came in this morning.
Patient: It's about time. Is it good news or bad?
Doctor: I guess it's a bit of both. Which do you want first?
Patient: Let's get the bad news over with.
Okay. It looks like you're going to need surgery to remove the tumour from your leg.
Doctor: After the operation you're going to have to stay off your feet for at least three weeks.
That means no soccer.
Patient: I was afraid you were going to say that.
Now for the good news. The biopsy shows that the tumour is benign, which means it's
Doctor:
not cancerous. We're going to take it out anyway just to be on the safe side.
Patient: Wow, that's a load off my mind. Thanks Doctor.
Doctor: Don't get too excited. We still need to get to the bottom of all of this weight loss.
Patient: I've probably just been so worried about this stupid lump.
These things often are stress related, but we're still going to do a few blood tests just to
Doctor:
rule a few things out.

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 25

 Patient: Things like what? Cancer?
Doctor: Actually, I'm thinking more along the lines of a food allergy.

Check your understanding

1 Why did the woman have to switch medication

2 What bad news does the doctor give the patient?

3 What medical procedure did the patient already undergo?

Source: https://www.englishclub.com/english-for-work/medical-diagnosis.htm dated 28 March 2022.

UNIT 7

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 26

 VISITING HOURS AT THE HOSPITAL
Part of being a midwife or nurse, involves dealing with the people who are close to your
patients. When a patient is staying in a hospital or other health facility, it is often necessary to
welcome, monitor, and inform visitors on a daily basis. In many cases you may form stronger
relationships with the patients' visitors than the patients themselves. Depending on the
condition of the patient, certain loved ones will be allowed to visit, while others will not. It is
a difficult time for people who have loved ones in the hospital. Showing them compassion
and explaining the rules is much easier if you have the necessary English skills.

Study the different people that may come to visit the patient. Then read some typical
concerns and questions that visitors may have, and some appropriate responses that you may
be able to give them.

Immediate family

Mother and Father (patient's parents)

Husband or Wife (the man or woman the patient is married to)
Son and Daughter (children of the patient, boy and girl)
Brother and Sister/siblings (other children of the patient's parents)

Extended family
Grandmother and Grandfather (mother and father of patient's parents)
Aunt and Uncle (brother and sister of patient's parents)
Niece and Nephew (girl and boy child of patient's siblings)
Cousins (children of patient's aunt or uncle)

Friends and other loved ones

Best friend (patient's closest friend)

Room-mate (a person the patient lives with)
Neighbour (a friend who lives near the patient)
Co-worker (a person who works with the patient)
Boyfriend or Girlfriend (the man or woman the patient loves/dates)
for internal use only English for nursing students Page 27
Fiancé (the man or woman the patient is engaged to marry)
Questions and Concerns of Loved Ones

 We're Michael's grandparents.

 Could you tell me which room Mrs Smythe is in?
 Is my child going to be okay?
 When can we speak with the doctor?
 What time are visiting hours?
 I'm trying to locate my sister. (I'm trying to find my sister's room.)
 Is there anything you can do to make him more comfortable.
 My child would like something to drink.
 Is there somewhere I can lie down for a while.
 Could you tell me where the chapel is?
 Please tell her to get well soon.
Questions and Responses from Nurses
 What is your relation to Jessica?
 You'll have to come back during visiting hours.
 Ms Lee is too tired for visitors.
 Room 7 is down the hall to your right.
 I'll give you two some privacy now.
 Does your daughter need anything?
 I'm afraid she's not having a very good day today.
 We do the best we can around here.
 There's a quiet room for families down the hall.
 The doctor would like to have a word with you. (The doctor wants to speak to you.)
 She's doing much better this morning.
 He's in isolation because of the transplant.
 We had to transfer your mother-in-law to the ICU.
 It's in your brother's best interest.

Conversation
Nurse: I'm afraid visiting hours are over, sir
Visitor: My wife's in room 3B.
Nurse: Sorry, you'll have to come back in the morning.
Visitor: And leave her all alone overnight?

