Cynthia Meyers, 33, had checked herself into Mercy Hospital after she had trouble breathing, police said.
The woman was receiving treatment, but then decided she wanted to leave. Meyers was asked to sign discharge paperwork but police said she refused and then lunged toward the nurse and spat in her face.
Police responded just after midnight on Monday to arrest the woman. Meyers has been charged with one count of aggravated battery to a nurse.