Twas the Week Before Xmas

’Twas the week before Christmas, and all through the floor,

Not a creature was stirring — half called in the night before.

The schedule hung limp, held by duct tape and prayer,

And the DON muttered, “If ONE more thing happens… I swear. ”

When out in the hallway there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from my office to see what was the matter.

Away to the nurses’ station I flew like a flash —

Half expecting a fall, or a resident crash. “

Now wound rounds! Now audits! Now transfer technique!

On MAR checks! On staffing! On metrics this week!

To the end of the hallway! To the top of the pile!

Now chart away, chart away, Chart away — smile!”

As residents waiting for the bathroom cry out,

When they’re told “Use your call light!” but no one’s about,

So back to the meeting my leaders all flew,

With a roster of fires — and maybe one clue.

And standing before me, fresh badge still askew,

Was a brand-new CNA whispering, “Uh… what do I do?”

“And where’s the lift sling? And how do you chart?”

And I smiled, “You’re not alone. We’ll start at the heart. ”

The med cart was locked with a key no one had,

A resident announced that the pudding was bad,

The shower room flooded for reasons unknown,

And a family was waiting, anxiety grown,

With questions and worry that filled up the phone.

I stared at the ceiling — my old coping trick,

Remembering the why when the days feel this thick.

Then I laughed — not bitter, just tired and true,

Because laughter’s what steady, good leaders do.

So I spoke with intention, took one steady breath,

Said, “We’ve handled worse — and we’re not done yet. ”

And as surveyors loomed like a rumor in town,

We squared up our shoulders. No blinking. No frown.

As I walked toward my car with my patience worn thin,

I whispered, “Deep breath now — let the good work begin. ”

But before the doors closed on the cold and the noise,

I called back to my team — with a steadier voice:

“We’ll survive ALL OF THIS — not just scrape it together.

We care. We adapt.

And we’re STRONGER. TOGETHER. ”