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 28

Nurse: I'm afraid that's the policy, sir.
Visitor: Surely you can make an exception? What if she needs me in the night?
Nurse: Don't worry, we'll look after her. What she really needs is her rest.
Visitor: Some of her friends want to see her too. When can they come?
Visiting hours are from 9 to 11 in the morning and 4 to 7 in the evening, but I'm
Nurse: afraid while your wife is on bedrest the doctor has requested that only immediate
family members come in to see her.
Visitor: Can't her friends even stop by to bring her flowers?
Flowers are not permitted in this ward. We just can't risk any germs that might
Nurse:
come in with them.
Visitor: Well, I guess it's all in her best interest.
Thanks for understanding. Now, I'm going to bring your wife her dinner. Why don't you
Nurse:
head home and get something to eat yourself?
Visitor: Okay. I really hate to leave her, but that's probably a good idea.
Nurse: She's in good hands here. I'll tell her you were here and that you'll see her in the morning.

Check your understanding

Top of Form
1 What is the man's relation to the patient?

2 Why does the nurse send the man away?

3 The nurse thanks the man because...

UNIT 8
MEDICAL SPECIALISTS
Medical specialists are experts in certain fields of medicine. They either treat specific parts of the
body, such as the back or the brain, or they specialize in certain diseases, such as cancer. Family
doctors keep a list of local specialists and can help patients choose the right specialist for each
medical issue. In many cases specialists require a referral from a family doctor before they will
see a patient. Here is a list of the most common types of specialists. Study the list and then check
your understanding by taking the quiz.

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 29

allergist: specializes in determining food and environmental allergies
anesthesiologist: specializes in pain prevention during surgery
cardiologist: heart specialist
chiropractor: back specialist
dentist: tooth specialist
dermatologist: skin specialist
fertility specialist: helps people who have difficulty getting pregnant
gynecologist: specializes in women's needs
massage therapist: specializes in muscle relaxation
midwife: helps women deliver babies in a natural way
naturopath: specializes in natural cures and remedies
neurologist: brain specialist
obstetrician: specialist for pregnant women
occupational therapist: specializes in workplace health
oncologist: tumour specialist, including cancer
ophthalmologist: specializes in eye diseases
pediatrician: specialist for babies and children
physical therapist: specializes in the body's movement
podiatrist: foot specialist
psychiatrist: specialist in mental health
radiologist: specializes in imaging tests

Referral Quiz
Read the patient complaints. Which specialist does each patient need?

Top of Form

I have a terrible rash on my arms and legs. I think I'm allergic to dairy food, but it
1
also might be grass.

My husband and I just took a home pregnancy test, and it came out positive. We
2
want to know when we are due and we want to make sure the fetus is healthy.

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 30

 I still can't walk and it's been three months since my accident. I hate being stuck
3
in a wheelchair.

4 The test results show that I have an advanced form of blood cancer.

My left eye has an infection that won't go away and my vision has been blurry
5
for two weeks now.

I don't want to take any drugs that will cause me to become addicted to them, but
6
I do need some sort of pain relief.

7 I've been having major chest pains this week. I'm also having trouble breathing.

I get terrible acne and I have tried all of the products in the pharmacy. I don't
8
know what to do now.

My baby is not developing properly. She hasn't put on any weight in two months
9
and she keeps getting ear infections.

My husband and I have been trying to get pregnant for three years. We have tried
10
everything that the books suggest.

UNIT 9
GIVING A SHOT
==============================================================
Key vocabulary associated with the administering an injection :

injection, hurt, dizzy, shot, administer, needle, syringe, tingling, medication, swab,
numbness, injection site, disinfect, immunization

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 31

Part one of this medical procedures worksheet starts with a brainstorming activity and then
a couple discussion questions for students to think about before moving on to the dialog.

Have students in pairs or small groups go over the brainstorming activities. Elicit some
answers from the students.

Have the students in pairs answer the discussion questions and compare answers in groups.

As a last warm-up activity have the students verify understanding of the vocabulary
necessary for the task. Have students work with the vocabulary as necessary to solidify
understanding before moving on to the dialogue.

Have the students practice the dialogue in pairs. Then review the grammatical points below
the dialog.

Have students perform the task of giving a shot in pairs without using the handout.

Giving a shot
Dialogue
_______________________________________________________________
Doctor: Good afternoon, Ms. Carter.
How are you feeling today?
Patient: I feel fine. I’m just a little scared.
Doctor: Don’t worry. We’re going to take good care of you.
Ok now, I’m going to give you a shot. Please sit here.

