Grey's Anatomy is a tv series set entirely in a hospital and thus focusing on the medical world; it follows the lives and careers of a group of surgeons and residents within the Seattle Grace Hospital. The series, throughout the several seasons, explores various complex and innovative medical cases, highlighting advanced surgical procedures, difficult diagnoses and cutting-edge treatments. Each episode presents realistic medical challenges, emergencies in the operating room and the critical decision-making process of doctors, showing the human side of medicine and the emotional impact of treatment on patients and doctors themselves.

In this recording we hear about an helpline call, there's a mother calling worried about her 7years old son who has a bad cough. The operator asks her to describe the cough and helps the mother to do it. Then she asks for the child's allergies and if he has fever or not.

We are in the neonatal semi-intensive care unit and a mother has some doubts.

Nurse: N

Patient’s mother: PM

PM: Good morning, my son was admitted to this ward tonight for bronchiolitis.

N: Good morning mom, yes, I’ve been able to check medical records, and my colleague told me everything I need to know.

PM: Although your colleague explained everything well, given the situation I have removed some of the things she told me, I am sorry.

N: No problem, what are your doubts? I will repeat what is needed.

PM: First, I don't remember if both parents can come in in the morning or not, and then if it is possible to bathe him myself.

N: Until ten o'clock only one parent is allowed in the ward, and certainly either you or your husband can come and bathe your child.

PM: I think I remember the rest... ah one last thing, where can I find nappies?

N: They are in that drawer under the cot, along with everything else you need.

PM: Thanks for everything

N: No problem, tell me if you need anything else.

The choice to be a nurse didn’t come early, but at a certain time of my life I knew I wanted to work, or anyway, be in the hospital world. I think I never considered the medical path, because I knew I wanted to be able to have a direct contact with the patients. I must admit that tv series helped a lot in my decision, because thanks to them I have been able to see “directly” how this world functions, at least in general. And finally, it is mainly thanks to my grandma, who was a nurse herself, her 40years long career inspired me deeply, and being lucky to hear her first-hand experiences helped me make my idea more concrete. I’ll be forever proud to tell people that it was my grandma’s passion that inspired me.

I enjoyed reading your Padlet, Irene.

Best,

C. Markino

What makes a good nurse is a combination of technical skills, empathy, and dedication. Nursing is not just about medical knowledge but also about understanding patients' physical and emotional needs. A good nurse is compassionate, patient, and able to communicate in an effective way with patients. They must adapt to stressful situations and remain calm under pressure, to ensure the best outcomes for their patients.

The skills required to be a nurse include clinical competence, with medications and performing medical procedures accurately. Critical thinking is essential to make quick decisions in emergencies. Time management and teamwork are also very important, because nurses often work in fast-paced environments together with other professionals.

I believe I would make a good nurse because I am empathetic and it is important to me to help others. My willingness to learn ensure I can handle the responsibilities of nursing. Additionally, I am a good communicator and find it rewarding to support patients during difficult times, which motivates me to provide excellent care.

Stephen Melvin Newbold, a 52-year-old maintenance worker, died following a series of hospital errors, as revealed by an inquest. He visited York Hospital on November 3 with a swollen right foot, a symptom of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Instead of being admitted to a surgical ward for proper treatment, including the DVT-countering drug Fragmin, he was mistakenly placed in an orthopedic ward, where Fragmin was not used. After two days, he was transferred under a vascular surgeon's care, but by then, his condition had become worse.

On November 6, doctors decided to amputate his leg below the knee, a procedure carried out on November 10. However, Mr. Newbold suffered a pulmonary embolism two days later, causing severe brain damage. He died on November 16 after a cardiac arrest.

The coroner, Donald Coverdale, noted that Fragmin could have reduced the risk of DVT but could not confirm if it would have prevented Mr. Newbold’s death. The family is considering legal action, calling the death "untimely and unnecessary"; and pledged to learn from the mistakes to prevent similar tragedies. York Hospital’s NHS Trust expressed condolences.

I introduced myself with a smile and said, “We’ll go slow, and I’ll be right here to help.” He hesitated but then took a few steps, and his face lit up with pride. “I did it!” he exclaimed. I encouraged him, saying, “You’re doing amazing, just keep going!”

That experience taught me how crucial encouragement is in building confidence, especially with young patients.

Happy Holidays.

C.Markino