Lifeline

Last night I got a call at 1800 on my day off. They were wondering whether I can turn up for the night shift instead of this morning. Although I had dinner arrangements with my friends already, I decided to go right after I have the dinner since it was night shopping and I haven't met with my friends for a while.

When I got there they put me in charge of the Pecc unit again. I did not really prepare for the arduous night shift so naturally I was abit tired and I was not performing at my 100%. I did everything early on the shift to prevent anything from being forgotten and the night went though pretty quick. One of the tasks of the night shift in PECC is to take lifeline calls from those who feel suicidal or require assistance after hours. A pager is located in the office and it forwards numbers to us whenever someone is in need.

By the time I was at the train station on the way home, my friend told me it was surprisingly lucky I did not get any calls from the pager. I did not suspect anything until she asked me whether I had turned the pager on... and from my recollection I did not. I had no clue it needed to be turned on... I thought it was automatically on 24/7.

This could have severe consequences on me... especially for the in-charge. I have been negligent in my shift, failing to perform the expected role of the in charge nurse. Somebody suicidal may have called in last night requiring help but I was not there for them. I got 2 missed calls this morning which I did not pick up because I was sleeping. I am really wishing that these calls are asking me to do extra shifts and not to invite me for disciplinary action.


With greater power comes greater responsibility.