Chapter 59 She woke up choking for air, strangling. When she opened her eyes she saw it was only that she was tangled in the pale green silk bedspread. She had neglected to turn it down the night before. A trail of drool left a dark pool on its edge. She hoped it would dry […]
Bruises Not Scratches (Niki Discovers Something Unsettling)
Chapter 58 “Raquel, it was absolute mayhem. The little dog took off down the hall after the bunny, and then the charge nurse called Security to help round them up. Of course, Security didn’t have any idea of what to do. Eventually, two officers cornered the animals, grabbed Rocket, and the pet therapist gathered up […]
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You Can’t Make This Stuff Up (Niki’s easy shift )
Chapter 57 One of my two post-open heart patients has discharge orders. The better part of an hour is spent reviewing the discharge instructions with her parents, and observing them practice drawing up the right amount of each of the liquid home medications using syringes and a cup of water. This demonstrates they understand the […]
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It’s Not All Cute Print Scrubs and Bunny Blankets (Niki Floats to Pediatrics)
Chapter 55 I leave PICU, and report to the pediatric unit. No offense to my pediatric nurse colleagues, but no PICU nurse enjoys floating to pediatrics. Not because you aren’t incredibly good nurses, you are. It’s because you work way too hard in a way different from PICU nursing. In the PICU, I’m assigned one […]
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I Hate This, All of It (Maddie Talks to Niki)
Chapter 51 “Maddie, open the door.” “Go away!” “Maddie, I know you’re upset, but we need to talk.” “I don’t want to talk. I hate you! And Amber, and Dad too!” “Maddie, I’ve heard Amber’s side of the story, now I want to hear yours. Please open the door and talk to me. ” I […]
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At The Raleigh (Niki & Gerald Go Out for Drinks)
Chapter 49 In an upscale restaurant overlooking Santa Monica Bay, I’m standing behind a long table. Every seat is filled with PICU nurses, and staff from other departments celebrating Kris’s bridal shower. Above the chatter and laughter, Kris holds up a scanty piece of lacy lingerie, a gift inciting a round of cell phone photos […]
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You Remember What Night Shift’s Like (Niki & Kris Talk)
Chapter 48 The following morning, I gave report to Kris, beginning with what I hoped she would interpret as an apology, “Kris, I just want to say again that I’m really happy about your engagement. You must be super excited about going on tour with Spider.” She smiled, and then added shrewdly, “Thanks Niki, but […]
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Rashes & Fevers (measles admission)
Chapter 47 Once I clock in, there isn’t time to contemplate Kris’s engagement, Simon’s remarriage, Amber’s pregnancy, or Corey’s move to Seattle with his family. As charge nurse, I took the call from an ER nurse requesting three beds for immediate admissions. “Three beds? What’s happening down there? Was there a bus accident?” “No, but […]
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Moving On (more changes)
Chapter 46 Taking Maddie and Kaylee out for dinner distracts me from the sadness of saying good-bye to Corey in the mall. We watch movies in the family room until I’m too tired to stay awake. In bed, alone in darkness, I listen to their laughter until sleep overtakes me. The next morning I deep […]
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