Hawthorne (2009–2011): Season 2, Episode 2 - The Starting Line - full transcript
Ic
this hour on wbma.
♪ to be followed ♪
I'm Jim Ross.
Man: Thanks, Jim.
♪ when she walks out ♪
♪ all she wants is ♪
♪ to be led ♪
[ cellphone rings ]
♪ all my boys say ♪
♪ she's just asking ♪
wait, let me...
Help you with that.
Sir! Sir!
The cancer center's
down the hall.
I was just trying
to help the girl out.
Mm-hmm.
They don't
know each other?
She would have
caught cold!
I know.
I'm so sorry.
Hey. What are you doing here
in enemy territory?
Well, I have a meeting
with Gail.
Are they poison?
Well, I figure we'll be going
a couple of rounds,
So hopefully
her blood sugar will crash.
Gail's diabetic.
Oh.
Any bear claws?
Seeing as she's my boss
in the E.R.,
Could you please
make it work out with her?
I will try,
But most likely we're gonna
both end up on gurneys.
Woman on p.A.: I.V. Nurse,
call extension 9786.
I.V. Nurse,
extension 97...
Gail: All right.
Okay. Goodbye.
[ receiver clicks ]
My office.
This ain't gonna be good.
I know you're worried
about passing
The joint-commission
inspection.
Actually, I'm not.
I feel like, if we put
our heads together, we'll pass.
Well, what do you propose?
Well, there's a procedure
to improve patient safety
And increase efficiency
in the E.R.
It's known as sbar --
situation, background...
Assessment,
and recommendation.
We tried it,
and it didn't fly.
Well, you know, sometimes when
you're putting in new processes,
It takes a minute to get things
running smoothly --
What else you got?
What about lean?
It's a process for admitting.
Another swing and miss.
We gonna be here a minute.
You want some coffee?
Yeah, how about
I'm gonna get us some coffee?
Valerie Dayton, 39, collapsed
dropping her kids off at school.
Low-grade fever,
b.P. 100 over 60.
Trauma one.
Hi, ladies.
Steve: Mrs. Dayton,
can you hear me okay?
Are you experiencing
any pain?
[ wheezing ]
my chest is tight.
Okay, let's get an EKG
and a chest X-ray.
Bobbie:
Do you have any allergies?
Have you taken any medications,
any drugs?
Hey, Bobbie,
are these her girls?
Yeah.
Okay.
Excuse me,
young man.
Marcus.
Marcus.
Nice to meet you.
Can you call a volunteer
from upstairs
To come and get
these beautiful girls?
Yeah.
No problem.
Okay, we're gonna do
the best we can to
take care of your mommy,
But right now, I'm
gonna make sure you
guys are taken care of.
How about some juice
and coloring books?
Okay?
We set?
On my count.
1, 2, 3.
[ wheezing ]
O.R. Room three...
I'm sorry,
you look very familiar.
Were you a patient
at trinity at some point?
Last year.
I had a heart valve
replaced.
That's right. I remember.
Mitral valve.
Okay, in that case,
let's get an echo, as well.
Listen,
I just want you to know,
I'm gonna have a volunteer come
take care of your girls, okay?
Please,
can't they just stay here?
I wish they could, but I can't
have kids in the patient area.
They'll be fine. They're
in good hands, I promise.
And if you have
any other questions,
Ask one of these guys
to find me.
All right?
Take care.
Thank you.
What are you doing?
I'm just taking some blood.
See if you're pregnant --
You don't need to worry
about that.
Tox screen.
You don't need to worry
about that, either.
They're just routine.
Christina: Instituting
a fast-track for suture removal
And basic follow-up
would cut wait times in half.
That means dedicating
an exam room.
I don't have space for that.
Come on, Gail, really?
Is it gonna be like this?
I mean, there's c.N.O.S
all over the country
Implementing
these procedures.
Those nurses wear suits,
not scrubs.
So, you mean to tell me
you have a problem
With the title
"chief nursing officer"?
Don't you think the title
"director of nursing"
Is a little archaic?
It puts us below the c.F.O.,
the c.E.O. --
I didn't order
alphabet soup.
And I'm not about to let some
stranger from a failed hospital
Start meddling with my E.R.
If we don't pass
this inspection,
Your E.R.
Will be shut down.
[ indistinct conversations ]
Hello.
I'm doctor Hyun.
Calling in another doctor --
that can't be a good sign.
Mitral valve
was replaced last year.
It appears
to have become infected.
Paul: Ah, she's got
some regurgitation,
But no sign
of congestive heart failure.
That's good, right?
[ inhales sharply ]
not exactly.
Your valve
will eventually fail.
You'll need
another replacement.
If it's an infection,
Why can't you just give me
some antibiotics?
We will, but the valve
is already damaged,
And those things don't get
better -- they get worse.
Have you been exposed to someone
in a high-risk situation?
Steve: Sick kids in your
daughter's class, perhaps?
No need to delay.
We need to schedule
an mvr right away.
Okay.
I don't have
any insurance.
That's tomorrow's problem.
Be back in a minute.
Hey, dot. Who's next?
We got a kid with a hard-on
that won't quit.
Excuse me?
Priapism.
Oh, dear.
Marcus,
I need an open exam.
Marcus:
There are none.
But, uh,
give me a second.
Dr. Dietrich to the CTU.
Dr. Dietrich to the CTU.
Best we can do
at the moment.
You can't put my grandson
on display like a county fair.
I told you we should have
taken him to the pediatrician.
Dad, his doctor
wouldn't be able to see him
Till later
this afternoon.
It's been too long
as it is.
How long has it been,
exactly?
He's been this way -- erect --
all night.
Somebody shoot me.
Have you sustained
any injuries?
Does scarred for life
count?
I've treated a couple kids
who have experimented
With that ecstasy-viagra
combination.
A little bit of that stuff
goes a long way.
He would never do that.
Has anything like this
ever happened before?
No, never.
A couple of times.
It always went away
on its own.
He masturbates.
For cryin' out loud,
Jo Ellen.
The nurse needs to know.
Has r.J.'s father
ever experienced
Anything like this before?
No, h-he's, uh...
I'm adopted.
...He's adopted.
What do you know about
the birth parents?
They're
perfectly healthy.
You better have
the records sent over
From the adoption agency
just in case.
You make the call.
I'll stay here with him.
I'll be right back.
Kid really wants to
lose his erection,
You should show him a picture
of my 80-year-old neighbor, Ada,
Pruning her rose garden
in the nude.
I like a girl
who's a free spirit.
Mm. You'd like her more in
a bra and knickers, trust me.
I'm already
dreading spring.
[ chuckles ]
Christina: Hey, Bobbie.
What's this?
14-year-old
with priapism.
Oh, he's got to be
in a lot of pain.
I know.
A constant biggie.
I don't know which is worse --
the pain or the humiliation.
I'd want to
crawl under a rock.
Some men would pay a lot
for that particular problem.
None that you know,
I'm sure.
Yeah.
Okay.
Hello, I'm Christina Hawthorne,
director of nursing.
Hi.
Why don't we get you upstairs
Into a private room
in peds, okay?
We still haven't seen
a doctor.
Here's doctor Shaw.
I'll get that room ready.
Oh, good.