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 32

 Patient: OK.
Doctor: Please show me your arm.
(the patient rolls up his sleeve)
I’m going to swab your arm with alcohol. This might be a little cold.
(the doctor disinfects the injection site)
OK, relax your arm. Be still and don’t tense up.
Patient: I’m sorry. I don’t like shots.
Doctor: If you feel dizzy or nauseous, let me know.
This is going to hurt a little.
(the doctor administers the immunization)
Do you feel any tingling or numbness?
Patient: No.
Doctor: There. All done.
Rub here lightly for a few minutes.

When giving orders, there are ways to be more polite.

______________________________________________________________________
Would you ________, please? Would you sit here, please?
Could you _________? Could you show me your arm?
I need you to _________. I need you to relax your arm.
Please _________. Please be still.
For negative requests:
Please, don’t _________ Please don’t tense up.
Try not to ____________ Try not to move.
Options:
________________________________________________________________________
1. Try the dialogue again and add in some of the more polite terminology.
2. Try adding 2 more lines of dialogue to the conversation. Then practice with a partner.

Giving a shot
What do you say as you are giving a shot?
Go through the procedure with a partner and
make notes of what you need to say.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 33

Questions about injections
____________________________________________________________________

1. What types of injections are there?

2. What are some of the most common medications you administer by injection?

3. What are the most common sites of these injections?

4. What supply do you need to have ready before giving an injection?

Important vocabulary
________________________________________________________________________

injection Hurt dizzy shot

administer Nauseous syringe relax
scared needle tense up still
alcohol rub Tingling medication
swab numbness injection site disinfect

UNIT 10
TAKING THE PATIENT’S BLOOD PRESSURE

===============================================
Key vocabulary associated with this medical lesson plan :

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 34

blood pressure, diastolic, pulse, breath, systolic, temperature, Fahrenheit, stethoscope,
Celsius, thermometer, blood pressure monitor, sphygmomanometer

Part one of this medical procedure worksheet deals with brainstorming language
surrounding taking a patient's blood pressure, pulse and temperature. Then the warm-up
activity moves to discussion questions for students to think about in small groups.
Hopefully, that will draw out some of the key vocabulary needed for this medical procedure.

- Have students in pairs or small groups try the brainstorming activity.

- Next have students in pairs answer the discussion questions and then verify the
answers in small groups.

- Go over the medical vocabulary with the class and check understanding.

Taking the patient's blood pressure

What do you say as you are taking a patient’s blood pressure,
pulse and temperature? Go through the procedure with a
partner and make notes of what you need to say.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 35

Try to answer these questions
____________________________________________________________________

1. What is normal blood pressure? When is medical intervention necessary?

2. What is the normal body temperature in Fahrenheit and Celsius?

3. What are some things that can cause changes in a patient’s pulse rate, blood pressure,
or temperature?

4. What equipment is necessary for performing these procedures?

Important vocabulary
________________________________________________________________________
blood pressure Cuff diastolic pulse
Breath systolic temperature relax
Fahrenheit stethoscope place celsius
Thermometer blood pressure sphygmomanometer
monitor

Taking the patient's blood pressure

Dialogue
_______________________________________________________________
Nurse: Good morning, Ms. Jones.
How are you feeling today?
Patient: I am feeling better, thank you.

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 36

 Nurse: That’s great. I’m going to take your pulse,
temperature and blood pressure. Is that OK?
Patient: Sure.
Nurse: First, let’s take your temperature and pulse. Please place this thermometer
under your tongue. At the same time, I’m going to take your pulse.
(the nurse gives the patient the thermometer and take her pulse)
Great, your temperature and pulse are normal.
Now, let’s take your blood pressure.
Patient: OK.
Nurse: Take a couple deep breaths. I’m going to place this cuff around your arm.
It will be a little tight. Please relax.
(the nurse takes the patient’s blood pressure)
OK. Your blood pressure is fine.
We’re all finished.
Language for procedures
______________________________________________________________________
I’m going to ……….
I’m going to take your pulse.
I’m going to take your temperature.
I’m going to take your blood pressure.
I’m going to ……….
Let’s take your blood pressure.
Medical readings
_________________________________________________________________________
Blood pressure: 120 (one-twenty) over 80
(120 is the systolic blood pressure and 80 is the diastolic blood pressure)
Temperature: 98.6 degree Fahrenheit
Pulse; to beats per minute
Options:
________________________________________________________________________
Try adding 2 more lines of dialogue to the conversation. Then practice with a partner.

