Chapter 6: Chapter 6: Shifting Narrative
Grey´s Anatomy Universe, Earth, United States, Seattle Grace Hospital – 2006
Arriving where Izzie and Dr. Bailey were sleeping, I overheard Dr. Stevens talking with Nurse Taylor.
"The Sr. Jones has junkie veins and needs antibiotics. We should use a central line," said Izzie.
"Then do it," Taylor replied, but looking at Izzie, he exclaimed, "You don't know how."
"I've never done it," admitted Dr. Stevens.
"You know what that means," Taylor explained, glancing at the sleeping Dr. Bailey.
"We can't call anyone else," Izzie said.
"She's the resident on call," affirmed Taylor. This was true, but I decided to stay to help Izzie.
"Okay, I'll wake her up," Izzie said, approaching Miranda. But before she could wake her, I interrupted.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you. Remember rule number three. But I'd be willing to teach you," I suggested with a playful smile.
"Dr. Whitman," Izzie said, surprised. Even the nurse was taken aback since Dr. Bailey was supposed to be the only one on call.
"Lead the way to Mr. Jones' room. I overheard you while passing by," I instructed Dr. Stevens.
"Right this way, Dr. Whitman," Izzie said. As we walked, I explained, "In these cases, after identifying the patient's needs and deciding on the treatment, like you mentioned to the nurse about administering antibiotics through a central line, but not knowing how to do it, I'll provide instructions. Just follow my lead."
Reaching the patient's room, I continued, "First, gather the central line kit and some sterile gloves," I said to Izzie as she fetched the necessary instruments.
"Now, we prepare the area, ensuring everything is sterilized. Clean the insertion site thoroughly," I demonstrated, guiding my hands as if she were the patient.
"Then, insert the needle at the correct angle. Be gentle but firm," I showed her the technique. "Your turn with Mr. Jones."
A few minutes later, seeing her struggle but not wanting to admit it, I stepped behind her and took her arms.
Positioning myself close, I whispered, "Let's locate the patient's vein," running my fingers over Mr. Jones' arm through Izzie´s Hands.
Finding the vein, still close to her, I guided her hand to the spot. With my hands over hers, we inserted the needle successfully.
Stepping back, I explained, "Now, thread the catheter and secure it. Then connect the IV line and start the antibiotics."
Watching Izzie complete the instructions under my supervision, I noticed a slight blush from the earlier close contact. "Perfect. Now administer the antibiotics and monitor his vital signs closely. Let me know if there are any changes."
"Thank you, Dr. Whitman. I really appreciate your help," Izzie said.
"No problem, Dr. Stevens. Just remember how it felt during the step-by-step process for next time," I said, walking towards the door. Before leaving, I asked, "How about we grab a coffee later? It would be good to take a break and talk after your shift."
Turning back to me, she smiled, "I'd love that. I'll see you after my shift."
At the 20-hour mark of the new interns' shift, I was reviewing patient files that had come in during the morning. "Good morning. I understand you're tired from working continuous hours for the first time," I addressed my interns.
"During the early hours, some patients came in. I'll assign you some cases to gain more practical experience," I continued.
"Dr. Robinson, you'll handle Mr. Anderson, a 65-year-old man with an exacerbation COPD. Monitor his respiratory status, administer his medications, and keep an eye on his oxygen levels."
"Understood. I'll make sure to keep him stable and report any changes," Maja replied, heading off.
"Dr. Hawkins, you'll take care of Mrs. Ramirez. She's in postoperative recovery from a hip replacement. Focus on pain management, monitor her vitals, and assist with her mobilization exercises."
"On it, Dr. Whitman," Maria responded.
"Dr. Bond, you have the ICU patient, Mr. Van Der Julk. He has sepsis and is on a ventilator. Administer his antibiotics and coordinate with the nurses for any changes."