Thank you.
Steve:
Hello, mate.
So, how long has this been
going on for?
Several hours, you said?
Well, the first thing I think
we should try is, uh, icing.
Unfortunately for him,
We have some special packs which
are in the shape of doughnut.
Apparently,
they work brilliantly.
Well, good.
Hey.
Hey.
How are you?
I'm -- I'm good.
I'm just, uh, you know,
Doing the, uh,
the old doctor thing.
[ chuckles ]
how are you?
I'm good.
I'm -- yeah. I'm good.
Good. Good.
Listen, um,
about the other night, uh...
I'd really like a do-over.
[ scoffs ]
a-a do-over?
Yeah.
A do-over.
Uh...
Well, uh, I'm around.
Wow.
You messed this up,
didn't you?
[ sighs ]
He came to the house
the other night.
That sounds like a good start.
How'd it end?
We almost kissed.
Whoa.
Soon you'll be holding hands.
And then -- promise rings.
Bobbie,
my husband just died.
Two years ago.
Well, you know,
it's, um...
I got --
I've got my hands full here.
I've got Gail.
I've got the inspection.
Why not wait till Camille
starts college?
Or -- or finishes?
Bobbie, that lady Valerie's
asking for you.
We'll finish this later.
Hi, babies.
The doctors
are gonna fix me up.
After that,
no more hospitals.
I promise, okay?
Okay, girls.
Come with me.
You guys ready?
Hey, Bobbie, hold up.
She's on her way
to the O.R.
The surgery's
been cancelled.
Why?
She's got a drug problem.
The doctors want to treat her
addiction before any surgery.
If she gets
another infection,
A third valve replacement
is a huge risk.
But they said I'd die
if I don't get one now.
I'm -- I'm so sorry.
[ breathes shakily ]
I got hooked on painkillers
after my surgery.
I tried to stop.
But when the prescriptions
got cut off...
I was desperate and sick.
And that's how you got
the infection?
Please don't let them
take my girls.
Anything.
I thought my condition
was severe enough...
That I would get treated,
and that would be it.
Valerie,
you're gonna get your surgery.
After three months.
We're gonna find you
the right rehab facility.
What happens to my girls?
Do you have any family?
Not that can take them.
Please...
Recovering from the operation
was so hard by myself.
That's how I got addicted
in the first place.
There are services
that can help.
Like what?
Foster care?
My girls shouldn't have to pay
for my mistake.
Valerie, we're gonna
get you through this, okay?
How?
Hey, Gail.
Can you help me understand
How a patient's lifesaving
surgery gets cancelled?
It was delayed,
not cancelled.
That delay could kill her.
The woman uses drugs.
If we replace her valve again,
she just might re-infect it.
Man:
My kids play this game
Where they shoot popcorn kernels
out their nose for distance.
So you deliberately shoved
a popcorn kernel up your nose?
Well, yeah.
[ laughing ]
they like it.
The results are in
for the patient in bed three.
Thank you.
So you mean to tell me
we shouldn't treat this man
Because of his stupidity?
He's stupid.
She's an addict.
Gail, she made a mistake.
We've all made mistakes.
Does that mean we don't deserve
a second chance?
Do you know what people do
with second chances?
Exactly what they did
the first time.
[ scoffs ]
Why are you putting this
on me?
Because I need your help
To get this woman
the operation that she needs.
Well, you'll have to take that
up with the ethics committee.
It was their call,
not mine.
Ethics committee?
I'm sure your hospital
had one.
No, we had consults,
not a formal committee.
Who's on this committee?
I'm director of nursing.
Well, then,
I need to be, too.
Five seats.
No vacancies.
Who else?
[ Marcus sighs ]
Uh...
M-ms. Hawthorne?
Um...
I, uh, I overheard
your conversation with Gail.
Now, you know you're not
supposed to be eavesdropping.
I know. I'm sorry.
But I just thought
you might want
The 411
on the ethics committee.
Reverend Samuels
always gives his approval
On these kind of things.
I would hope so.
Gail and that accountant dude
are the ones that say "no."
And they vote?
Not sure.
Now, what is a Bean counter
doing on an ethics committee?
Always been that way.
No, I've never
heard of that.
It's usually -- you know,
ethics committee.
They have
medical professionals,
Like physicians, nurses,
social workers.
Not accountants.
Yeah, the ethicist,
doctor Jameson,
And the chief of surgery
are on the committee, too.
Paul Hyun?
Okay.
That's who
I need to talk to.
You done good, Marcus.
Thank you.
So, what's the matter?
You hate my wife?
What?
She thinks
you hate her.
I love Dana.
It's you I hate.
[ chuckles ]
She thinks a double-date
would be fun,
Thinks you're avoiding her.
I'd be happy
to date your wife.
But twice?
That's a little serious.
Not her.
We're talking about
your new lady friend.
What's his name again?
Well, any kind of date
would be tough right now.
What,
did you blow it already?
No, not me.
I'm sorry, dude.
Yeah, it's nothing.
Look, if I know you,
you're probably trying too hard.
Double-date
might be low-pressure enough
That even you
can handle it.
Hi, I'm Kelly.
I'll be your nurse today.
Has anyone
explained to you
What's going on
with your body right now?
Not exactly.
Priapism is
a circulation issue.
It's when blood flows in
but doesn't flow out,
And it deprives the area
of oxygen, which makes it rigid.
And painful.
For some reason, your blood
vessels aren't doing their job.
But the ice is gonna help
with the swelling.
How long do I leave
the ice pack on for?
Oh, I'll handle that.
You just relax.
It's okay.
She's a nurse.
Should I do it?
Oh, God.
Let her do her job.
Thanks.
Maybe you should give us
a moment.
Oh.
Okay.
We'll be right out here.
R.J., this is gonna make you
feel so much better.
[ sighs ]
I'm going to lift your gown
and examine you, okay?
[ sighs ]
[ sighs ]
So, you like baseball?
Yeah. You?
Not at all.
Yeah, no, I get it.
Okay, thanks.
Doctor Hyun.
Hi. I'm Christina Hawthorne,
director of nursing.
Christina,
I've heard all about you.
Yeah, I know, uh,
you and Tom go way back.
Tom?
Oh, so you're the one.
I actually meant from Gail.
She's, uh, not a fan.
Well, from everything
I've heard from Tom,
He says you're a lot more
open-minded than Gail.
She runs a tight ship.
What can I do you for?
Um, I wanted to talk to you
about Valerie Dayton's surgery.
The mvr?
That surgery's been postponed.
Sending a woman to rehab
With a compromised valve
is risky, don't you think?
Ever have your mitral valve
replaced?
Recovery's a bitch.
She's gonna want
her pain meds,
And without any treatment,
She'll be back in here for
valve number three in no time.
Well, send her to rehab first,
and she might not make it back.
Look, I'm not saying
I won't do the operation.
I'm just saying she needs
some incentive to get clean,
Take responsibility
for her own care.
There's no prior drug use.
She got addicted
from her first surgery.
We'll get her the right help.
Trust me.
In the meantime,
it's been great meeting you.
Oh, I told Tom
we should all grab dinner.
[ keyboard clacking ]
Hey.
Hey.
I just met
your friend Paul.
