Didi Ortley is a 30-something African American nurse at the Billy Barnes Extended Care unit, the only health care provider on staff who does not routinely exhibit inappropriate, neurotic or selfish behavior. Although Ortley's professionalism, optimism, humility and dedication to her patients' welfare stand in stark contrast to her peers, her good work is not rewarded or appreciated by anyone on the unit. Ortley is a financially struggling mother of two; her husband does general construction and home repair work.