’Twas the Night Before Christmas Eve

’Twas the night before Christmas Eve, and in the
Heart Center

The patients had caths and ate chicken dinners.

All sheaths were removed by staff with such care,

In hopes that a hematoma would not form there.

The patients were nestled and snug in their beds.

While visions of Bojangles danced in their heads.

Nicotine patches would curb their temptation

So we sat down to finish our documentation. 

When out in the hall there rose such a clatter,

We jumped from our desk to see what was the matter.

Away to transradial we flew like a flash

Dodging housekeeping carts, and linens, and trash.

When what to our wondering eyes appeared?

An obese man with a fluffy white beard.

“Too many milk and cookies.  The pies!  And cakes!

I have the worst heartburn and my left arm just aches!”

“I have much to do, so fix me up quick!”

We knew in a moment it must be St. Nick

We got him all prepped and to the cath lab we went.

Hoping he didn’t need surgery, but maybe a stent.

Moments later, the pager was buzzing away.

Clean cath.  Radial.  D/C  today.

Without complications, the TR Band was removed

We explained to Rudolph how to hold pressure
with hooves.

The elves danced with glee, happy to see him alive

And couldn’t believe they’d finally get to drive.

The sleigh was parked out front with success

We loaded him in a wheelchair right after
he got dressed.

And as he went away he said with a laugh,

“Merry Christmas to all, and to all… a clean cath!”

Mandy Conlin, RN

Heart Center Pre and Post Procedure Care Area

WakeMed Health and Hospitals,
Raleigh, North Carolina