He said something
about a dinner double-date.
Oh. Well, I hope you didn't
rip him a new one.
Well, he is rejecting
a lifesaving surgery
Of a heart-valve replacement.
I was hoping
I could get you to help me
To get him to reconsider.
Why?
Because she needs it.
Well, Paul told me
about th patient.
He seems to have good reasons
to reject the procedure.
Tom, this is clearly a mistake.
She needs that surgery first.
Yeah, and I have to
agree with him.
If she doesn't get sober,
treatment's impossible.
It's not worth the risk.
So you're not
gonna help me?
Listen, I-I don't want this
to be an issue.
It's not.
Okay.
Well, about dinner, I'll just
tell Paul some other time.
Are you gonna give me
something for the nausea?
Doctor wants to try
nafcillin.
Another antibiotic?
She had a reaction
to the vancomycin.
What's going on
with my kids?
A social worker
is coming to talk to you.
Please, if you let them
put me in rehab,
They'll take my girls.
Your kids would need
some sort of placement
Even if you got
your surgery first.
Because I'm an addict.
It's not that simple.
[ sighs ]
Kelly: A spinal tap is the only
way to rule out meningitis.
Rieves: And then what?
Dr. Suskin: And then we try
a therapeutic aspiration
To treat the priapism.
A what?
That essentially means we drain
the blood that's accumulated.
Drain it how?
We use a needle
to draw the blood
Directly from
the cavernosa area.
How many damn needles
Is my grandson
gonna have to endure?
You can't give him
some medicine?
I-it won't go away
on its own?
Kelly:
He's in so much pain.
I mean, this is the best way
to alleviate it.
Worse-case scenario, we take him
to surgery to insert a shunt.
I don't want any surgery until
we know what's causing this.
One step at a time.
As long as you're holding
my grandson's hand,
I won't worry.
Any chance
of permanent damage?
Not if we move quickly.
Thank you.
Any luck
getting those medical records
From the adoption agency?
I told you there's no history
of anything like this.
Okay. We'll figure out
the cause. We will.
[ hip-hop music plays ]
So, your parents
make you work here?
No, just me and my gram.
But, you know,
colleges take that volunteering
And extracurricular work
very seriously.
You're already in college.
Yeah, but med school's
right around the corner.
Yeah,
in like four years.
Doesn't hurt to start
thinking ahead, you know.
I mean,
what about you?
I mean, you're gonna be
a senior next year.
What schools you thinking about
applying to?
Well,
university of Hawai'I.
Really?
What do they offer?
Surfing?
Sea-shell collecting?
[ chuckles ]
it's just kind of a fun backup.
And what's
the other options?
Virginia commonwealth
has this graphic-design program.
You know, Yale has
a graphic-design program.
But there won't be any luaus
on the beach.
[ laughing ]
I think I can manage.
[ laughs ]
So, you gonna ask me out
or what?
Mm.
Uh,
you're the boss's daughter.
I don't think that's
gonna go over too well.
Eh, my mom is cool.
So, what time
you picking me up?
Look...
You're messing up
my ride, baby.
I mean,
I paid a lot of money for that.
Yeah, it looks like it.
See that spot right there?
Now I got a dent --
All because of you.
That was there.
Candy.
Finally, I-I've been trying to
get you for days.
Ray.
How is everything?
Okay, hold on.
Excuse me, sir?
Sir? Sir?
This is a private office.
This is where I wait
for chemo.
Ray, who are
you talking to?
Nobody. How is it out there?
Are you safe?
Candy?
Thank you for serving.
Uh, you're welcome.
Who is that?
I don't know.
She's a piece of ass.
Sir, please.
Please.
I may be carcinogenic,
but I'm not dead.
You know what, Ray?
I-I can't really
talk right now.
Were you attacked?
Not now, Ray.
Okay.
Uh, we'll talk later.
[ key clacks ]
[ sighs ]
Let's get you
to chemo, okay?
Sir, I'll take --
I'll...
No, no. It's okay.
It's okay, sir.
I'll take you to oncology.
How many rounds of antibiotics
has she had already?
This would be her third.
So, we're pumping her up
with all these antibiotics
Instead of giving her
the surgery?
This is ridiculous.
Surely someone on that
ethics committee can see that.
Well, this entire hospital
seems hell-bent
On giving this woman
a death sentence.
Looks like Camille's
found something redeeming
About the place.
See ya.
Bobbie:
Nice catch.
Thank you.
Uh, we're gonna go
get something to eat later,
And I told him
you're cool with it,
So don't
screw this up for me.
He's in college.
He's a freshman.
Yeah, what is he majoring in,
seducing children?
Mom,
he's right there.
Dr. Olfield,
dial the hospital operator.
Marcus?
Hey, what are you doing?
Who did you say
heads the ethics committee?
Dr. Jameson.
What's he like?
She is very smart,
very nice.
Uh, silver spoon.
Old Virginia money.
So I guess her people
knew our people, huh?
[ laughs ]
I'm gonna get back to work.
Yeah, he, uh, really, really
needs to get back to work.
Have a great time tonight.
Don't do anything
your mother wouldn't do.
I'm sorry, but we've got to
get r.J. Down to the O.R.
You said if we move quickly,
he wouldn't need surgery.
It's too late to aspirate.
There are signs
of vascular damage.
We need to insert
a shunt now.
I don't want you
cutting on him
Until you know
what's going on.
Can you at least tell us
what's wrong with him first?
Jo Ellen, listen to me.
Once the current problem
is treated
And we have your son's
full medical history,
We'll be able to --
The agency
can't find the records.
Okay, we'll continue
running tests, then.
Your grandson
needs this surgery.
We have to trust them.
Damn it.
Okay.
Go ahead.
Tell O.R.
We're coming down.
Erin:
Come in.
Hello.
Hi, I'm Christina Hawthorne.
I'm the new director of nursing.
I'm here to talk to you
about Valerie Dayton.
Erin Jameson.
Come on in.
Take a seat.
Thanks.
It's my understanding
That Valerie's valve replacement
has been denied.
Actually, it's been postponed
until after her rehab.
I don't think
she'll last that long.
I was hoping
she could get her surgery first,
Recover with supervision,
and then go to rehab.
She has an addiction.
We need to treat that first.
If the valve worsens,
we'll repair it.
Well, I guess
what I'm trying to say
Is that she might not make it
back to get anything repaired.
I'm sorry, you said that you're
the new director of nursing.
But Gail's still here.
Morrissey
split the department.
Gail handles E.R.,
critical care,
And I have everything else.
Isn't this patient
in the E.R.?
She is.
And that's part of
Gail's jurisdiction?
Can we please not play
"20 questions" right now?
Valerie needs her treatment.
Ms. Dayton is being treated --
for her addiction.
And once
she completes that --
She won't complete it,
Because her valve
will give out first.
Do you have some personal
association with her?
She's a patient
in this hospital.
The findings from
Ms. Dayton's psych consult
And the medical evidence
were weighed carefully.
Did you weigh that this woman
has two little girls?
Unfortunately,
we can't consider that.
The children aren't part of
her medical condition.
Her children
could end up in foster care.
I'm sorry, where did you say
that you're from again?
Trinity.
Well, here we like to
work through our issues,
And trust me, I've dedicated
my life to ethics.