UNIT 11
GETTING A PATIENT’S INFORMATION
==================================================================
Key vocabulary associated with the patient information worksheets :

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 37

medication, form, substance use, medical, information, alcohol, condition, sex, tobacco,
allergy, reason, occupation, fill out

Part one of this admitted patient worksheet has a warm-up activity. There is a
brainstorming activity and a discussion question section concerning a newly admitted
patient. At the bottom there is a list of key vocabulary for students to review and verify
meaning before proceeding.

- Do the first brain storming task in pairs or small groups.

- Have the students answer the discussion questions.

- Go over the key vocabulary and have the students verify the meaning of each
word. They can use the vocabulary in a sentence, write definitions for each word,
list collocations, or write the translations to the side.

- Proceed to the medical dialogue

Getting a patient’s information

What are some typical questions you need to ask a new patient?
With a partner and make notes of what you need to ask.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 38

Questions to discuss
____________________________________________________________________

1. What does a patient usually fill out forms in your hospital?

2. What do you think are the most important pieces of information?

3. Does your hospital have good forms for new patients? How many do they fill out?

4. Is there anything wrong with your hospital’s forms?

Important vocabulary
________________________________________________________________________

medication Form substance use medical

information Alcohol condition allergy
tobacco Male reason occupation
female fill out

Getting a patient’s information

Dialogue
_______________________________________________________________
Nurse: Good afternoon, Ms. Neil.
How are you feeling today?
Patient: Pretty good.
for internal use only English for nursing students Page 39
 Nurse: Before we start, I need to ask you a few questions
Patient: OK.
.
Take a look at this form. What questions should you ask?
______________________________________________________________________

Name Occupation / Job ........

Date of birth Sex Male/female
Reason for visit Allergies Are you allergic to
food: anything? Do you
medication: have any allergy?
_______________
other:
_________________
_________________
Current Substance use
medication tobacco: _____________ / day
alcohol: _____________ / day
other: _______________

Medical Other
condition

With a partner, write out the questions you should ask.

____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

Getting a patient’s information

Questions
_____________________________________________________________________________

Name What’s your name? Could I have your name please?

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 40

 Date of birth What’s your date of birth? Could I have your date of birth?
Reason for visit What’s wrong?
What’s the matter?
Why did you come here today?
What is borthering you?
Current Are you taking any medication?
medications What medication are you taking?
Do you take any medication?
Medical Do you have any medical problems?
conditions Do you have ……..?
diabetes?
high blood pressure?
heart problems?
Have you ever been diagnosed with ……..?

Occupation What do you do? What is your occupation?

Allergies Do you have any allergies to …….? Are you allergic to …..?
food: any food?
medicatin: any medication?
other: anything?
Substance use
tobacco: Do you smoke? Yes. How much per day?
alcohol: Do you drink? Yes. How much per day?
other: Do you use drugs?

Other Is there anything else we should know?

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
After practicing the questions, try to fill out the information form with your partner’s
information.

Information form of your partner

Name Occupation
Date of birth Sex Male/female
Reason for visit Allergies _________________

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 41

 food: _________________
medication: _________________
other:

Current Substance use

medication tobacco: ____________ / day
alcohol: _____________ / day
other: _______________

Medical Other
condition

Information form of your partner

Name Occupation
Date of birth Sex Male/female
Reason for visit Allergies _________________
food: _________________
medication: _________________
other:

Current Substance use

medication tobacco: ____________ / day
alcohol: _____________ / day
other: _______________

Medical Other
condition

UNIT 12
GIVING MEDICATION AND READING A PRESCRIPTION

===============================================
for internal use only English for nursing students Page 42
Key vocabulary associated with the medication and prescription worksheets :

QD, BID, TID, as needed, after meals, at night ...

Part one of this medical lesson plan has an introduction to prescription terminology. There
is an antibiotic brainstorming activity
for warm-up. Below that there is a list of key vocabulary for students to review and verify
meaning before proceeding to the speaking task.

Giving medication
Dialogue
______________________________________________________________________________
Doctor: Mrs. Williams, I’m going to give you a couple prescriptions.
Patient: Great.
Doctor: The first medication is an anti-inflammatory.
This is medicine to prevent inflammation in your knee joints.
You should take one capsule twice a day as needed. Three times a day.
Patient: OK. Will it help with the pain?
Doctor: Yes. The second medication is a diuretic. This is medicine for your high
blood pressure. You should take one tablet once a day.
Patient: Thank you. I really appreciate it.

