ER Chaplains Watching "ER"

<p>The chaplains break down episodes 1.20 and 1.21 of <em>ER</em> as we look at the ER as “the center of the universe,” how none of us is really in control of much of anything, the beloved friendship between Doug Ross and Mark Greene, secondary trauma, how competition can be both positive and negative, why grief applies to a lot more than just death, righteous anger, and the importance of taking a time-out. We also read a wonderful email from our listener Max. Hosted by Stacy Sergent Lawton, Sara Jane Moran, and Janie Toy Powell. See <a href="https://www.chaplainswatching.net/episodes/2019/3/29/ep-11-show-notes" target="_blank">Ep 11 Show Notes</a> for more great info and links to the episodes on Hulu. </p><p data-rte-preserve-empty="true"></p> <figure class=" sqs-block-image-figure intrinsic " > <img data-stretch="false" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a9b0a9fe2ccd15461ed3165/1553887168354-SN7ERZTW2ST0ND75EBVY/ER+1.21.jpg" data-image-dimensions="853x480" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="" data-load="false" elementtiming="system-image-block" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a9b0a9fe2ccd15461ed3165/1553887168354-SN7ERZTW2ST0ND75EBVY/ER+1.21.jpg?format=1000w" width="853" height="480" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, (max-width: 767px) 100vw, 100vw" onload="this.classList.add(&quot;loaded&quot;)" srcset="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a9b0a9fe2ccd15461ed3165/1553887168354-SN7ERZTW2ST0ND75EBVY/ER+1.21.jpg?format=100w 100w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a9b0a9fe2ccd15461ed3165/1553887168354-SN7ERZTW2ST0ND75EBVY/ER+1.21.jpg?format=300w 300w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a9b0a9fe2ccd15461ed3165/1553887168354-SN7ERZTW2ST0ND75EBVY/ER+1.21.jpg?format=500w 500w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a9b0a9fe2ccd15461ed3165/1553887168354-SN7ERZTW2ST0ND75EBVY/ER+1.21.jpg?format=750w 750w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a9b0a9fe2ccd15461ed3165/1553887168354-SN7ERZTW2ST0ND75EBVY/ER+1.21.jpg?format=1000w 1000w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a9b0a9fe2ccd15461ed3165/1553887168354-SN7ERZTW2ST0ND75EBVY/ER+1.21.jpg?format=1500w 1500w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a9b0a9fe2ccd15461ed3165/1553887168354-SN7ERZTW2ST0ND75EBVY/ER+1.21.jpg?format=2500w 2500w" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-loader="sqs"> </figure>

<p><a href="https://www.hulu.com/watch/a7691429-b3d7-40f3-a183-1987801c909b" target="_blank"><em>ER</em> 1.20 “Full Moon Saturday Night”</a></p><p><a href="https://www.hulu.com/watch/d71891ce-cf5b-4fba-9df2-432fe8e36a51" target="_blank"><em>ER</em> 1.21 “House of Cards”</a></p><p>As Stacy mentions, <em>Grey’s Anatomy</em> surpassed <em>ER</em> last month to become TV’s longest running hospital drama. Here are some articles about this milestone (with lots of spoilers for later seasons of <em>ER</em>, if you’re only watching season one now). <br><a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/greys-anatomy-makes-history-how-shonda-rhimes-hit-surpassed-er-1190616" target="_blank">”’Grey’s Anatomy’ Makes History”</a> from <em>The Hollywood Reporter<br></em><a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2019/02/28/why-greys-anatomy-outlasts-er/2908832002/" target="_blank">”7 Reasons Why ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Has Outlasted ‘ER’”</a> from <em>USA Today<br></em><a href="https://www.etonline.com/greys-anatomy-cast-reacts-to-surpassing-er-as-longest-running-medical-drama-in-tv-history-exclusive" target="_blank">”’Grey’s Anatomy’ Cast Reacts to Surpassing ‘ER’…”</a> from <em>ET Online<br></em><a href="https://people.com/tv/greys-anatomy-longest-primetime-medical-drama/" target="_blank">”’Grey’s Anatomy’ Becomes Longest Running Hospital Drama on TV”</a> from<em> People<br></em><a href="https://www.eonline.com/news/1019305/grey-s-anatomy-vs-er-by-the-numbers#photo-986093" target="_blank">”’Grey’s Anatomy’ vs. ‘ER’: By the Numbers”</a> from<em> E! Online</em></p><p>The chaplains talk about the death of Dr. Greene’s OB patient in the previous episode as a “sentinel event.” You can read about the definition of a sentinel event and what policies and procedures the Joint Commission recommends <a href="https://www.jointcommission.org/sentinel_event_policy_and_procedures/" target="_blank">here</a>. </p><p>Offering staff support is one important part of a hospital chaplain’s role, and offering staff debriefings following a difficult situation or patient death can be helpful. <a href="https://www.scha.org/files/101615_bereavement_debrief_sessions.pdf" target="_blank">This article </a>gives some guidance on how to approach such debriefings. </p><p>The chaplains believe that Dr. Greene seems to be suffering from compassion fatigue and secondary trauma following the death of his patient. You can learn more about burnout, compassion fatigue, and secondary trauma in <a href="http://ufsac.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Gilbert.Trudy_.11.pdf" target="_blank">this presentation </a>from Dr. Trudy Gilbert-Eliot. </p><p>Janie says, somewhat jokingly, that as adults we need to take more time-outs. That is especially important in hospitals, particularly following a death. Nurse Jonathan Bartels is credited with promoting <a href="https://www.healthleadersmedia.com/nursing/nurse-champions-compassionate-culture-pause?page=0%2C1" target="_blank">“The Pause,”</a> a simple moment of silence following a patient death for everyone who worked with that patient at bedside. (He notes in this article that the idea came from a chaplain getting everyone to pause for a prayer following another death.) </p>