Seeing Moritz nod, I continued, "Lastly, Dr. Martin, Mr. Collins has acute pancreatitis. Keep track of his fluid levels, manage his pain, and monitor his vital signs."
"I'll keep a close watch on him, Dr. Whitman," Stephen said.
Receiving a page, I instructed, "Great. Now I have surgery. Dr. Bond, follow me. Maria, you'll assist with Dr. Bond's task along with Dr. Martin. The rest of you, go to your patients and report any problems."
On the way to the OR, I spoke with Moritz, "Dr. Bond, we're performing an appendectomy on Mrs. Clark. It's a routine procedure, but a great learning opportunity for you."
"I'm ready, Dr. Whitman," Moritz replied.
In the OR with the team, I shared knowledge with Moritz, "First, we make an incision in the lower right quadrant. Watch closely. You'll do the sutures at the end."
"Yes, sir," Moritz responded.
As I made the incision and carefully worked to remove the appendix, I explained, "See this? We're clamping the appendix to prevent any leakage. Precision is key. Now we'll remove it and check for any signs of infection."
"Good job, Dr. Bond. With the appendix removed, it's your turn to suture. Take your time and be precise."
As Moritz began suturing under my supervision, I advised, "Excellent. Remember, smooth and controlled movements are essential when suturing."
Leaving the OR, a nurse approached to inform, "Dr. Whitman, Dr. Shepherd needs you and your interns in the meeting room."
"Thank you, Samantha. We'll be there shortly. Dr. Bond, let's clean up and go." This call could only mean Dr. Shepherd's request for assistance with Katie Bryce's case.
Sure enough, after waiting a bit, Dr. Shepherd and Dr. Bailey entered to explain, "Good morning. I'm going to do something extraordinary. Ask the interns for help. We have a patient, Katie Bryce. Right now, she's a mystery. She's unresponsive to medication. The tests show nothing. But she's having severe seizures without apparent cause."
As Dr. Shepherd surveyed the room, he continued, "She's a ticking time bomb. She will die if I don't diagnose her, and that's where you come in." Walking around, he added, "I can't do it alone. I need extra minds and eyes. I want you to investigate. Find the cause of her seizures."
He elaborated, "You're tired and overworked. I get it. So I'll give you an incentive. Whoever finds the cause will work with me. Katie needs surgery. You'll do what no intern has done assist in a complicated operation. Dr. Bailey will give you Katie's medical history. Time is of the essence. If we're going to save Katie, let's get to it."
As the interns gathered to grab a copy of the patient's medical history, I approached Dr. Bailey, "Miranda, can I get a copy of the case too? It seems interesting."
"Well, well, well. The hospital golden boy is interested in Katie Bryce's case?" Dr. Bailey remarked sarcastically.
Smiling, I replied, "Just adding my expertise to help. Dr. Shepherd needs extra hands. I thought it would be interesting."
"Uh-huh. So the mighty hospital Asclepius is now taking opportunities from the interns. You know this is the perfect chance for them, but not much of a challenge for you with your stellar surgical record."
Laughing, I asked Dr. Bailey, "So, can I have the copy?"
"Whitman, not every resident gets called a prodigy lightly. Also Don't let all the praise go to your head. And believe me, there's always another challenge waiting," Dr. Bailey said as she handed me a copy of Katie Bryce's medical history.
Checking on my interns and giving Dr. Bond a new case, I went to the hospital library to pretend to research Katie's case. Because if we watched the series, we know what she has. But I couldn't just say it right away.
After an hour of "studying" the case, I looked for Dr. Derek Shepherd. Finding him talking to a nurse, I waited for him to finish.
"Dr. Shepherd, about Katie's case. I overheard she participates in beauty pageants," I mentioned to Dr. Shepherd.
"I know. Dr. Whitman, you're well-known here. I'm surprised to see a New Yorker here. I think this is our first conversation," Derek said.
