Nightshift
The world becomes quiet
The moon retires the sun,
Yet the hospital is humming
The night shift has begun.
The handover has started
The day team all disbands
Smiles shared in good favour
“Team it’s now all in your hands”
Lists are being swiftly made
Time to devise a plan!
“Hello, it’s nice to meet you”
“I’ll help out best I can”
The shift opens steadily
The start of the conquest
“Make sure you drink your water”
“Make sure you stop and rest”
Calls are coming thick and fast
The bleep chimes its chime
Office chair: not so comfy now
Floors climbed: at least nine
Midnight draws closer and
The clock begins to slow
Knowing nods shared in the hall
“Only 8 more hours to go!”
Patients sats are dropping fast
Keep calm. Nothing to fear
Support has arrived: deep breath in
“Thank you, I’m glad you’re here”
The Reg is snoring soundly still
Hospital blanket strewn across
Phone call may at 3 am
“I’m so sorry for your loss”
Sleepy eyes are red and sore
Too much staring at the screen
Grumbling belly, Hunger pains
“Second trip to the canteen?
“Do you need a help with things”
It’s been pretty back-to-back
“Would you like a drink at least”
There is coffee. Only black.
Life stories shared: laughs are had
“Your biggest dreams, Wildest fears?”
Sharing facts and silly chats,
At least until the sun appears
Deep breath. At last, we’ve made it.
“It was great to work with you”
We smile and part, get some rest”
We’ll meet later for nightshift two
Katie Rooney
F1, North West of England Foundation School