<p>Peter Benton's marathon shift leads the chaplains to talk about boundaries, the value of rest and self-care, and who can/should provide spiritual support in hospitals. And the classic episode "Love's Labor Lost" brings discussion of the alarming (and worsening) rates of maternal mortality in the U.S. We also learn what became of the actress who played Tatiana and more. Hosted by Stacy Sergent Lawton, Janie Toy Powell, Sara Jane Moran, and Carrie Walker Nettles. See <a target="_blank" href="https://www.chaplainswatching.net/episodes/2018/8/24/ep-10-show-notes">Ep 10 Show Notes</a> page for more great info and links.&nbsp;</p> <figure class=" sqs-block-image-figure intrinsic " > <img data-stretch="false" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a9b0a9fe2ccd15461ed3165/1535137630112-2IJZENKBBG9XSMWIN16F/maternal+death+stats.jpg" data-image-dimensions="280x441" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="" data-load="false" elementtiming="system-image-block" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a9b0a9fe2ccd15461ed3165/1535137630112-2IJZENKBBG9XSMWIN16F/maternal+death+stats.jpg?format=1000w" width="280" height="441" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, (max-width: 767px) 100vw, 100vw" onload="this.classList.add(&quot;loaded&quot;)" srcset="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a9b0a9fe2ccd15461ed3165/1535137630112-2IJZENKBBG9XSMWIN16F/maternal+death+stats.jpg?format=100w 100w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a9b0a9fe2ccd15461ed3165/1535137630112-2IJZENKBBG9XSMWIN16F/maternal+death+stats.jpg?format=300w 300w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a9b0a9fe2ccd15461ed3165/1535137630112-2IJZENKBBG9XSMWIN16F/maternal+death+stats.jpg?format=500w 500w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a9b0a9fe2ccd15461ed3165/1535137630112-2IJZENKBBG9XSMWIN16F/maternal+death+stats.jpg?format=750w 750w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a9b0a9fe2ccd15461ed3165/1535137630112-2IJZENKBBG9XSMWIN16F/maternal+death+stats.jpg?format=1000w 1000w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a9b0a9fe2ccd15461ed3165/1535137630112-2IJZENKBBG9XSMWIN16F/maternal+death+stats.jpg?format=1500w 1500w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a9b0a9fe2ccd15461ed3165/1535137630112-2IJZENKBBG9XSMWIN16F/maternal+death+stats.jpg?format=2500w 2500w" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-loader="sqs"> </figure>

<p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.hulu.com/watch/1182292#i0,p16,d0"><em>ER </em>1.18 "Sleepless in Chicago"</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.hulu.com/watch/1182283#i0,p16,d0"><em>ER</em> 1.19 "Love's Labor Lost"</a></p><p>In looking at Dr. Benton's behavior when he is working too long without sleep, Carrie cites the acronym HALT. <a target="_blank" href="https://bradfordhealth.com/halt-hunger-anger-loneliness-tiredness/">This article expands on the dangers of being Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired.</a></p><p> </p><p>When <em>ER</em> introduces a little girl who has been severely punished for exploring her body, Carrie also mentions her work with <a target="_blank" href="https://leanngardner.com">LeAnn Gardner</a> on <a target="_blank" href="https://leanngardner.com/safeseminars/">SAFE Seminars</a>. This stands for Sexual Awareness and Family Empowerment. This kind of holistic sex education can help parents understand what is "normal" at different stages of childhood development and, especially in American churches, help undo some of the damage caused by the Puritan heritage. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.amightygirl.com/blog?p=11069&amp;https=true">This list of books for both parents and kids for learning about body safety</a> is another great resource.&nbsp;</p><p>Stacy tells us she did some research on the actress who played Tatiana, the little girl with AIDS whom nurse Carol Hathaway wanted to adopt. The actress's name is <a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milana_Vayntrub">Milana Vayntrub</a> and she's still working today, most notably in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVL_kMAu9j4">AT&amp;T commercials as Lily</a> and in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2168927/">a recurring role on NBC's <em>This Is Us</em></a> as playwright Sloane Sandburg. She and her family came to the US as refugees from the Soviet Union when she was very young, and in 2016 she started a charity to help refugees called <a target="_blank" href="http://cantdonothing.org">Can't Do Nothing</a>.