//------------------------------//
// Clocking In 
// Story: Just Another Shift 
// by Gonderlane 
//------------------------------//

The sun's rays filtered through the window, casting a warm glow across my bedroom. Another day awaited at Ponyville Hospital, and I couldn't help but feel a familiar mix of anticipation and purpose.

I donned my white nurse's cap and inspected my reflection in the mirror. I grabbed a pin and fashioned my mane into the usual bun. With a reassuring nod, I readied myself for my upcoming shift—it was my duty, after all.

The sound of my hooves clattering on the tiled floor accompanied me to the kitchen. Before leaving, I filled a thermos with steaming herbal tea and packed a few energy-boosting biscuits for breakfast. While I adored my work, it was undoubtedly demanding, and I knew I'd need all the sustenance I could get.

Outside, the early morning air was crisp and carried the sweet scent of blooming flowers. Ponyville was gradually coming to life, with vendors setting up their stalls and ponies heading to their jobs. I trotted briskly towards the hospital, my heart light with the promise of a new day.

Upon arrival, I exchanged greetings with the receptionist and fellow nurses at the front desk. The hospital was already buzzing with activity, with patients and their families filling the waiting area. I took a moment to appreciate the hospital's scent—a blend of antiseptic cleaners and the faint aroma of nearby flowers. It had become a part of me, considering the countless hours I spent here.

Before officially clocking in, I reviewed the day's patient assignments on the nurse's station board. 

My first patient of the morning was Shooting Star, a rather energetic stallion. His routine check-up always brightened my day, and I couldn't help but smile at the thought of him. He's one of the friendliest patients I've had in a long time.

My second patient, Orchid Dew, was a new face. I hoped to make a positive first impression, as my initial experiences with patients usually ended well.

Finally, my third and most anticipated patient was a filly named Sunny Daze. I had been caring for her for about a few days now, ever since she first arrived after her unfortunate incident. She's been through a lot, so I only wanted to make sure she gets the care she deserves.

With a clock-in, I gathered my essential supplies—a stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, and notepad—and headed down the corridor to Shooting Star's room. His door was slightly ajar, so I gently pushed it open, finding him sitting up in bed, engrossed in a newspaper.

"Good morning, Shooting Star," I greeted warmly. "How are we feeling today?"

The white stallion looked up from his paper and beamed at me. "Ah, Nurse Redheart, always a sight for sore eyes! I'm as chipper as ever, dear."

I chuckled, approaching his bedside. "That's wonderful to hear. Let's get those vital signs checked, shall we?"

Over the next few minutes, I meticulously monitored his blood pressure and heart rate, all the while engaging in light conversation. Shooting Star shared stories of his past work, and I listened with rapt attention. These moments were what made my job truly rewarding—the connections and trust forged between nurse and patient. I had come to know so many ponies this way, and it was what made this job so fulfilling.

Once the check-up was complete, I updated his chart and ensured he had everything he needed. "Everything looks great, Star. Keep up the good work, and we'll have you out of here in no time."

He chuckled, his eyes twinkling with appreciation. "Good work?  I'm just sitting here, counting the grays in my tail. You should be the one congratulating yourself."

I modestly waved off his praise. "Just doing my job. Now, if you need anything, don't hesitate to ring the call bell."

With a final nod and a warm smile, I left Shooting Star's room, my heart warmed by our interaction. It served as a reminder of why I had chosen this profession—to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need.

Back at the nurse's station, I reviewed my patient assignments for the day, ensuring that medications were administered on time and that any scheduled procedures were coordinated. The hospital continued to bustle around me, with doctors, nurses, and support staff working together to provide the best care possible.

"Next up, room 35. Orchid Dew."

Second floor, third door. Alright, Redheart, let's make a good first impression.

I walked to the room, softly creaking open the door.

"Good morning, Orchid Dew," I greeted professionally, my voice warm and composed. "I'm Nurse Redheart, and I'll be taking care of you today."

Orchid Dew, a mare with a pale blue coat and a tangle of a blue violet mane, scowled at me from her bed. "Don't see what's so good about it," she muttered, her tone prickly. 

Uh...

Ignoring her initial hostility, I approached her bedside. "I understand that you've been experiencing some discomfort. Can you tell me what's been bothering you?"

She huffed, crossing her forelegs over her chest. "It's my hoof, alright? Been hurting for days ever since I ran in The Running Of The Leaves race. And don't think you can just poke and prod at it without my say-so."