Well, trust me -- I think
I know a little something
About what's right
and what's wrong.
That doesn't mean
that you understand ethics,
How it's studied
or applied.
Well, this is not
a clinical study.
May I finish, please?
It certainly doesn't mean
that your opinion
Factors into the equation.
If the patient is unhappy
with our proposed treatment,
She is free to go elsewhere.
Yeah, well, she doesn't have
anyplace else to go.
I'm sorry.
Ms. Paxton,
I need to speak with you.
I'll stay with him.
The adoption agency
found the medical records.
I told you
all there is to know.
But you didn't mention
that r.J.'s birth father
Was African-American.
Why is that important?
Because priapism is a symptom
of sickle-cell anemia.
The blood work
should confirm it --
Please don't bring that up.
If this is a sickle-cell crisis,
he may need surgery again,
And you're gonna
have to explain that --
Whites can get sickle-cell, too,
can't they?
R.J. Doesn't know
that he's biracial?
We're white.
Why complicate his life
that way?
He can't know.
Why not?
My father is still upset over
the war of northern aggression.
He'd never forgive r.J. --
Or me --
For bringing him
into the family.
Are you sure your dad
is the one with the problem?
R.J. Is my son.
Please, I'm begging you --
don't say anything.
So the morphine didn't help.
Did my screaming
give that away?
Ah, nurse Stein.
Thought I was gonna have to
send out a search party for you.
I got sidetracked.
We're gonna move Annette here
up to dilaudid.
.2 mill
every 10 minutes.
Starting?
In 10 minutes.
All right.
My back is spasming.
I can't wait.
This should do the trick.
No, this is a joke.
I come in here
for a simple procedure,
I get a staph infection
from this pit,
And you people
can't even help me.
Shh. It's okay.
Oh, for god--
you are useless!
[ sighs ]
You think
there was a conspiracy
To give you
a post-op infection?
It was an accident.
Nurse Stein.
A lot of stuff
happens in hospitals.
Most of it's bad --
Just like
the rest of the world.
One more thing, lady.
She's being
a Saint right now,
Putting up with your
entitled nonsense.
So just give her a break.
I-I'm sorry about
nurse Stein's behavior.
If he were a man,
I'd punch him.
[ keyboard clacking ]
[ knock on door ]
Kelly:
Hey, you got a minute?
Yeah, what's up?
Um, the 14-year-old
with priapism.
Yeah?
Well, it turns out
that he has sickle-cell.
Sickle-cell?
And his mom
doesn't want him to know.
She's afraid he's gonna find out
that he's half-black.
Mom wasn't planning
on letting that cat out the bag.
[ sighs ]
it's her choice.
But...
That doesn't seem right.
It's the law.
Once a parent
makes their wishes known,
There is nothing we can do.
I'm sorry, Kelly.
Yeah, me too.
[ knock on door ]
Tenacious.
[ sighs ]
we got off on the wrong foot.
These are really
beautiful photos.
Where'd you get them?
I took them in Cuba.
Have you ever been?
No.
I hate to think
what it'll be like in 10 years,
After the casinos
get back in.
You took this one, too?
In Senegal.
Jakarta.
I don't see
any family photos.
No kids?
Nope. Not yet.
Maybe it's
the mother in me.
Maybe I am
too emotional.
I just can't stop thinking about
those two little girls
Who have only their mother
to take care of them.
You should come meet them.
It won't
make a difference.
Don't you owe it
to your patients
To weigh all factors
in their equation?
Um, she's not my patient.
You've never
even met Valerie?
She's over here.
Gail.
How's your sciatica?
It hasn't been giving you
any more trouble, has it?
So far so good.
Okay, well, if it starts up
again, you better let me know,
Because I know
a great orthopedist.
Is there anything
I can help you with?
I'm just gonna check on
this patient.
Sorry, this is
doctor-patient only.
Hi, I'm Dr. Jameson.
How are you doing?
Nurse.
Nurse Stein.
Ray, I'm not
gonna Chase you.
What is wrong?
Nothing's wrong.
Oh, so you spoke to that patient
like that for sport?
It's nothing.
Ray.
I just couldn't stand the way
she was talking to you, okay?
Pain or no pain,
it's -- it's not right.
[ chuckles softly ]
you're sweet.
I'll see you later.
I've heard enough.
Thank you.
Excuse me.
This is a closed meeting.
Is this
the ethics committee?
'cause I got
an ethics complaint.
I believe some of you
have met Christina Hawthorne,
One of our
nursing directors.
I want to put a complaint in
against this committee.
You see, it's my understanding
that an ethics committee
Is a consult --
A place where people
with ethical dilemmas
Can come and get help.
But, see, you,
on the other hand,
Have turned into
a death panel.
Christina.
You got this woman out here
who needs a new valve,
And now you
want to play God?
Well, I'm about to throw
a flag on the play
Or whatever y'all throw...
Christina!
...'cause it ain't right!
We are reversing
our recommendation.
Valerie will be treated
for her addiction
And have the valve replaced
simultaneously.
And I'd like to thank you
for making us take another look.
Sure.
Thank you.
[ door closes ]
Admitting, dial the
third-floor nurses' station.
Admitting, dial the
third-floor nurses' station.
You worry so much
as a parent.
That's perfectly natural.
How am I ever
gonna help r.J. With this?
I don't know the first thing
about African-American culture
Or being biracial.
Well, you can
learn together.
Just...
Take it as it comes.
You make it sound
so simple.
It won't be.
But do it anyway.
I just sent Valerie
to the I.C.U.
She's having her surgery
in the morning.
Nice.
And you may want to avoid
the E.R. For a few days.
Gail has your picture up
for most wanted.
Welcome to my life.
Headed out?
[ zipper clicks ]
I am. I'm gonna have a hot bath
with my favorite drink --
Red wine and ginger ale.
With Tom?
No.
I told you, um...
You're gonna blow this,
and not in the fun way.
Bobbie,
it's just that I, uh --
What?
When I first met Michael...
...I was very young...
And very inexperienced.
You've only slept
with one man.
My husband.
And since he's died...
Why? How many
have you been with?
That's not the issue.
Tom's a great guy.
But h-he's gonna
run out of patience
Before you run out
of excuses.
Hey.
Hey.
You up
for going out tonight?
Uh, yeah. Sure.
Not with Paul or anything.
I figured just...Us.
[ chuckles ]
Maybe we could double-date
or something this weekend.
I like it.
I'm going home to shower.
Pick you up at 8:00?
Okay.
Security, 2469.
Security, 2469.
The doctor said
the surgery went great.
It won't ever happen again,
right?
Actually, uh, you have
sickle-cell anemia.
Sickle-cell?
Kelly, would you mind
giving us a minute?
Not at all.
I, uh...I got something
to tell both of you.
Sounds like
you moved mountains for me.
I just got you
to the starting line.
I'm really gonna do this --
For my girls.
I was counting on that.
[ elevator bell dings ]
Hey, Tom, it's Christina.
Um, I had
a patient here crash
And, uh,
got a lot of sick calls in.
It's a lot to do here.
It's a zoo.
It's really chaotic, so, um...
I'll see you in the morning,
okay?
