MediEnglish B2 - Inglés para enfermeros
Learn how to introduce yourself, identify roles, and use essential hospital phrases.
Módulo 6: Team Communication & Handover
In this module, students will focus on effective team communication and handover in healthcare settings. They will learn vocabulary related to shift changes, patient handover, clinical notes, and interprofessional collaboration. The grammar focus will be on formal connectors, which help nurses structure their communication clearly, logically, and professionally. This is essential for giving accurate information during handovers and ensuring patient safety.
En este módulo, los estudiantes se centrarán en la comunicación efectiva en equipos y la entrega de turnos en entornos de salud. Aprenderán vocabulario relacionado con los cambios de turno, el traspaso de pacientes, notas clínicas y la colaboración interprofesional. El enfoque gramatical será el uso de conectores formales, que ayudan a los enfermeros a estructurar su comunicación de manera clara, lógica y profesional. Esto es esencial para proporcionar información precisa durante los traspasos y garantizar la seguridad del paciente.
Learning Materials
Learn vocabulary, phrases, and grammar
Medical Vocabulary
Learn essential medical terms and their usage.
Clinical Phrases
Common expressions used in healthcare settings
Firstly, the patient’s vital signs must be checked before the end of the shift.
En primer lugar, se deben revisar los signos vitales del paciente antes de finalizar el turno
In addition, the medication schedule should be updated in the report.
Además, se debe actualizar el horario de medicación en el informe.
However, the patient has not received the prescribed treatment yet.
Sin embargo, el paciente aún no ha recibido el tratamiento prescrito.
Therefore, the next nurse must monitor the patient closely.
Por lo tanto, la siguiente enfermera debe monitorear al paciente de cerca.
Consequently, the handover sheet must include all observation
En consecuencia, la hoja de traspaso debe incluir todas las observaciones.
Moreover, collaboration with the doctor is necessary to adjust the treatment plan.
Además, es necesario colaborar con el médico para ajustar el plan de tratamiento.
On the other hand, some tasks might not be completed by the previous shift.
Por otro lado, algunas tareas podrían no haber sido completadas por el turno anterior.
As a result, the patient’s condition could worsen if instructions are ignored.
Como resultado, la condición del paciente podría empeorar si se ignoran las instrucciones.
Firstly, did the previous nurse record all vital signs accurately?
En primer lugar, ¿registró la enfermera anterior todos los signos vitales correctamente?
Furthermore, we need to clarify any unclear instructions from the doctor.
Además, necesitamos aclarar cualquier instrucción poco clara del médico.
Nevertheless, the team must continue monitoring despite the workload.
No obstante, el equipo debe continuar con el monitoreo a pesar de la carga de trabajo.
In conclusion, all tasks should be double-checked before leaving the shift.
En conclusión, todas las tareas deben verificarse antes de salir del turno.
Could you please update the handover sheet with the latest observations?
¿Podría actualizar la hoja de traspaso con las observaciones más recientes?
It is important to note that the patient’s response to medication may vary.
Es importante tener en cuenta que la respuesta del paciente a la medicación puede variar.
Finally, do not forget to communicate any critical changes to the team.
Finalmente, no olvide comunicar cualquier cambio crítico al equipo.
Formal Connectors
What is and what is the use:
Que es y como se usa
Formal connectors are words or phrases that link sentences and ideas in a clear, organized, and logical way. They are essential in professional communication, especially in healthcare, because they help nurses explain procedures, observations, and patient information in a structured manner. Using formal connectors ensures that the message is coherent, accurate, and easy to follow, which is crucial during handovers, shift reports, and interprofessional communication.
Formal connectors can indicate:
- Order (firstly, secondly, finally) → organizing tasks and priorities.
- Addition (in addition, moreover, furthermore) → adding more information or updates about patients.
- Contrast (however, nevertheless, on the other hand) → showing differences or exceptions, e.g., changes in patient condition.
- Cause and effect (therefore, consequently, as a result) → explaining consequences of procedures, observations, or instructions.
- Emphasis or clarification (it is important to note that, indeed, particularly) → highlighting critical information for patient safety.
In nursing, formal connectors are used to:
- Deliver clear handover reports.
- Update colleagues about patient conditions, medication, and vital signs.
- Explain procedures and assessment outcomes logically.
- Show priority and responsibility in tasks.
By mastering formal connectors, nurses can communicate professionally, reduce misunderstandings, and maintain continuity of care.
- How to use (structure)
Type of Connector | Connector | Example Sentence |
Order / Sequence | Firstly | Firstly, check the patient’s vital signs and record them in the observation chart. |
Secondly | Secondly, review the medication schedule and confirm all doses have been given. | |
Finally | Finally, update the handover sheet to ensure continuity for the next shift. | |
Addition | In addition | In addition, communicate any alerts to the senior nurse immediately. |
Moreover | Moreover, document any observations about the patient’s condition in the report. | |
Furthermore | Furthermore, provide feedback to junior nurses about completed tasks. | |
Contrast / Opposite | However | However, the previous shift may not have followed all instructions. |
Nevertheless | Nevertheless, ensure that all documentation is accurate and complete. | |
On the other hand | On the other hand, some tasks can be delegated to support staff to save time. | |
Cause and Effect / Result | Therefore | Therefore, escalate any critical changes in patient condition immediately. |
Consequently | Consequently, the next nurse must prioritize monitoring high-risk patients. | |
As a result | As a result, the handover sheet should include all recent updates and observations. | |
Emphasis / Clarification | It is important to note that | It is important to note that proper task allocation ensures patient safety. |
Indeed | Indeed, effective communication and collaboration reduce errors during handovers. | |
Particularly | Particularly, monitor patients with unstable vital signs during the shift. |
- Do not use (Common Errors)
- Overusing connectors → Using too many connectors in a single sentence can make reports confusing.