I nodded, maintaining my professional demeanor. "Of course, Orchid Dew. I'll do my best to make you as comfortable as possible. Let's take a look at that hoof."

Over the next few minutes, I gently examined Orchid Dew's hoof, asking questions about her pain and its duration. Her responses remained terse and impatient, but I stayed patient, endeavoring to build a rapport with her.

After the examination, I updated her chart and discussed the next steps for her treatment. "You don't need to worry, Orchid Dew. It appears that you have some inflammation in your hoof. I'll consult with the doctor to determine the best course of action to relieve your discomfort."

She merely grunted in response, clearly unimpressed with my efforts.

Before leaving her room, I offered a polite smile. "If you need anything or if the pain worsens, please don't hesitate to use the call bell. I'm here to help."

Orchid Dew's expression remained stoic, but I couldn't help but hope that our interactions might gradually soften her rough edges. I hoped so at least.


* + *


Nurse Snowheart and I settled into the break room, sharing a moment of conspiratorial giggles like a pair of mischievous foals. The sweet aroma of freshly baked muffins mingled with the ever-present antiseptic scent, an odd but strangely comforting combination.

Typically, I ignored post-shift revelries, but there was something infectious about Snowheart's enthusiasm. Plus, our shared breaks were a cherished routine, and she always brought along some delectable treats.

"So, Redheart," she inquired with a playful grin, "Anything new with your patients?"

"Oh, not much," I responded, trying to downplay her curiosity. "Just focusing on trying my best."

She arched an eyebrow. "Are you sure that's all? You've got the look of a pony with a secret. You know me, I can always tell when something's up, especially with you."

A blush crept across my cheeks. "Well," I began, then blurted, "Maybe there's something I should spill."

Her grin took on a mischievous edge. "Come on, Red. What's got you all worked up?"

I took a steadying breath. "Alright. You know the patient in room 35, Orchid Dew?"

Her smile dimmed. "Yeah, I think so. I haven't seen her yet. How is she?"

"Um..." I murmured. "I'm going to be honest. She's... kind of mean."

"Mean?" she said, a touch perplexed. "Oh, is that all!?"

"No. No! Well... maybe. But I can handle it. Not the first pony I've taken care of that's... like that."

"And here I thought you were going to say you hated her, ha!" she teased, rolling her eyes. "You're too easy to rib."

"I guess so." I let out a sigh. "I think I messed up. I'm already afraid of seeing her again. I'm not-"

"Stop it! You're doing it again." She reached over and gave my shoulder a comforting pat. "Don't be too hard on yourself. You've been through a lot these past weeks. You probably work as hard as two nurses combined, and you're one of the nicest ponies I know. Heck, probably the nicest. If somepony gives you attitude, it's on them."

I smiled and squeezed her shoulder gently. "Thank you, Snowheart."

"No problem. That's what friends are for, right?" she replied. "And I'm sure there will be plenty more chances for you and her to grow closer. I don't know how long she'll be in here for, but..." She paused, rephrasing, "You'll be fine. Now, let's eat these muffins I brought in from the Sugarcube Corner, I'm starving!"

We each grabbed a muffin, savoring the moment, while our conversation shifted to lighter topics, like the latest hospital gossip. It was a pleasant way to conclude half a shift, offering a welcome distraction. With my third muffin, a cozy sense of contentment settled over me.

"Thank you for everything, Snowheart. I know it doesn't mean much, but you've brightened my shift," I expressed, a smile playing on my lips. "Maybe, one of these days, we should step out for a coffee instead of being stuck in this cramped break room all the time."

She chuckled. "Sounds like a plan, Red. We might even invite Sweetheart to join us. She could use a little pick-me-up too."

"Yeah! Like a 'nurse-puccino' break!"

We both laughed. With plans solidified and bellies content, we bid our farewells and headed out as our break ended. A smile persisted as I departed the break room, reminiscing about what she said to me. She always did manage to have the best advice, that's why I enjoyed her so much.

As I re-entered the bustling hospital corridor, I felt reinvigorated. I knew there was still half my shift left, but I was eager to take it one step at a time.

I may not be able to predict what the future holds, but I can certainly embrace the moments we have. And today, I am filled with a sense of purpose and gratitude.

After all, I am a nurse.

And this is my life.

Whether it's a broken bone or a mentally fractured pony, I strive to provide care with compassion and dedication. Every patient is precious, and every life deserves to be cherished.

