Contents
“Late Shift” is a film by the Swiss director Petra Volpe. It premiered at the Berlinale on 17 February 2025 and was released in cinemas on 27 February 2025. Leonie Benesch plays the nurse Floria Lind. The film follows her through a single late shift on a surgical ward. The character is fictional. Her working day shows the Quality of Servanthood.
Just two of them on a full ward
Situation
The ward is fully occupied, and a colleague is absent. Floria and one other nurse are on their own that evening, just the two of them. Floria starts her round calmly and carefully all the same.
Link to the quality
Servanthood does not show under ideal conditions. Floria does not complain; she gets started. Leaders shape a team when, in difficult situations, they first ask what the people in front of them need right now.
Every patient counts
Situation
An elderly man is waiting for the conversation about his diagnosis. A seriously ill mother has her worried family with her. A private patient makes special demands. Floria is needed in many places at once.
Link to the quality
Those who serve see the individual person and not just the task. That takes self-discipline: staying friendly, setting an order of priority, working cleanly. Care and thoroughness are not mutually exclusive, but they do need order.
The mistake
Situation
Under stress, Floria mixes up the medication of two patients. One patient has an allergic reaction. The mistake could have been fatal. It brings Floria to her limit.
Link to the quality
Even the most conscientious person makes mistakes when the load becomes too great. Leaders must not blame this on the individual alone. They have to ask which conditions made the mistake likely.
The limit of servanthood
Situation
The film ends with title cards. According to them, Switzerland will be short of around 30,000 nurses by 2030. 36 per cent leave the profession after four years. For Germany, the film cites a shortage of around 260,000 nursing staff by 2029.
Link to the quality
Servanthood needs structures that support it. An organisation that builds on the dedication of individuals uses up its best people. Those who lead also serve their team through staff planning, breaks and clear limits.
Key takeaways
Key lessons
- Ask first what the people in front of you need right now.
- Stay careful and friendly even under pressure.
- When mistakes happen, look for the conditions, not just for someone to blame.
- Do not rely permanently on the effort of individual top performers.
- Create structures that make it possible for your team to serve.
Summary
Floria serves her patients with dedication and discipline. The film shows her as a role model and, at the same time, as a human being with limits. Its message is addressed to everyone who bears responsibility for working conditions. Servanthood is a strength that needs a system to support it.