[ cellphone closes ]
Mind if I sit in here with you
for a while?
Please.
this hour on wbma.
♪ to be followed ♪
I'm Jim Ross.
Man: Thanks, Jim.
♪ when she walks out ♪
♪ all she wants is ♪
♪ to be led ♪
[ cellphone rings ]
♪ all my boys say ♪
♪ she's just asking ♪
wait, let me...
Help you with that.
Sir! Sir!
The cancer center's
down the hall.
I was just trying
to help the girl out.
Mm-hmm.
They don't
know each other?
She would have
caught cold!
I know.
I'm so sorry.
Hey. What are you doing here
in enemy territory?
Well, I have a meeting
with Gail.
Are they poison?
Well, I figure we'll be going
a couple of rounds,
So hopefully
her blood sugar will crash.
Gail's diabetic.
Oh.
Any bear claws?
Seeing as she's my boss
in the E.R.,
Could you please
make it work out with her?
I will try,
But most likely we're gonna
both end up on gurneys.
Woman on p.A.: I.V. Nurse,
call extension 9786.
I.V. Nurse,
extension 97...
Gail: All right.
Okay. Goodbye.
[ receiver clicks ]
My office.
This ain't gonna be good.
I know you're worried
about passing
The joint-commission
inspection.
Actually, I'm not.
I feel like, if we put
our heads together, we'll pass.
Well, what do you propose?
Well, there's a procedure
to improve patient safety
And increase efficiency
in the E.R.
It's known as sbar --
situation, background...
Assessment,
and recommendation.
We tried it,
and it didn't fly.
Well, you know, sometimes when
you're putting in new processes,
It takes a minute to get things
running smoothly --
What else you got?
What about lean?
It's a process for admitting.
Another swing and miss.
We gonna be here a minute.
You want some coffee?
Yeah, how about
I'm gonna get us some coffee?
Valerie Dayton, 39, collapsed
dropping her kids off at school.
Low-grade fever,
b.P. 100 over 60.
Trauma one.
Hi, ladies.
Steve: Mrs. Dayton,
can you hear me okay?
Are you experiencing
any pain?
[ wheezing ]
my chest is tight.
Okay, let's get an EKG
and a chest X-ray.
Bobbie:
Do you have any allergies?
Have you taken any medications,
any drugs?
Hey, Bobbie,
are these her girls?
Yeah.
Okay.
Excuse me,
young man.
Marcus.
Marcus.
Nice to meet you.
Can you call a volunteer
from upstairs
To come and get
these beautiful girls?
Yeah.
No problem.
Okay, we're gonna do
the best we can to
take care of your mommy,
But right now, I'm
gonna make sure you
guys are taken care of.
How about some juice
and coloring books?
Okay?
We set?
On my count.
1, 2, 3.
[ wheezing ]
O.R. Room three...
I'm sorry,
you look very familiar.
Were you a patient
at trinity at some point?
Last year.
I had a heart valve
replaced.
That's right. I remember.
Mitral valve.
Okay, in that case,
let's get an echo, as well.
Listen,
I just want you to know,
I'm gonna have a volunteer come
take care of your girls, okay?
Please,
can't they just stay here?
I wish they could, but I can't
have kids in the patient area.
They'll be fine. They're
in good hands, I promise.
And if you have
any other questions,
Ask one of these guys
to find me.
All right?
Take care.
Thank you.
What are you doing?
I'm just taking some blood.
See if you're pregnant --
You don't need to worry
about that.
Tox screen.
You don't need to worry
about that, either.
They're just routine.
Christina: Instituting
a fast-track for suture removal
And basic follow-up
would cut wait times in half.
That means dedicating
an exam room.
I don't have space for that.
Come on, Gail, really?
Is it gonna be like this?
I mean, there's c.N.O.S
all over the country
Implementing
these procedures.
Those nurses wear suits,
not scrubs.
So, you mean to tell me
you have a problem
With the title
"chief nursing officer"?
Don't you think the title
"director of nursing"
Is a little archaic?
It puts us below the c.F.O.,
the c.E.O. --
I didn't order
alphabet soup.
And I'm not about to let some
stranger from a failed hospital
Start meddling with my E.R.
If we don't pass
this inspection,
Your E.R.
Will be shut down.
[ indistinct conversations ]
Hello.
I'm doctor Hyun.
Calling in another doctor --
that can't be a good sign.
Mitral valve
was replaced last year.
It appears
to have become infected.
Paul: Ah, she's got
some regurgitation,
But no sign
of congestive heart failure.
That's good, right?
[ inhales sharply ]
not exactly.
Your valve
will eventually fail.
You'll need
another replacement.
If it's an infection,
Why can't you just give me
some antibiotics?
We will, but the valve
is already damaged,
And those things don't get
better -- they get worse.
Have you been exposed to someone
in a high-risk situation?
Steve: Sick kids in your
daughter's class, perhaps?
No need to delay.
We need to schedule
an mvr right away.
Okay.
I don't have
any insurance.
That's tomorrow's problem.
Be back in a minute.
Hey, dot. Who's next?
We got a kid with a hard-on
that won't quit.
Excuse me?
Priapism.
Oh, dear.
Marcus,
I need an open exam.
Marcus:
There are none.
But, uh,
give me a second.
Dr. Dietrich to the CTU.
Dr. Dietrich to the CTU.
Best we can do
at the moment.
You can't put my grandson
on display like a county fair.
I told you we should have
taken him to the pediatrician.
Dad, his doctor
wouldn't be able to see him
Till later
this afternoon.
It's been too long
as it is.
How long has it been,
exactly?
He's been this way -- erect --
all night.
Somebody shoot me.
Have you sustained
any injuries?
Does scarred for life
count?
I've treated a couple kids
who have experimented
With that ecstasy-viagra
combination.
A little bit of that stuff
goes a long way.
He would never do that.
Has anything like this
ever happened before?
No, never.
A couple of times.
It always went away
on its own.
He masturbates.
For cryin' out loud,
Jo Ellen.
The nurse needs to know.
Has r.J.'s father
ever experienced
Anything like this before?
No, h-he's, uh...
I'm adopted.
...He's adopted.
What do you know about
the birth parents?
They're
perfectly healthy.
You better have
the records sent over
From the adoption agency
just in case.
You make the call.
I'll stay here with him.
I'll be right back.
Kid really wants to
lose his erection,
You should show him a picture
of my 80-year-old neighbor, Ada,
Pruning her rose garden
in the nude.
I like a girl
who's a free spirit.
Mm. You'd like her more in
a bra and knickers, trust me.
I'm already
dreading spring.
[ chuckles ]
Christina: Hey, Bobbie.
What's this?
14-year-old
with priapism.
Oh, he's got to be
in a lot of pain.
I know.
A constant biggie.
I don't know which is worse --
the pain or the humiliation.
I'd want to
crawl under a rock.
Some men would pay a lot
for that particular problem.
None that you know,
I'm sure.
Yeah.
Okay.
Hello, I'm Christina Hawthorne,
director of nursing.
Hi.
Why don't we get you upstairs
Into a private room
in peds, okay?
We still haven't seen
a doctor.
Here's doctor Shaw.
I'll get that room ready.
Oh, good.
Thank you.
Steve:
Hello, mate.