Explaining medication.
______________________________________________________________________
This medicine is …… an antibiotic an anti-
inflammatory
This medication is …… a fever reducer a diuretic

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 43

 a stereoid a cough
an antacid suppreassant
a sedative a pain reliever
a bronchodilator
This is medicine for …. stomach acid headaches
diabetes pain
infection rashes
inflammation anxiety
sleep nausea
allergies asthma
This is medication to …. lower your blood pressure prevent nausea
help with your arthritis prevent blood clots
reduce your cholesterol stop pain
take care of your rash

Option.
_________________________________________________________________________
Try the conversation again and change the prescriptions to other medications.

Prescription directions shorthand

________________________________________________________________________

QD once a day prn as needed (for…)

BID twice a day Pc after meals
TID three times a day Ac before meals
QID four times a day Hs at night
q4h every 4 hours D day

more:

tab tablet od right eye

cap capsule os left eye

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 44

 syr syrup po by mouth
gtt Drop pr rectally
ung ointment sq subcutaneous
cr cream tsp teaspoon (5 ml)
tbsp tablespoon (15 ml)

Try a few of these. What are the directions you should tell the patient?
____________________________________________________________________________
 1 TID ____________________________________________________
 2 q4h prn ____________________________________________________
 (apply) QD prn rash ______________________________________________
 2 gtt os TID ____________________________________________________
 1 BID pc prn pain ______________________________________________
 1 tsp TID x 7d ______________________________________________

Make a couple yourself and have a partner write the directions.

____________________________________________________________________________
 _____________ ______________________________________________
 ___________ ______________________________________________

Giving medication
Practice.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Write three sentences about these prescriptions.

__________________________________________________
a pain reliever __________________________________________________
1 q6h prn pain __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

__________________________________________________
an antacid __________________________________________________
1 QID prn heartburn __________________________________________________

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 45

 __________________________________________________

__________________________________________________
a steroid cream
__________________________________________________
TID x 7 days
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________

a cough syrup __________________________________________________

5ml q4-6h prn cough __________________________________________________

__________________________________________________

__________________________________________________

Language useful for explaining medication:

This is ………………….. Take ……..

This is your antibiotic. Take this three times a day.
This is a prescription for an antibiotic. Take this twice a day, after melas.
This is the antibiotic the doctor
prescribed for you.

These are …………….. supposed to …..

These are your antibiotics. You are supposed to take this three times
a day.
He is supposed to take this after meals.

UNIT 13
TAKING A BLOOD SAMPLE

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 46

===============================================================
Key vocabulary associated with this medical lesson plan :

blood, blood sample, tourniquet, thumb, fist, injection site, disinfect, squeeze, relax,
press, rub, bend, hurt, queasy, nauseous, faint, sting, tight.

Part one of this medical procedure worksheet deals with brainstorming language
surrounding taking a blood sample from a patient. Then the warm-up activity moves to
discussion questions for students to think about in small groups. Hopefully, that will
draw out some of the key vocabulary needed for this medical procedure.

- Have students in pairs or small groups try the brainstorming activity.

- Next have students in pairs answer the discussion questions and then verify the answers
in small groups.

- Go over the medical vocabulary with the class and check understanding.

- Have students practice the dialog in pairs and then ask several groups to perform the
procedures in front of the class without the handouts.

Taking a blood sample

What do you say as you are taking a blood sample?

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 47

Go through the procedure with a partner and make
notes of what you need to say.
------------------------------------------------------------------

Questions about taking a blood sample

____________________________________________________________________

1. Do you take blood sample from patients? Please explain.

2. What type of tests do hospitals run on blood samples?

3. Which patients generally need to have a blood sample taken?

4. What supplies do you need to take a blood sample?

Important vocabulary
________________________________________________________________________

blood disinfect hurt blood sample

squeeze queasy tourniquet relax
nauseous thumb press faint
fist rub sting injection site
bend tight

