With other patients in the hospital needing extra-special care, "there were only two nurses to look after 13 patients," she said.
About 27 thousand nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants are threatening strike action after declining a DHB settlement offer.
The offer included a two per cent pay rise and a lump sum of $1050.
"The nurses are feeling demoralised, undervalued and like they've got no worth whatsoever," she said.
The Minister of Health, Dr David Clark, said efforts need to be doubled in order to find a solution.
"I expect the DHB's and NZNO representatives will meet urgently, to listen and to discuss proposals to find a way through."