It’s the middle of a busy evening shift on Cedar Wing, a long-term care unit where the team is running short-staffed.
Jordan, a care aide with two years of experience, is helping with the medication pass. They fumble with a patient chart on top of the medication cart while answering a question — a small slip in an already hectic night.
A moment later, their colleague Pat notices the chart and reacts sharply.
In front of two residents and another staff member, Pat raises their voice:
One resident shifts uncomfortably.
The other staff member looks down at the floor.
Jordan feels heat rising in their cheeks — a mix of embarrassment, frustration, and the instinct to defend themselves.
They want to respond.
They also want to avoid making the situation worse, or damaging their working relationship with Pat.