Taking a blood sample

Dialogue

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 48

_______________________________________________________________________________
Nurse: Good evening, Ms. Jones.
You’re looking great today?
Patient: Thank you. I feel pretty good.
Nurse: Today, I’m going to take a blood sample. We need to run some tests.
Patient: OK.
Nurse: Please place your arm on this pillow.
I’m going to place this tourniquet on your arm. It will be a little tight.
(the nurse sets the tourniquet and finds the blood vessel)
I’m going to disinfect the area. This might be a little cold.
(the nurse disinfects the area with alcohol)
OK, place your thumb inside your fist and squeeze tightly.
Patient: Like this.
Nurse: Yes. You are doing great. Are you ready?
This is going to hurt you a little. You will feel a slight sting.
(the nurse starts taking the blood sample)
If you feel queasy, nauseous, or faint, please let me know.
Patient: I will.
Nurse: OK. We’re finished. You can relax your hand now.
Patient: Thank you.
Nurse: Please press here for a few minutes or bend your arm. Don’t rub the
injection site

With patients, anything is possible.

__________________________________________________________________________
If ………., please let me know. If you feel nauseous, please let me know.
If ………., please tell me. If you have any problems, please tell me.
If ………., please call us immediately. If you feel nauseous, please call us
immediately.

Options:
__________________________________________________________________________
1. Try adding 2 more lines of dialoque to the conversation.
Use one of the ‘if ……, please …….’ Phrases if possible.

UNIT 14

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 49

 IN THE PATIENT’S ROOM
This is a lesson plan via explaining how to use medical equipment worksheets.

Part one of this hospital equipment worksheet has an introduction dialog

explaining a few simple items patients might find in their rooms.

- Do the dialogue with the class and answer any questions they might have about
vocabulary or key expressions.

- Go over the target language and practice with the three items at the bottom of the page.
Then use some real items like calculators, cell phones or music players the students
might have on them. Have them explain how to use those items, focusing their attention
on the new target language.

- Try the items on the second page for more practice.

- Have the students repeat the dialog without the paper and explain how to use some
general items and medical items patients may find in their rooms.

In the patient’s room

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 50

Dialogue
_______________________________________________________________________________
Nurse: Now, Mr. Riggs, do you have any questions?
Patient: Yes. What is this?
Nurse: That’s the nurse call button. Use it to call a nurse.
Patient: Great.
Nurse: And this remote will adjust the bed.
Just push these buttons to change the height.
Patient: Thank you very much.

Explaining how to use something:

_________________________________________________________________________
for an action: for a thing:
use _________ to ……… push ____ for …….
turn _________ to ……… dial _____ for …….
Use this towel to dry your hands. Push this button for assistance.
Turn this handle to adjust the bed. Dial 111 for a nurse.

Some useful verbs:

Please, change the bed position to make you more comfortable

Use this bell to call me.

Please, push the wheel chair to bring the patient to the toilet.

Dial 911 for a police

________________________________________________________________________
push put ____ in open fill
pull put ____ on close empty
lift Tear turn on change
twist take off turn adjust
squeeze remove call stop

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 51

In the patient’s room
________________________________________________________________________
Here are a few more items for you to try to explain.
Using the model dialoque as an example, try to explain these items to a patient.
___________________________________________________________________________

You may not have seen a shower like this,

but now do you think a patient would:

fill the bath?

adjust the temperature?
use the shower?

What about these there medication vials, how would a patient:

open these vials?
open this bottle?
draw up the medication?
dispense the medication?

Be a little creative. Try to explain how a patient might:

call a nurse?
dial out of the hospital?
get assistance?

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 52

 References

1. Allum, V. & McGarr, P. (2010). Cambridge English for nursing. Dubai: Cambridge
university press.
2. Bush, H., Lampert, L. Edwards, T. & Hodgkinson. Ten communication skills for
nurses. (Online, accessed dated 20 March 2018).
https://www.ausmed.com/articles/communication-skills-for-nurses/.
3. Hornby, AS. (1987). Oxford advanced learner’s dictionary of current English. New
York: Oxford
4. Hospitalenglish.com.
5. Ito, Nina and Mefford C. (2011). Take care: Communucating in English with U.S.
Health Care Workers. Michigan: Michigan ELT.

6. Kusumohartono, D. Juliarti. (2011). Hospital conversation. Jakarta: EGC.

7. Murphy, R. (2004). English grammar in use. Cambridge : Cambridge University
Press.
8. Perwata, Annie & Maryunani, Aniek. (2001). English conversation for nursing
personnel. Jakarta: EGC.
9. Savage, A. & Shafiei, M. (2007). Effective academic writing 1.New York: Oxford
University Press.

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 53

for internal use only English for nursing students Page 54