&nbsp;</p><p>The <em>ER</em> episode "Love's Labor Lost" is one that lots of people remember from when it first aired. Stacy says she has read a lot of articles about it online. Here are a few of them.&nbsp;<br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-ca-er-labor29-2009mar29-story.html">"Haunting First Season Show Leaves a Lasting Impact"</a>&nbsp;from the <em>LA Times</em><br /><a target="_blank" href="https://tv.avclub.com/a-riveting-er-gives-dr-greene-one-bad-day-that-just-ke-1798265819">"A Riveting <em>ER</em> Gives Dr. Greene One Bad Day That Just Keeps Getting Worse"</a> from The AV Club<br /><a target="_blank" href="https://www.tvguide.com/news/er-loves-labor-lost-oral-history/">"<em>ER</em>: An Oral History of the Powerful, Groundbreaking 'Love's Labor Lost'"</a> from <em>TV Guide</em><br /><a target="_blank" href="https://www.bustle.com/articles/105134-19-reasons-loves-labor-lost-is-the-most-breathtaking-episode-of-er-ever">"19 Reasons 'Love's Labor Lost' Is the Most Breathtaking Episode of <em>ER </em>Ever"</a> from <em>Bustle</em><br /><a target="_blank" href="https://variety.com/2009/scene/features/er-insiders-view-rick-ladomade-1118001990/">"<em>ER </em>Insiders' View: Rick Ladomade"</a> (featuring a funny story behind the scenes of this very dramatic episode) from <em>Variety</em></p><p>Sadly, almost 25 years after this episode aired, maternal mortality rates in the US have only increased. Mothers like the one we met on ER die in the hours to weeks following birth in this country at a rate higher than any other in the developed world. The numbers are highest among women of color, regardless of wealth and education. Even women like <a target="_blank" href="https://www.mothering.com/articles/beyonce-opens-up-about-her-preeclampsia/">Beyoncé</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.vox.com/identities/2018/1/11/16879984/serena-williams-childbirth-scare-black-women">Serena Williams</a> have had close calls. Carrie has gathered a few resources where you can learn more about this alarming trend and what can be done about it.<br /><a target="_blank" href="https://www.npr.org/series/543928389/lost-mothers">NPR Special Series "Lost Mothers: Maternal Mortality in the U.S."</a>&nbsp;<br /><a target="_blank" href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2018/05/10/maternal-deaths-mothers-mortality-column/595818002/">"Maternal Deaths Are Rising in America"</a> from <em>USA Today</em><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://rememberthemothers.org">The Safe Motherhood Quilt Project </a></p><p> </p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>We're finally back with a new episode! We learn how George Clooney is a real-life PSA for wearing a helmet, Mark and Jennifer Greene's marriage illustrates Gottman's Four Horsemen, Doug Ross demonstrates toxic charity, and a parable of Jesus reframed for modern caregivers may have saved Stacy and Carrie from burnout. Hosted by Stacy Sergent Lawton and Carrie Walker Nettles.</p><p>See <a target="_blank" href="https://www.chaplainswatching.net/episodes/2018/8/6/ep-9-show-notes">Ep 9 Show Notes page</a> for more.</p> <figure class=" sqs-block-image-figure intrinsic " > <img data-stretch="false" data-image="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a9b0a9fe2ccd15461ed3165/1533576480761-F0WGMUMNBDNNQAS27GNF/er-tatiana.jpg" data-image-dimensions="1280x720" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" alt="" data-load="false" elementtiming="system-image-block" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a9b0a9fe2ccd15461ed3165/1533576480761-F0WGMUMNBDNNQAS27GNF/er-tatiana.jpg?format=1000w" width="1280" height="720" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, (max-width: 767px) 100vw, 100vw" onload="this.classList.add(&quot;loaded&quot;)" srcset="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a9b0a9fe2ccd15461ed3165/1533576480761-F0WGMUMNBDNNQAS27GNF/er-tatiana.jpg?format=100w 100w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a9b0a9fe2ccd15461ed3165/1533576480761-F0WGMUMNBDNNQAS27GNF/er-tatiana.jpg?format=300w 300w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a9b0a9fe2ccd15461ed3165/1533576480761-F0WGMUMNBDNNQAS27GNF/er-tatiana.jpg?format=500w 500w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a9b0a9fe2ccd15461ed3165/1533576480761-F0WGMUMNBDNNQAS27GNF/er-tatiana.jpg?format=750w 750w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a9b0a9fe2ccd15461ed3165/1533576480761-F0WGMUMNBDNNQAS27GNF/er-tatiana.jpg?format=1000w 1000w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a9b0a9fe2ccd15461ed3165/1533576480761-F0WGMUMNBDNNQAS27GNF/er-tatiana.jpg?format=1500w 1500w, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a9b0a9fe2ccd15461ed3165/1533576480761-F0WGMUMNBDNNQAS27GNF/er-tatiana.jpg?format=2500w 2500w" loading="lazy" decoding="async" data-loader="sqs"> </figure>