Dr. WiFine – Turning Poor Connection Into Real Direction

Ask Dr. WiFine: Love on the Line

Subject: On Call and Off My Rocker

Dear Dr. WiFine,

I’m a home health nurse with a schedule that would make most folks cry—7 days on call, 7 days off, rinse and repeat. Between triaging shortness of breath, checking blood sugars, and documenting in parking lots, I found peace (and passion) in the most unexpected place: with a Police Sergeant who often responds to my 911 calls.

It started innocently—him checking in on a patient who fell, offering to walk me to my car. Then came late-night texts, lunch breaks in the back of his cruiser, and eventually, nights I swore I’d be catching up on charting but instead was catching feelings.

Here’s the thing: I’m married. My husband is emotionally unavailable and never really understood the chaos or compassion that comes with my job. He is single, charming, and a father of two. He says he wants more—wants us to be real, public, out in the open. But I’ve told him over and over: this has to stay quiet.

I feel torn. I never meant to let it get this far. I’m writing to you anonymously because I don’t know if I want to end it… or finally admit I’m in love.

Sincerely,
Nurse X On Call & Out of Control

Dr. WiFine Responds:

Dear Nurse X,

Whew. This one’s giving Grey’s Anatomy: Home Health Edition. First off, thank you for trusting me with your truth. Affairs of the heart—and the badge—are complicated, and you’re knee-deep in a love triangle where your stethoscope isn’t the only thing getting tangled.

Let’s get real: You’re not in love with just him. You’re in love with the escape—from your routine, your burnout, and maybe even your marriage. And while the Sergeant is offering consistency, affection, and a taste of adrenaline, love without accountability is still just a story you tell yourself between wound care visits.

He’s ready to go public. You're not. Why? Because deep down, you know exposure means decisions. And decisions mean consequences—not just professionally, but emotionally.

You say you want quiet, but love doesn’t live in silence forever. Someone’s going to talk—whether it’s your chart audit, your conscience, or his toddler mentioning “the nurse lady” at daycare.

So here’s your prescription: Take your heart off call for one week. No texts. No meet-ups. No fantasy scenarios. Just sit in your life, your truth, and your marriage. Then ask yourself: Is this man worth the storm, or just the calm in the chaos?

Remember: even nurses need healing.

Love,
Dr. WiFine