Whinorrhea
I recently found an article via The Journal of Nursing Jocularity that defines a new and growing diagnosis that I am sure we have all experienced in our nursing careers. Whinorrhea. The name itself is pretty easy to pinpoint what is involved but the further explanation of the assessment of Whinorrhea will clear things up for those of you that might need a little further information:
Whinorrhea exhibits itself through incessant complaining in an annoying tone of voice, which frequently fluctuates in pitch. This elicits a negative response in the listener and obliterates all traces of sympathy. It serves no beneficial purpose to the sufferer and can slow recuperation in the already physically compromised hospital patient.
Is Whinorrhea Communicable?
I am convinced that there must be a communicable link with Whinorrhea. I have noted more and more nurses that suffer from this condition. However, the documentation shows that:
Patients are not the only sufferers of whinorrhea. It has been known to strike members of the health care team; usually because of relentless stress or by association. Although whinorrhea is not contagious, it has been noted to be somewhat ‘catching’. Dealing with a whiner causes stress, increasing the nurse’s susceptibility to whinorrhea.
Interventions for Whinorrhea
The official documentation shows that there are several interventions that can be utilized to minimize the symptoms for the patient suffering from Whinorrhea. However, the documentation does not disclose how to control the spread and this serious disorder to the healthcare professional.
In 1988, nursing researcher Ima Angel did a comprehensive study of those effects. The following are a few of her conclusions: whiners take 150% longer to heal than non-whiners, use 100% to 200% more pain meds and are 5 times more likely to develop complications. These and other undisputed statistics spurred the AMA into approval. In November 1989, the FDA approved the use of AWF in the hospital setting.
Looking for Nursing Interventions that you can utilize for the co-worker that is suffering from Whinorrhea. In the meantime, find out more about this ailment by visiting The Journal of Nursing Jocularity.
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- Nurses Working Together to Build Camaraderie
