'Twas the night before Christmas but you wouldn't know it,
Surrounded by faces too tired to show it.
The charts were all open, computers were humming:
The day shift was leaving, the night shift on-coming.
She looked at the room list- she had 1-5.
Her current assignment: just keep 'em alive.
She entered each room with a wave and a plan.
She assessed, smiled and left- then the real work began!
One look at the task list: she's in for a long one;
A second look made her wish she had the wrong one.
She whipped out those Post-Its like she was a pro,
Made her a list and then went on-the-go!
Room 1 wanted morphine, Room 2 had to pee.
Room 3 now had 7 IV meds- one IV.
Room 4 was asleep, 5 was too large to move,
She rolled up her sleeves and then got in the groove.
The first Christmas midnight had angels all singing
This one, however, set all the phones ringing.
1 needs some MORE morphine, 2's shouting from bed,
3's new-onset afib needs that 8th IV med
4- still asleep! What a blessing tonight!
5 needs a turn, but no lift team in sight.
Christmas Day comes, but no rest for the weary
The vitals are late, but that smile's still cheery.
No feast in the breakroom, leftovers will do.
A mouth full of food when she's called by Room 2.
The Colase is working- glory be- what a mess!
Room 3 needs more vitals- lunch later, i guess :P
Second try eating is a peaceful success-
A couple co-workers and food she can bless.
A couple more hours, meds, I's and O's,
A couple minutes of charting, wait- there the phone goes!
It's 4 am now, all the sick ones are sleeping-
Her rhythm is set to the monitor's bleeping.
Light through the window, the end of the hall-
No snow- just some rain- is beginning to fall.
Her patients are breathing, they pulled through alright
She's tired as usual, after one not-silent night.
She hands off report to the day nurse in a hurry
They're all in good hands, she can sleep without worry
She sleeps half through Christmas- a small gift to give
In exchange for the knowledge she helps people live.
She's made for this job just like you were for yours
and the army and volunteers guarding our shores.
This world's full of givers- we like it this way.
We'd rather you celebrate this holiday!
She doesn't want pity- it sure could be worse...
But next time you see one, just go thank a nurse.
No comments:
Post a Comment