At first glance the topic of Standardized Nursing Terminology (SNT) is deceptively straightforward. The
empirical understanding of the terms ‘nursing’ and ‘terminology’ lead us to believe SNT is simply the words
nurses use to describe the things they see, use, and do. In one way this is correct; McGonigle and Mastrian
(2018) wrote that SNT is just “terminology that has been approved by an appropriate authority” (p. 114). But
here ends the simplicity of the topic. Consider that Rutherford (2008) reported there are actually thirteen SNTs
already in existence, one of which has already been retired; McGonigle and Mastrian (2018) also listed 12
approved SNTs as of 2012. But regardless of which SNT is utilized in the community hospital in question the
CNO will most likely be impressed by the following arguments.
SNTs allow for consistent data entry into EHRs; the use of which is mandated by the HITECH Act of 2009
(McGonigle and Mastrian, 2018). A common nursing adage says that “if you didn’t document it, you didn’t do
it”. Rutherford (2011) affirmed that “because nurses use informal notes to verbally report to one another, rather
than patient records and care plans, their work remains invisible” (p. 4). SNTs allow this invisible work to
become part of the record and thus ensure the facility is reimbursed appropriately for the care and treatment it
provides. Because if it is not documented in SNT, you cannot be paid for it! Finally, SNTs improve patient
outcomes, increase nursing productivity, facilitate data mining, and help ensure patient data is available across
the healthcare network (Hebda and Czar, 2013). In short, SNTs are not only required by law but are simply
necessary in the increasingly informatics-based healthcare system