this is my last shift

I walk out of the hospital and stop outside of the revolving door

I am jostled from side to side

as nurses escape

a swarm of blue and white
their faces as weary and worn as mine

this is my last shift

understaffed overworked underappreciated

I can’t do it anymore

I’m nothing. I’m no one.

stretched too thin. patients who are customers

customers who are always dissatisfied
I’ve been yelled at

I’ve been threatened

I’ve been belittled, dehumanized, and disrespected

for the last time.

This is my last shift! I say to a nurse

walking past me.

And to another and another.

They nod their heads knowingly.

It’s all our last.