Whinorrhea! By Elizabeth A. Schultz, RN, BSN

Marsha took a deep cleansing breath before entering Room 519.  It was only midnight, and she already answered Mrs. Gorski’s call light four times.  The evening nurse had given Mrs. G. a Halcion at 9:30 and assured Marsha she would sleep through the night.  Another empty promise.

“What took you so long?” Mrs. G whined.  “I called 10 minutes ago.  What if it had been an emergency?  I could be dead by now..maybe that would be a good thing.  I wish I were dead.”

“Mrs. Gorski,” Marsha said calmly, “I saw your light go on from down the hall.  I finished what I was doing and came directly to your room.  I’ve been in here five times, and I really do need to check my other patients before it gets much later.  Now, what can I do for you?” (more…)