Nightshift

Poem

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