Communicating with Generation Z Nurses

By Rose O. Sherman, EdD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN

Communication for nurse leaders across generational groups is becoming more complex. We now have two generations (Millennials and Generation Z) that prefer not to communicate via email, yet it is the formal mechanism for communication in most organizations. With Gen Z nurses, even text messages to let them know about an important email is on the way are ignored.

Nurse managers tell me they are struggling to meet the communication preferences of staff. So they try all the usual channels – email, text, bulletin boards, communication huddles but leaders in some organizations now use newer strategies such as Slack, Unit FaceBook pages, the GroupMe app, and the What App. Some are considering using TikTok videos, but security concerns exist.

Even face-to-face communication can present interesting challenges. Consider the following story that a manager recently talked about during a program:

I was updating one of my new graduates about a practice change. She kept looking at me with what I thought was a quizzical look, so I tried another explanation. She said, ” Say less,” I felt very offended. After all, I was doing my job and didn’t expect a nurse to tell me to shut up. It turns out “say less” in Generation Z lingo means I get it. She was trying to tell me that she understood. Now I am learning that KEWL means cool, and CAP means you are lying where as No CAP means “for real” Who knew – now I have to relearn the language.

This manager makes a good point. The use of language evolves, and many terms that begin as generational slang ultimately end up in the dictionary. A sampling of other slang words to know from Dictionary.com, so you don’t misinterpret what is said include the following:

Cheugy – being referred to as cheugy by Generation Z means something or someone is uncool.

Drip – when you are called drip by Generation Z, this positively refers to your style, indicating you are fashionable. Take it as a compliment.

Hits Different – Generation Z will use the term hits different to describe something that inspires them to a different level.

Main Character –  for Gen Z, originated from a TikTok trend in which people post either a montage of their life featuring themselves as the main character or reenact popular scenes from favorite movies and TV shows. Main character can also refer to someone who is the subject of viral outrage on social media.

Snatched – if  Generation Z describes something as snatched, it means it is amazing or on point.

Bet – for Generation Z it is a term of affirmation, agreement, or approval along the lines of “Cool!” or “I’m down!” It can also be used to express doubt or disbelief.

Understood the Assignment – Generation Z will use the term to mean that someone was successful at or totally nailed something they needed to do.

Slaps – when Generation Z says “it slaps” they mean something is excellent or amazing.

Bussin – when Generation Z uses the term “bussin” they mean something is really really good.

A fun exercise for your leadership team would be to take the Generation Z slang challenge which apparently no one over 25 can pass.  The important idea here is that language changes over time and as leaders so must we.