So, how long has this been
going on for?
Several hours, you said?
Well, the first thing I think
we should try is, uh, icing.
Unfortunately for him,
We have some special packs which
are in the shape of doughnut.
Apparently,
they work brilliantly.
Well, good.
Hey.
Hey.
How are you?
I'm -- I'm good.
I'm just, uh, you know,
Doing the, uh,
the old doctor thing.
[ chuckles ]
how are you?
I'm good.
I'm -- yeah. I'm good.
Good. Good.
Listen, um,
about the other night, uh...
I'd really like a do-over.
[ scoffs ]
a-a do-over?
Yeah.
A do-over.
Uh...
Well, uh, I'm around.
Wow.
You messed this up,
didn't you?
[ sighs ]
He came to the house
the other night.
That sounds like a good start.
How'd it end?
We almost kissed.
Whoa.
Soon you'll be holding hands.
And then -- promise rings.
Bobbie,
my husband just died.
Two years ago.
Well, you know,
it's, um...
I got --
I've got my hands full here.
I've got Gail.
I've got the inspection.
Why not wait till Camille
starts college?
Or -- or finishes?
Bobbie, that lady Valerie's
asking for you.
We'll finish this later.
Hi, babies.
The doctors
are gonna fix me up.
After that,
no more hospitals.
I promise, okay?
Okay, girls.
Come with me.
You guys ready?
Hey, Bobbie, hold up.
She's on her way
to the O.R.
The surgery's
been cancelled.
Why?
She's got a drug problem.
The doctors want to treat her
addiction before any surgery.
If she gets
another infection,
A third valve replacement
is a huge risk.
But they said I'd die
if I don't get one now.
I'm -- I'm so sorry.
[ breathes shakily ]
I got hooked on painkillers
after my surgery.
I tried to stop.
But when the prescriptions
got cut off...
I was desperate and sick.
And that's how you got
the infection?
Please don't let them
take my girls.
Anything.
I thought my condition
was severe enough...
That I would get treated,
and that would be it.
Valerie,
you're gonna get your surgery.
After three months.
We're gonna find you
the right rehab facility.
What happens to my girls?
Do you have any family?
Not that can take them.
Please...
Recovering from the operation
was so hard by myself.
That's how I got addicted
in the first place.
There are services
that can help.
Like what?
Foster care?
My girls shouldn't have to pay
for my mistake.
Valerie, we're gonna
get you through this, okay?
How?
Hey, Gail.
Can you help me understand
How a patient's lifesaving
surgery gets cancelled?
It was delayed,
not cancelled.
That delay could kill her.
The woman uses drugs.
If we replace her valve again,
she just might re-infect it.
Man:
My kids play this game
Where they shoot popcorn kernels
out their nose for distance.
So you deliberately shoved
a popcorn kernel up your nose?
Well, yeah.
[ laughing ]
they like it.
The results are in
for the patient in bed three.
Thank you.
So you mean to tell me
we shouldn't treat this man
Because of his stupidity?
He's stupid.
She's an addict.
Gail, she made a mistake.
We've all made mistakes.
Does that mean we don't deserve
a second chance?
Do you know what people do
with second chances?
Exactly what they did
the first time.
[ scoffs ]
Why are you putting this
on me?
Because I need your help
To get this woman
the operation that she needs.
Well, you'll have to take that
up with the ethics committee.
It was their call,
not mine.
Ethics committee?
I'm sure your hospital
had one.
No, we had consults,
not a formal committee.
Who's on this committee?
I'm director of nursing.
Well, then,
I need to be, too.
Five seats.
No vacancies.
Who else?
[ Marcus sighs ]
Uh...
M-ms. Hawthorne?
Um...
I, uh, I overheard
your conversation with Gail.
Now, you know you're not
supposed to be eavesdropping.
I know. I'm sorry.
But I just thought
you might want
The 411
on the ethics committee.
Reverend Samuels
always gives his approval
On these kind of things.
I would hope so.
Gail and that accountant dude
are the ones that say "no."
And they vote?
Not sure.
Now, what is a Bean counter
doing on an ethics committee?
Always been that way.
No, I've never
heard of that.
It's usually -- you know,
ethics committee.
They have
medical professionals,
Like physicians, nurses,
social workers.
Not accountants.
Yeah, the ethicist,
doctor Jameson,
And the chief of surgery
are on the committee, too.
Paul Hyun?
Okay.
That's who
I need to talk to.
You done good, Marcus.
Thank you.
So, what's the matter?
You hate my wife?
What?
She thinks
you hate her.
I love Dana.
It's you I hate.
[ chuckles ]
She thinks a double-date
would be fun,
Thinks you're avoiding her.
I'd be happy
to date your wife.
But twice?
That's a little serious.
Not her.
We're talking about
your new lady friend.
What's his name again?
Well, any kind of date
would be tough right now.
What,
did you blow it already?
No, not me.
I'm sorry, dude.
Yeah, it's nothing.
Look, if I know you,
you're probably trying too hard.
Double-date
might be low-pressure enough
That even you
can handle it.
Hi, I'm Kelly.
I'll be your nurse today.
Has anyone
explained to you
What's going on
with your body right now?
Not exactly.
Priapism is
a circulation issue.
It's when blood flows in
but doesn't flow out,
And it deprives the area
of oxygen, which makes it rigid.
And painful.
For some reason, your blood
vessels aren't doing their job.
But the ice is gonna help
with the swelling.
How long do I leave
the ice pack on for?
Oh, I'll handle that.
You just relax.
It's okay.
She's a nurse.
Should I do it?
Oh, God.
Let her do her job.
Thanks.
Maybe you should give us
a moment.
Oh.
Okay.
We'll be right out here.
R.J., this is gonna make you
feel so much better.
[ sighs ]
I'm going to lift your gown
and examine you, okay?
[ sighs ]
[ sighs ]
So, you like baseball?
Yeah. You?
Not at all.
Yeah, no, I get it.
Okay, thanks.
Doctor Hyun.
Hi. I'm Christina Hawthorne,
director of nursing.
Christina,
I've heard all about you.
Yeah, I know, uh,
you and Tom go way back.
Tom?
Oh, so you're the one.
I actually meant from Gail.
She's, uh, not a fan.
Well, from everything
I've heard from Tom,
He says you're a lot more
open-minded than Gail.
She runs a tight ship.
What can I do you for?
Um, I wanted to talk to you
about Valerie Dayton's surgery.
The mvr?
That surgery's been postponed.
Sending a woman to rehab
With a compromised valve
is risky, don't you think?
Ever have your mitral valve
replaced?
Recovery's a bitch.
She's gonna want
her pain meds,
And without any treatment,
She'll be back in here for
valve number three in no time.
Well, send her to rehab first,
and she might not make it back.
Look, I'm not saying
I won't do the operation.
I'm just saying she needs
some incentive to get clean,
Take responsibility
for her own care.
There's no prior drug use.
She got addicted
from her first surgery.
We'll get her the right help.
Trust me.
In the meantime,
it's been great meeting you.
Oh, I told Tom
we should all grab dinner.
[ keyboard clacking ]
Hey.
Hey.
I just met
your friend Paul.
He said something
about a dinner double-date.
Oh. Well, I hope you didn't
rip him a new one.
