Title Byline
BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
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O U T P AT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4
It's a Wonderful Life
Now if we can just get home in time to enjoy the holidays.
I
t's a wonderful life working in the OR, but 'tis the season to be jin-
gling the bells, decking the halls and frosting the snowmen. With
the holidays fast approaching, my wish to one and all of you is a
healthy work-life balance. With apologies to Clement C. Moore, whose
classic poem I have shaken and stirred, here's what the gift that every
surgical team member dreams of might look like.
'Twas the day before Christmas and all through the place,
Three surgeons were working at their usual pace.
Staff's coats and their street clothes were hung near with care,
As we hoped they would hurry, though that would be rare.
All 8 of us nurses, in scrubs and bouffant hat,
Had visions of finishing in 8 hours flat.
Our cases had started right off the bat,
But since then, delays: There was no chance of that.
Long cases, no breaks, late runs for supplies.
If we went overtime, it'd be no big surprise.
Schedules can change, that you can believe,
Even as you close in on the holiday's eve.
From the surgical suite, though, arose quite a clatter.
PACU nurses sprang up to see what was the matter.
To the OR door they flew in a flash.
You'd think they were running a hundred-yard dash.