- Wrong connector for the context → Example: saying “however” when the idea is an addition, not contrast.
- Connector at the wrong position → Some connectors should start a sentence, others can appear mid-sentence.
- Forgetting a comma after the connector → In English, most sentence-start connectors are followed by a comma.
- Mixing formal and informal connectors → Avoid casual connectors like “also” or “but” in professional handovers.
- Examples in Context (EN)
- Firstly, monitor the patient’s vital signs and record them in the observation chart.
- In addition, update the handover sheet with any new alerts or feedback.
- However, the medication schedule was not followed by the previous shift, so check carefully.
- Therefore, escalate any critical changes in patient condition to the senior nurse immediately.
- It is important to note that proper task allocation and collaboration ensure continuity of care.
- Traducción de Ejemplos en Contexto (ES)
- En primer lugar, monitoree los signos vitales del paciente y regístrelos en el gráfico de observación.
- Además, actualice la hoja de traspaso con cualquier nueva alerta o retroalimentación.
- Sin embargo, el horario de medicación no fue seguido por el turno anterior, así que revise con cuidado.
- Por lo tanto, informe de inmediato cualquier cambio crítico en la condición del paciente al enfermero superior.
- Es importante tener en cuenta que una correcta asignación de tareas y colaboración asegura la continuidad de la atención.
Dialogue:
Nurse A: Did you check the patient’s vital signs this morning?
Nurse B: Yes, I also updated the handover sheet with all the observations.
Nurse A: The medication for Room 3 wasn’t administered.
Nurse B: Therefore, I’ll give it before the next shift.
Nurse A: It is important to note that proper documentation prevents errors.
Translate:
Enfermera A: ¿Revisaste los signos vitales del paciente esta mañana?
Enfermera B: Sí, también actualicé la hoja de traspaso con todas las observaciones.
Enfermera A: La medicación de la habitación 3 no fue administrada.
Enfermera B: Por lo tanto, la daré antes del siguiente turno.
Enfermera A: Es importante tener en cuenta que una correcta documentación previene errores.
Key Vocabulary: vital signs, handover sheet, observations, medication, shift, documentation
Dialogue:
Nurse A: Let’s check the patient’s condition after the procedure.
Nurse B: I added the latest feedback from the doctor to the report.
Nurse A: The patient’s vital signs are slightly unstable.
Nurse B: Consequently, we need continuous monitoring for the next few hours.
Nurse A: Indeed, effective communication ensures the next nurse is aware of all updates.
Translate:
Enfermera A: Revisemos la condición del paciente después del procedimiento.
Enfermera B: Agregué la última retroalimentación del médico al informe.
Enfermera A: Los signos vitales del paciente están ligeramente inestables.
Enfermera B: En consecuencia, necesitamos monitoreo continuo durante las próximas horas.
Enfermera A: De hecho, una comunicación efectiva asegura que la siguiente enfermera esté al tanto de todas las actualizaciones.
Key Vocabulary: condition, procedure, feedback, report, vital signs, monitoring, communication
Dialogue:
- Nurse A: We need to review task allocation for this shift.
Nurse B: All tasks should be prioritized according to patient needs.
Nurse A: Some procedures require supervision from a senior nurse.
Nurse B: Therefore, I’ll update the handover sheet while you supervise the procedure.
Nurse A: It is important to note that good collaboration ensures continuity of care.
Translate:
Enfermera A: Necesitamos revisar la asignación de tareas para este turno.
Enfermera B: Todas las tareas deben priorizarse según las necesidades del paciente.
Enfermera A: Algunos procedimientos requieren supervisión de un enfermero senior.
Enfermera B: Por lo tanto, actualizaré la hoja de traspaso mientras tú supervisas el procedimiento.
Enfermera A: Es importante tener en cuenta que una buena colaboración asegura la continuidad de la atención.
Key Vocabulary: task allocation, shift, tasks, procedures, handover sheet, collaboration, continuity
Dialogue:
Nurse A: Did you receive the latest instructions from the doctor?
Nurse B: I checked the checklist and completed all required observations.
Nurse A: Some clarifications are needed regarding the medication for Room 5.
Nurse B: Therefore, I’ll call the doctor before the end of the shift.
Nurse A: Indeed, proper clarification ensures patient safety and accurate documentation.
Translate:
Enfermera A: ¿Recibiste las últimas instrucciones del médico?
Enfermera B: Revisé la lista de verificación y completé todas las observaciones requeridas.
Enfermera A: Se necesitan algunas aclaraciones sobre la medicación de la habitación 5.
Enfermera B: Por lo tanto, llamaré al médico antes de que termine el turno.
Enfermera A: De hecho, una correcta aclaración asegura la seguridad del paciente y una documentación precisa.
Key Vocabulary: instructions, checklist, observations, clarifications, medication, shift, documentation
Learning