Night Duty

Having just finished my night duty, I was considering how to put into words the experiences of the Twilight Zone in which I have been working.... I came across this poem by Babs Hurst and felt I couldn't possibly describe it any better and so just had to share it.........!!!

One Angel - No Wings By Babs Hurst©

I worked the graveyard shift last night
Oh my god, I saw some sights!
I had a constant stream of admissions
Mostly old, with chronic conditions
Gout and asthma, and a few heart pains
Even a sprinkling of varicose veins
People yelling and wetting their beds
Sending us nurses off our heads
Someone let out a ripping fart
Made me gasp … and clutch my heart
Then a snort, a grunt, a yelp
Those people really should get help!
That lady in the farthest bed
She was so pale I thought she was dead
Her pallor was just a trick of light
My god!! she sure gave me a fright
I worked my butt off, as per usual
Charts, charts, charts for my perusal
B/P's were done - standing and lying
I weighed them all and felt like crying
I wiped up shit and dished out pans
Then rubbed some butts with my caring hands
I did the obs, the whole damn lot
Gave morning meds then cleaned the grot
So there I was earning my crust
Even though I cursed and cussed!
I am an Angel dressed in white
Walking the ward in the midst of night