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Top 20 Nursing Slang Terms Explained

This document lists and defines 20 common slang terms and code phrases used by nurses. Some terms refer to difficult patients, like "Princess" for someone who frequently uses their call bell for minor things. Other terms refer to medical procedures or conditions, such as "Celestial Discharge" meaning a patient has died, or "DT-ing" referring to delirium tremens protocol. The document also includes slang for medications like "Happy Juice" for IV pain medication and "Vitamin H" for Haldol. Overall, the document provides nurses with an entertaining overview of common slang words and phrases used in their profession.

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Angie Mandeoya
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253 views5 pages

Top 20 Nursing Slang Terms Explained

This document lists and defines 20 common slang terms and code phrases used by nurses. Some terms refer to difficult patients, like "Princess" for someone who frequently uses their call bell for minor things. Other terms refer to medical procedures or conditions, such as "Celestial Discharge" meaning a patient has died, or "DT-ing" referring to delirium tremens protocol. The document also includes slang for medications like "Happy Juice" for IV pain medication and "Vitamin H" for Haldol. Overall, the document provides nurses with an entertaining overview of common slang words and phrases used in their profession.

Uploaded by

Angie Mandeoya
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

In every career, there is job slang and code words that are specific to that

particular line of work. Its no different for nurses. We have our own slang
terms and code phrases, some of which are quite entertaining! Some words and
phrases, you will notice are specific to certain geographical areas. There are
many terms that you may have never heard, but are very common in other
North American states or even other countries! HHere are some of the most
common nursing slang terms and codes!

#1. Princess/Prince/Diva

This refers to a patient who stays on the call bell frequently for minor things and
seems to never be satisfied. For example: Pillow must be fluffed just so,
requires X number of blankets, requests Styrofoam cups instead of plastic, etc.

#2. Celestial Discharge

Sadly, it is not as pretty as it sounds. When a patient is celestially discharged, it


means that the patient has died.

#3. Code brown


Large poop. Call backup.

#4. Frequent flyer

Usually, this phrase is used along with #2. Refers to patients that come into the
ER a lot.

#5. Sundowner/sundowning

Patients with dementia start going crazy when the sun goes down. Alert and
oriented sweet little old lady turns to confused and combative old lady in two-
point restraints by 7 pm. Everyone with a dementia diagnosis all aboard the
Ativan at 5 pm!

#6. Vampire

No, its not Edward Cullen. A hospital vampire is a phlebotomist.


#7. Trainwreck

A patient who is not doing well, with multiple acute problems at one time. For
example:

81 y/o confused female, non-ambulatory, incontinent, 2pt nonviolent


restraints. Dx: CHF exac, COPD, Afib, 4L NC
Vitals: BP 190/100, HR 100, RR 24, O2 92%, Temp 99.2,
Labs: hgb 6.2 WBC 12 trop 0.12

#8. Happy juice


IV pain medication.

#9. DT-ing
Referring to DT (Delirium Tremens) protocol
#10. fluid overload
Hypervolemia, usually in CHF patients

#11. PITA
A patient who is a Pain in the A$$

#12. About to kick the bucket


Patient is not doing well- about to code.

#13. Nurslings
Student nurses

#14. Vitamin H
Vitamin Haldol. LOL!

#15. Vitamin P
A clever name for Lasix. Go figure.

#16. Milk of amnesia


If someone is getting milk of amnesia it means someone is getting propofol.
#17. Walkie talkie
Refers to a patient that every nurse dreams of- one that can walk and talk (self-
care, low maintenance)

#18. Drug seeker


Phrase used for patients who are addicted to narcotics or other controlled
substances and are needing a fix for whatever reason and come to the ER to
get it.

#19. Breathing treatment


Refers to smoking a cigarette.

#20. Penile intubation

Placing a foley in a male patient.

There are 20 nurse slang terms that Im sure many of you recognize! What
slang words you use at work? Now, get back to work STAT, and dont forget to
allow yourself a little R&R! *wink wink*

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