Some words and phrases

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Hello!I was reading http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0MJT/is_6_14/ai_112905387 by Victoria Schlintz in Chicken Soup for the Nurse's Soul.I was triage nurse that day and had just been out to the waiting room to clean up. Since there were no patients waiting to be seen at the time, I came back to the nurses' station for a cup of hot cider from the crockpot someone had brought in for Christmas. Just then an admitting clerk came back and told me I had five patients waiting to be evaluated.1. Does "a triage nurse" mean the matron?2. I found "matron" is British English (according to matron - definition from Longman English Dictionary online.) What is the American English equivalent?3. "Cider" is non-alcoholic in American English while it is alcoholic in British English. (according to cider - definition from Longman English Dictionary online) So whether it is alcoholic depends on whose soil the writer is on...?4. Is "crockpot" a nickname for "kitchen"? Five bodies showed up at my triage desk, a pale petite woman and four small children in somewhat rumpled clothing.[...] She turned and, with a smile, guided her brood into the waiting room.5. I think that "brood" means her children and that it should be "broods."We made little goodie bags of stickers we borrowed from the x-ray department, candy that one of the doctors had brought the nurses, crayons the hospital had from a recent coloring contest, [...]6. I just wonder, compared with "drawing contest," how often "coloring contest" is used.Best Regards

Vorpar · Accepted Answer

exodejavuHello!

I was reading http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0MJT/is_6_14/ai_112905387 by Victoria Schlintz in Chicken Soup for the Nurse's Soul.

I was triage nurse that day and had just been out to the waiting room to clean up. Since there were no patients waiting to be seen at the time, I came back to the nurses' station for a cup of hot cider from the crockpot someone had brought in for Christmas. Just then an admitting clerk came back and told me I had five patients waiting to be evaluated.
1. Does "a triage nurse" mean the matron? Triage is determining the order of patients based on how much they need treatment.

2. I found "matron" is British English (according to matron - definition from Longman English Dictionary online.) What is the American English equivalent? Possibly chaperone or nanny.

3. "Cider" is non-alcoholic in American English while it is alcoholic in British English. (according to cider - definition from Longman English Dictionary online) So whether it is alcoholic depends on whose soil the writer is on...? I suppose so. In AmE, it's common to say "hard cider" for the alcoholic variety.

4. Is "crockpot" a nickname for "kitchen"? A crockpot is a slow cooking device, commonly used to make stews.

Five bodies showed up at my triage desk, a pale petite woman and four small children in somewhat rumpled clothing.
[...] She turned and, with a smile, guided her brood into the waiting room.
5. I think that "brood" means her children and that it should be "broods." She only had one brood. If multiple families were there, you can use broods to describe them all.

We made little goodie bags of stickers we borrowed from the x-ray department, candy that one of the doctors had brought the nurses, crayons the hospital had from a recent coloring contest, [...]
6. I just wonder, compared with "drawing contest," how often "coloring contest" is used. Coloring contests are for small children, and are frequent, usually at fast food restaurants.

Best Regards

Avangi · Answer

1. My understanding of "triage" is that it's a special mode of operation entered into during disasters, where facilities are often overloaded. Victims are first divided into three categories according to the likelihood that they will benefit from the attention of staff, or something like that. Perhaps on a smaller scale, the triage nurse would make the initial evaluation of an incoming patient's condition.

2. I think of the matron as the woman in charge.I don't know much about American matrons. For some reason I'm thinking "madam," but I know that's not right!

3. If you let any sugary, fruity liquid sit long enough it will ferment, and form alcohol. We used to make our own. When it gets strong enough to knock you on your ****, we call it "hard cider." When it's first pressed, it's usually called "sweet cider." Eventually, it becomes "apple cider vinegar." (home brew, bathtub gin, moonshine whiskey - grain plus sugar and water?)

4. I wouldn't say so. I've never heard it used that way. I think in the old days it was a large earthenware ("crockery") vessel in which pickles might be put down to cure. Lately, it's understood as a "slow cooker" suitable for preparing soups and stews, or even meat roasts. Some have their own electrical heat source.

5. "Brood" is singular, like a "clutch," or a "flock." I think of it as originally being the result of a mother hen sitting on a bunch of eggs.

6. I think quite frequently in the primary grades and kindergarten. It would be a great passtime for the children's ward of a hospital - minimal physical and mental requirements, but stimulating.

Exodejavu · Answer

Thanks for your replies. [8]

Clive · Answer

Hi Guys,
. I think of the matron as the woman in charge.I don't know much about American matrons. For some reason I'm thinking "madam," but I know that's not right!

A ''madam' is a woman who is in charge of a brothel.

Possibly the term you seek is 'Head Nurse'.

Clive

Exodejavu · Answer

'Head Nurse'

That's it. Thanks.

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