Well, he is rejecting
a lifesaving surgery
Of a heart-valve replacement.
I was hoping
I could get you to help me
To get him to reconsider.
Why?
Because she needs it.
Well, Paul told me
about th patient.
He seems to have good reasons
to reject the procedure.
Tom, this is clearly a mistake.
She needs that surgery first.
Yeah, and I have to
agree with him.
If she doesn't get sober,
treatment's impossible.
It's not worth the risk.
So you're not
gonna help me?
Listen, I-I don't want this
to be an issue.
It's not.
Okay.
Well, about dinner, I'll just
tell Paul some other time.
Are you gonna give me
something for the nausea?
Doctor wants to try
nafcillin.
Another antibiotic?
She had a reaction
to the vancomycin.
What's going on
with my kids?
A social worker
is coming to talk to you.
Please, if you let them
put me in rehab,
They'll take my girls.
Your kids would need
some sort of placement
Even if you got
your surgery first.
Because I'm an addict.
It's not that simple.
[ sighs ]
Kelly: A spinal tap is the only
way to rule out meningitis.
Rieves: And then what?
Dr. Suskin: And then we try
a therapeutic aspiration
To treat the priapism.
A what?
That essentially means we drain
the blood that's accumulated.
Drain it how?
We use a needle
to draw the blood
Directly from
the cavernosa area.
How many damn needles
Is my grandson
gonna have to endure?
You can't give him
some medicine?
I-it won't go away
on its own?
Kelly:
He's in so much pain.
I mean, this is the best way
to alleviate it.
Worse-case scenario, we take him
to surgery to insert a shunt.
I don't want any surgery until
we know what's causing this.
One step at a time.
As long as you're holding
my grandson's hand,
I won't worry.
Any chance
of permanent damage?
Not if we move quickly.
Thank you.
Any luck
getting those medical records
From the adoption agency?
I told you there's no history
of anything like this.
Okay. We'll figure out
the cause. We will.
[ hip-hop music plays ]
So, your parents
make you work here?
No, just me and my gram.
But, you know,
colleges take that volunteering
And extracurricular work
very seriously.
You're already in college.
Yeah, but med school's
right around the corner.
Yeah,
in like four years.
Doesn't hurt to start
thinking ahead, you know.
I mean,
what about you?
I mean, you're gonna be
a senior next year.
What schools you thinking about
applying to?
Well,
university of Hawai'I.
Really?
What do they offer?
Surfing?
Sea-shell collecting?
[ chuckles ]
it's just kind of a fun backup.
And what's
the other options?
Virginia commonwealth
has this graphic-design program.
You know, Yale has
a graphic-design program.
But there won't be any luaus
on the beach.
[ laughing ]
I think I can manage.
[ laughs ]
So, you gonna ask me out
or what?
Mm.
Uh,
you're the boss's daughter.
I don't think that's
gonna go over too well.
Eh, my mom is cool.
So, what time
you picking me up?
Look...
You're messing up
my ride, baby.
I mean,
I paid a lot of money for that.
Yeah, it looks like it.
See that spot right there?
Now I got a dent --
All because of you.
That was there.
Candy.
Finally, I-I've been trying to
get you for days.
Ray.
How is everything?
Okay, hold on.
Excuse me, sir?
Sir? Sir?
This is a private office.
This is where I wait
for chemo.
Ray, who are
you talking to?
Nobody. How is it out there?
Are you safe?
Candy?
Thank you for serving.
Uh, you're welcome.
Who is that?
I don't know.
She's a piece of ass.
Sir, please.
Please.
I may be carcinogenic,
but I'm not dead.
You know what, Ray?
I-I can't really
talk right now.
Were you attacked?
Not now, Ray.
Okay.
Uh, we'll talk later.
[ key clacks ]
[ sighs ]
Let's get you
to chemo, okay?
Sir, I'll take --
I'll...
No, no. It's okay.
It's okay, sir.
I'll take you to oncology.
How many rounds of antibiotics
has she had already?
This would be her third.
So, we're pumping her up
with all these antibiotics
Instead of giving her
the surgery?
This is ridiculous.
Surely someone on that
ethics committee can see that.
Well, this entire hospital
seems hell-bent
On giving this woman
a death sentence.
Looks like Camille's
found something redeeming
About the place.
See ya.
Bobbie:
Nice catch.
Thank you.
Uh, we're gonna go
get something to eat later,
And I told him
you're cool with it,
So don't
screw this up for me.
He's in college.
He's a freshman.
Yeah, what is he majoring in,
seducing children?
Mom,
he's right there.
Dr. Olfield,
dial the hospital operator.
Marcus?
Hey, what are you doing?
Who did you say
heads the ethics committee?
Dr. Jameson.
What's he like?
She is very smart,
very nice.
Uh, silver spoon.
Old Virginia money.
So I guess her people
knew our people, huh?
[ laughs ]
I'm gonna get back to work.
Yeah, he, uh, really, really
needs to get back to work.
Have a great time tonight.
Don't do anything
your mother wouldn't do.
I'm sorry, but we've got to
get r.J. Down to the O.R.
You said if we move quickly,
he wouldn't need surgery.
It's too late to aspirate.
There are signs
of vascular damage.
We need to insert
a shunt now.
I don't want you
cutting on him
Until you know
what's going on.
Can you at least tell us
what's wrong with him first?
Jo Ellen, listen to me.
Once the current problem
is treated
And we have your son's
full medical history,
We'll be able to --
The agency
can't find the records.
Okay, we'll continue
running tests, then.
Your grandson
needs this surgery.
We have to trust them.
Damn it.
Okay.
Go ahead.
Tell O.R.
We're coming down.
Erin:
Come in.
Hello.
Hi, I'm Christina Hawthorne.
I'm the new director of nursing.
I'm here to talk to you
about Valerie Dayton.
Erin Jameson.
Come on in.
Take a seat.
Thanks.
It's my understanding
That Valerie's valve replacement
has been denied.
Actually, it's been postponed
until after her rehab.
I don't think
she'll last that long.
I was hoping
she could get her surgery first,
Recover with supervision,
and then go to rehab.
She has an addiction.
We need to treat that first.
If the valve worsens,
we'll repair it.
Well, I guess
what I'm trying to say
Is that she might not make it
back to get anything repaired.
I'm sorry, you said that you're
the new director of nursing.
But Gail's still here.
Morrissey
split the department.
Gail handles E.R.,
critical care,
And I have everything else.
Isn't this patient
in the E.R.?
She is.
And that's part of
Gail's jurisdiction?
Can we please not play
"20 questions" right now?
Valerie needs her treatment.
Ms. Dayton is being treated --
for her addiction.
And once
she completes that --
She won't complete it,
Because her valve
will give out first.
Do you have some personal
association with her?
She's a patient
in this hospital.
The findings from
Ms. Dayton's psych consult
And the medical evidence
were weighed carefully.
Did you weigh that this woman
has two little girls?
Unfortunately,
we can't consider that.
The children aren't part of
her medical condition.
Her children
could end up in foster care.
I'm sorry, where did you say
that you're from again?
Trinity.
Well, here we like to
work through our issues,
And trust me, I've dedicated
my life to ethics.