My job may be demanding, but I like the challenge. From assisting in surgeries to comforting those in pain, it's a rewarding experience that never ceases to surprise me. The smiles I see are always worth it.

One thing I've learned is that life can be unpredictable. You never know who will come through those doors or how they'll impact your life. Some days, it's a whirlwind of activity, while others are relatively calm.

But regardless of the pace, I always find myself immersed in the beauty of the pony spirit. Whether it's a simple smile or a profound connection, I'm grateful for every moment I spend helping others recover.

As I entered my third patient's room, long shadows stretched across the floor. The room seemed darker than I remembered. There, I found Sunny Daze, the orange filly, lying on her bed. Her bright mane was still relatively disheveled, and her eyes held a subtle weariness.

"Hey Sunny," I whispered gently as I approached. "How are you feeling today?"

Sunny looked up, and I got my answer. Her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

"Oh no," I murmured, settling beside her. "It's okay, sweetie. Let it all out."

Tears welled in her eyes, and I wrapped my arms around her, offering a comforting embrace.

"You're safe with me, Sunny. I promise. Just let it out."

Her body shook with sobs, and her tears soaked the front of my scrubs. But I didn't mind. I understood the need to release the emotions that had welled up after the trauma she'd endured.

As her crying gradually subsided, I pulled back and looked into her eyes.

"I know it must be hard," I said softly. "But you're going to get through this, I promise. Nopony can make it through something like this and still manage to stay tough. But you have. You're strong, Sunny."

She wiped her nose with a shaky hoof and nodded. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice hoarse from her tears. "I-I just hate being stuck here."

I smiled and gently squeezed her shoulder. "You don't need to thank me," I reassured her. "I'm just doing my job."

Taking a deep breath, she settled back against her pillows.

"Now," I continued, "Let's see how we can get some food in you today. But first, let's brighten up this room."

Standing up, I pulled the curtains open wide, allowing the sun to stream in. Then, I turned to the table beside her bed, where a tray of steaming oatmeal and fresh fruit awaited. Placing it in front of her, she hesitated for a moment before eagerly digging in.

She was never a picky eater.

While she ate, I took the opportunity to check her vital signs and update her chart. By the time I was done, she had finished her meal and looked much better than when I'd arrived.

"I'm sorry," she mumbled as I collected her dishes. "I know it's dumb, but I just... I'm scared of being stuck in here forever."

I nodded in understanding. "It's perfectly normal to feel that way. But remember, you're surrounded by doctors and nurses who are trained to help you. You're not alone, and you're healing quickly."

A shy smile broke across her face, and I returned it, happy to have lifted her spirits.

"You're a resilient little pony," I observed. "I wouldn't be surprised if you're back on your hooves in just a couple of days."

She giggled, and I knew I had hit the mark. "Really? I get to see Cheerilee again!" she exclaimed.

"Definitely!"

As her giggle faded, I glanced down at her chart one last time, noting that everything appeared normal.

"Alright Sunny," I said. "I have other responsibilities to attend to, but Nurse Tenderheart will check in on you later. Be a good filly for me, okay?"

She nodded, and I turned to leave, confident that she was in capable hooves.

Walking away from her room, I couldn't help but smile. Moments like this reminded me why I became a nurse in the first place—to witness patients like Sunny find joy despite their challenges.

While the future remained uncertain, I knew there would always be a need for nurses like me to provide comfort.

Stepping out of the room, I felt a sense of pride and fulfillment wash over me. I lived to assist others in their healing journey, whether it was mending physical wounds or tending to emotional scars. These patients had already endured so much, and it was my duty to help them as best I could.

In that moment, I was reminded why I loved doing what I did. This was my calling, my passion, and my reason to keep going.

I smiled to myself as I exited her room and headed back towards the nurses' station. I knew I would always be there to support her, and that she was in good hooves.

As I walked down the hallway, I saw a group of ponies huddled together at the end of the hall. They all seemed to be in a state of shock, and I quickened my pace, hoping it was nothing serious. As I approached, I heard the murmuring of their voices.

"...accident..."

"...poor pony..."

"...can't believe it..."

I gently pushed my way through the crowd and found myself staring down at the crumpled form of an elderly stallion. His mane was matted with blood, and his hooves lay limply at his sides.

My chest tightened, and I felt my breath catch in my throat.

"Oh, no..."

