Cell Phone Nurse

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I told the nurse on duty last night before I left the hospital that if mom gets discharged tomorrow that I need a late check out. I had an appointment for my annual mammogram at 2:40 on the other side of town and I didn't want her to have to sit and wait on my test after she was discharged. I was told that this was no problem. I got a couple of phone calls on the way to my appointment from the social worker who was trying to set up Home Health. I woke up early but decided to wrangle with the laundry instead of going to hospital. I thought this would just upset my mother knowing she was going home and then I left without her. My appointment went well. I didn't have to wait more than 5 minutes and I was in and out within 30 minutes. I wish all doctor appointments went that smooth. I arrived at the hospital at 3:30 and a nurse popped in mom's room and asked if we were ready to discharge. I said yes, of course. She said she would be right back. She did come right back and I recognized her as the "cell phone nurse." We went over all the special instructions, mom's medication, and follow up appointments. I will have to reschedule both of the appointments they made because there is no way I can have mom in South Baton Rouge for 9 am. After all the paperwork was done we called for an aide to help get mom ready to leave. That went quickly and we sat and waited and waited and waited. After 40 minutes of waiting I went out looking for "Cell Phone Nurse." She was nowhere to be seen or found. I found the aide in the hall and she said, "Are ya'll STILL here??" I said, "Yes, I think somebody forgot to call for a wheelchair." She told me she would check on the matter and I followed her to the nurse's station. Yep! Bingo! Cell Phone Nurse forgot to call transportation to take mom downstairs. I really wasn't surprised, but glad to get out of there where we do not have to deal with her anymore! I did stop at the main desk and get two referral cards. I filled one out for a nurse in ICU who was outstanding and one for "Cell Phone Nurse" who needs to get her head out of her phone. I hope she gets reprimanded for her actions. Photo: Pixabay