"Correct, Dr. Shepherd. But about Katie. Reviewing her history and investigating, I noticed she doesn't have migraines or neck pain. No evidence of an aneurysm, but if she did have one…"
Looking serious, Derek responded, "Nothing suggests that."
"What if she twisted her ankle while practicing?" I continued, but he interrupted.
"I appreciate what you…," he started, but I cut him off.
"When she twisted it, she fell. It was nothing. She did hit her head lightly. She iced it and got better. It was so minor the doctor didn't note it in her history. But she did fall," I finished.
"You know the odds of that causing an aneurysm? One in a million," Derek replied, stepping away. He stopped and turned back, "Follow me. We'll see if Katie is that one in a million."
After some time, reviewing Katie's scans, Dr. Shepherd commented, "This is incredible. It's tiny, but there it is. A subarachnoid hemorrhage, causing her brain to bleed."
Walking together later he continued relieved "She could've gone her whole life without an issue. A hit in just the right spot would have caused it," but a shout stopped us.
"Dr. Shepherd, about Katie's case," Dr. Yang said, with Meredith behind her.
"No need. Dr. Whitman and I identified the problem. I can treat her, but I need to inform her parents," Dr. Shepherd said, surprising both of them.
"Dr. Shepherd, you said you'd choose someone to assist with the surgery," Dr. Yang insisted.
"True. Both of you are late. The lucky one is Dr. Whitman. Josh, see you in the OR," Derek said.
Avoiding the drama Meredith and Cristina would have had if they arrived earlier, I said, "See you, ladies. I need to check on my interns before the surgery."
Gathering my interns at the 39-hour mark of their shift before heading to the OR with Dr. Shepherd, I instructed, "Alright team, listen up. It's been a tough day, and I need everyone on their game. I'll assign new cases."
"Dr. Robinson, you're with the patient in room 304. He has a severe laceration that needs suturing. It's straightforward but requires precision. Minimize scarring."
"I'm on it," she said, taking the patient's file and heading out.
"Dr. Martin, you'll be in post-op. Several patients need follow-up after surgery. Monitor their vitals and report any anomalies immediately."
"Got it, Dr. Whitman," Stephen replied.
"Dr. Hawkins, head to the emergency room. There's a steady flow of trauma cases, and I need you to manage intake and initial evaluations. Dr. Bond, assist her; she can't handle it alone."
The interns nodded and headed to their tasks. Walking quickly to the OR, donning surgical gear, I entered to hear Dr. Shepherd say, "Alright. It's a beautiful night to save lives. Let's have some fun."
The surgery proceeded without complications. Using advanced imaging techniques, we precisely located the aneurysm, ensuring minimal disruption to surrounding tissues.
Working alongside Dr. Shepherd, the OR team felt like we were creating a masterpiece, akin to Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci collaborating.
As we stabilized blood flow after carefully clipping the aneurysm, the surgery concluded successfully, paving the way for Katie Bryce's recovery.
Exiting the OR, marking the end of my 48-hour shift, I found a figure waiting in the parking lot. "I thought you might need this," Izzie said, handing me a coffee.
"Thanks, Dr. Stevens," I said, taking the cup and savoring the warmth.
Sitting in my car for a moment, enjoying the coffee, Izzie remarked, "I watched the surgery. You did well, Josh."
"Thanks. But it was a team effort, especially with Dr. Shepherd," I replied.
"I know, but you found the aneurysm. You saved her life," she said warmly.
Shrugging, I commented, "Just doing my job."
Smiling, she said, "So, how about that coffee break we talked about earlier?"
Returning her smile, I said, "Sounds perfect. Let's go. But put on your seatbelt."
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
TONRA_19
TONRA_19 The second chapter that I promised earlier. I admit that much consists of dialogue from the series because Josh intervened in the canonical events. Now, in the next chapter, I can start the events of Episode 2 from Season 1, or I can focus on one of the other two versions. Let me know what you would prefer.
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