I knelt down next to him, placing a gentle hoof on his shoulder. "Can you hear me?" I said softly.

He opened his eyes and stared up at me with an unfocused gaze.

As I examined his wounds, I knew that he was badly hurt. His legs were twisted unnaturally, and his breathing was labored.

I called out for a stretcher and carefully lifted him onto it. As we wheeled him away, I felt a sense of urgency coursing through my body.

He was in bad shape, but I knew that I would do everything within my power to save him.

I rushed into the operating room, where the doctors were waiting. Together, we worked to stabilize his breathing and begin to repair the damage to his legs.

As we worked, the adrenaline began to fade, and I found myself fighting back so many thoughts.

This wasn't supposed to happen. Ponies shouldn't be hurt like this. And I couldn't help but wonder if I could have prevented it, somehow.

But as I looked down at the pony, I knew that all I could do now was focus on saving his life.

I don't know how much time passed, but I knew the only right thing to do was to try my best. I threw myself fully into the task, knowing that he depended on every minute of my attention.

By the time we were finished, he was unconscious, but his vitals were stable. I watched as the doctors wheeled him off to recovery, and I knew that he was at least safe.

I took a deep breath and stepped out of the operating room, trying to compose myself.

I did all that I could, right?


* + *


As I made my way back to the nurses' station, I couldn't shake the image of the injured pony from my thoughts. I had done everything I could to save him, but the uncertainty of his recovery weighed heavily on me. I needed to know he was going to be alright.

Ignoring the nagging voice in my head that reminded me of my own exhaustion, I eventually decided to stay past my shift. I checked in with the doctors, reviewed his progress, and made sure all necessary arrangements were in place for his continued care. It wasn't just my duty; it was a personal commitment to ensuring his well-being.

Time seemed to blur as I moved from one task to another, my dedication to my patients never waning. The hospital quieted down, with most of my colleagues having gone home to rest after their long shifts. But I remained, driven by a sense of responsibility that extended beyond the call of duty.

Finally, well past the time I was scheduled to clock out, I made my way back to the nurses' station to complete my paperwork. I meticulously recorded every detail of the day, making sure nothing was overlooked. My time with Shooting Star, Orchid Dew, Sunny...

When I finally finished, I realized just how late it had become. The hospital was eerily quiet now, with only a few night shift nurses and doctors taking over. Finally, I knew it was time to go home.

As I clocked out and stepped out of the hospital, the cool night air hit me like a refreshing wave. It was the first time I'd been outside since this morning. I blinked against the sudden change in brightness as I emerged into the moonlit night. I had spent the entire day within the sterile walls of the hospital, and the outside world felt almost foreign.

The journey back home was a blur, my hooves moving mechanically as I navigated the familiar streets of Ponyville. My thoughts remained consumed by the events of the day, my concern for the injured pony, if I made the right impression for Orchid Dew, and if Sunny was okay.

When I finally reached home, the weariness hit me like a ton of bricks. The once inviting scent of blooming flowers now seemed distant, and all I could think of was my own bed. It had been far too long since I'd had a proper night's rest.

I entered my bedroom, the soft glow of the moonlight filtering in through the window. It made my room the perfect temperature.

All I wanted was to lay down and close my eyes.

Well, maybe after I...

take... 

my...

hat...

z   z   z 


* + *


"Red!"

I turned my head towards the entrance of the nurse's station, where Nurse Snowheart stood, her expression full of excitement.

"Snowheart?" I asked, my heart racing as I anticipated the possibility of an emergency.

She approached me, her eyes widening with anticipation. "Red, hey!"

I blinked, my anxiety momentarily replaced by curiosity. "What is it?"

Nurse Snowheart leaned in closer, almost as if sharing a secret. "It's Sunny Daze, the filly you've been taking care of."

My heart skipped a beat as I thought of the young filly I had spent time with earlier. "What happened to her?"

Nurse Snowheart's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Nothing bad, I promise! Quick, let's go to her room!"

She gestured for me to follow her, and we walked together to Sunny Daze's room.

As we entered, Sunny Daze was sitting up in bed, her eyes bright with anticipation. She clutched a piece of paper in her hoof, which was covered in a colorful drawing.

"Nurse Redheart is here, Sunny," Nurse Snowheart announced with a warm smile and then turned to me. "She just couldn't stop talking about you."

Sunny Daze beamed with joy, her eyes fixed on me. 

"Nurse Redheart! I made this for you!"

She eagerly held out the drawing.