6 MIN · Module

Understanding Instructions From Nurses

Polite English requests are often real instructions. Learn what When you get a chance and nil by mouth really require you to do.

Part of these courses

English for Healthcare Support Workers· 5 credits to certificate

Polite words, firm meaning

A nurse may say When you get a chance, could you change the bed in room four? The words sound optional. The meaning is not. In Irish and British workplaces, politeness is a style of speaking, not a signal that the task can wait until tomorrow. Do the task soon, and tell the nurse when it is done.

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