Chapter 38
SICU was hectic. The normal busy atmosphere had escalated to the next level. Patients were waiting in the ER and PACU for bed assignments, the staffing was tight, and the patients’ acuity levels were higher than usual. The staff barely had time to accomplish the minimum tasks and provide care for the ever-changing critically ill patients. Tracy was at the end of the hall helping one of the junior nurses with a patient. When she looked up, she noticed the CNO walking into the unit with her assistants. It never failed that on days like this, the administration would stop in for an unannounced meeting with the staff.
With an entourage of two, CNO Linda Steeling walked toward the nurses’ station, all smiles.
“Hi. How is everyone doing today? Who’s in charge?” she asked, wearing a