Well, trust me -- I think
I know a little something
About what's right
and what's wrong.
That doesn't mean
that you understand ethics,
How it's studied
or applied.
Well, this is not
a clinical study.
May I finish, please?
It certainly doesn't mean
that your opinion
Factors into the equation.
If the patient is unhappy
with our proposed treatment,
She is free to go elsewhere.
Yeah, well, she doesn't have
anyplace else to go.
I'm sorry.
Ms. Paxton,
I need to speak with you.
I'll stay with him.
The adoption agency
found the medical records.
I told you
all there is to know.
But you didn't mention
that r.J.'s birth father
Was African-American.
Why is that important?
Because priapism is a symptom
of sickle-cell anemia.
The blood work
should confirm it --
Please don't bring that up.
If this is a sickle-cell crisis,
he may need surgery again,
And you're gonna
have to explain that --
Whites can get sickle-cell, too,
can't they?
R.J. Doesn't know
that he's biracial?
We're white.
Why complicate his life
that way?
He can't know.
Why not?
My father is still upset over
the war of northern aggression.
He'd never forgive r.J. --
Or me --
For bringing him
into the family.
Are you sure your dad
is the one with the problem?
R.J. Is my son.
Please, I'm begging you --
don't say anything.
So the morphine didn't help.
Did my screaming
give that away?
Ah, nurse Stein.
Thought I was gonna have to
send out a search party for you.
I got sidetracked.
We're gonna move Annette here
up to dilaudid.
.2 mill
every 10 minutes.
Starting?
In 10 minutes.
All right.
My back is spasming.
I can't wait.
This should do the trick.
No, this is a joke.
I come in here
for a simple procedure,
I get a staph infection
from this pit,
And you people
can't even help me.
Shh. It's okay.
Oh, for god--
you are useless!
[ sighs ]
You think
there was a conspiracy
To give you
a post-op infection?
It was an accident.
Nurse Stein.
A lot of stuff
happens in hospitals.
Most of it's bad --
Just like
the rest of the world.
One more thing, lady.
She's being
a Saint right now,
Putting up with your
entitled nonsense.
So just give her a break.
I-I'm sorry about
nurse Stein's behavior.
If he were a man,
I'd punch him.
[ keyboard clacking ]
[ knock on door ]
Kelly:
Hey, you got a minute?
Yeah, what's up?
Um, the 14-year-old
with priapism.
Yeah?
Well, it turns out
that he has sickle-cell.
Sickle-cell?
And his mom
doesn't want him to know.
She's afraid he's gonna find out
that he's half-black.
Mom wasn't planning
on letting that cat out the bag.
[ sighs ]
it's her choice.
But...
That doesn't seem right.
It's the law.
Once a parent
makes their wishes known,
There is nothing we can do.
I'm sorry, Kelly.
Yeah, me too.
[ knock on door ]
Tenacious.
[ sighs ]
we got off on the wrong foot.
These are really
beautiful photos.
Where'd you get them?
I took them in Cuba.
Have you ever been?
No.
I hate to think
what it'll be like in 10 years,
After the casinos
get back in.
You took this one, too?
In Senegal.
Jakarta.
I don't see
any family photos.
No kids?
Nope. Not yet.
Maybe it's
the mother in me.
Maybe I am
too emotional.
I just can't stop thinking about
those two little girls
Who have only their mother
to take care of them.
You should come meet them.
It won't
make a difference.
Don't you owe it
to your patients
To weigh all factors
in their equation?
Um, she's not my patient.
You've never
even met Valerie?
She's over here.
Gail.
How's your sciatica?
It hasn't been giving you
any more trouble, has it?
So far so good.
Okay, well, if it starts up
again, you better let me know,
Because I know
a great orthopedist.
Is there anything
I can help you with?
I'm just gonna check on
this patient.
Sorry, this is
doctor-patient only.
Hi, I'm Dr. Jameson.
How are you doing?
Nurse.
Nurse Stein.
Ray, I'm not
gonna Chase you.
What is wrong?
Nothing's wrong.
Oh, so you spoke to that patient
like that for sport?
It's nothing.
Ray.
I just couldn't stand the way
she was talking to you, okay?
Pain or no pain,
it's -- it's not right.
[ chuckles softly ]
you're sweet.
I'll see you later.
I've heard enough.
Thank you.
Excuse me.
This is a closed meeting.
Is this
the ethics committee?
'cause I got
an ethics complaint.
I believe some of you
have met Christina Hawthorne,
One of our
nursing directors.
I want to put a complaint in
against this committee.
You see, it's my understanding
that an ethics committee
Is a consult --
A place where people
with ethical dilemmas
Can come and get help.
But, see, you,
on the other hand,
Have turned into
a death panel.
Christina.
You got this woman out here
who needs a new valve,
And now you
want to play God?
Well, I'm about to throw
a flag on the play
Or whatever y'all throw...
Christina!
...'cause it ain't right!
We are reversing
our recommendation.
Valerie will be treated
for her addiction
And have the valve replaced
simultaneously.
And I'd like to thank you
for making us take another look.
Sure.
Thank you.
[ door closes ]
Admitting, dial the
third-floor nurses' station.
Admitting, dial the
third-floor nurses' station.
You worry so much
as a parent.
That's perfectly natural.
How am I ever
gonna help r.J. With this?
I don't know the first thing
about African-American culture
Or being biracial.
Well, you can
learn together.
Just...
Take it as it comes.
You make it sound
so simple.
It won't be.
But do it anyway.
I just sent Valerie
to the I.C.U.
She's having her surgery
in the morning.
Nice.
And you may want to avoid
the E.R. For a few days.
Gail has your picture up
for most wanted.
Welcome to my life.
Headed out?
[ zipper clicks ]
I am. I'm gonna have a hot bath
with my favorite drink --
Red wine and ginger ale.
With Tom?
No.
I told you, um...
You're gonna blow this,
and not in the fun way.
Bobbie,
it's just that I, uh --
What?
When I first met Michael...
...I was very young...
And very inexperienced.
You've only slept
with one man.
My husband.
And since he's died...
Why? How many
have you been with?
That's not the issue.
Tom's a great guy.
But h-he's gonna
run out of patience
Before you run out
of excuses.
Hey.
Hey.
You up
for going out tonight?
Uh, yeah. Sure.
Not with Paul or anything.
I figured just...Us.
[ chuckles ]
Maybe we could double-date
or something this weekend.
I like it.
I'm going home to shower.
Pick you up at 8:00?
Okay.
Security, 2469.
Security, 2469.
The doctor said
the surgery went great.
It won't ever happen again,
right?
Actually, uh, you have
sickle-cell anemia.
Sickle-cell?
Kelly, would you mind
giving us a minute?
Not at all.
I, uh...I got something
to tell both of you.
Sounds like
you moved mountains for me.
I just got you
to the starting line.
I'm really gonna do this --
For my girls.
I was counting on that.
[ elevator bell dings ]
Hey, Tom, it's Christina.
Um, I had
a patient here crash
And, uh,
got a lot of sick calls in.
It's a lot to do here.
It's a zoo.
It's really chaotic, so, um...
I'll see you in the morning,
okay?
[ cellphone closes ]
Mind if I sit in here with you
for a while?
Please.