DiDi ends up in "conflict resolution" after Patsy files a grievance against her for inappropriate remarks. Dawn learns that intimacy with a co-worker is no guarantee of evaluation immunity. Dr. James and Patsy go head-to-head when she decides to skip the "Make Someone Happy" orientation to attend a Cleveland medical convention. A patient, Birdy, sends shock waves through the ward when her gentleman caller, Leonard, and she are caught in a romantic agenda. Patsy announces a ward-wide deep cleaning.

Dr. James decides to implement a geriatric exercise program in the ward, upsetting Patsy, whose "Make Someone Happy" initiative now includes a live pianist and a fountain. DiDi discloses Patsy's relationship with Dawn to her union rep as proof that her homophobic comment wasn't serious. A homeless woman, and her accompanying stench, is suspiciously dumped in the ward, prompting a staff investigation. Phyllis arrives to check on her dying mother. Dawn wins the grand prize in Dr. James' charity raffle. Dr. James considers relocating after learning she must re-apply for a job she never wanted in the first place.

In the season finale, Phyllis gets the runaround as her mother's condition worsens, improves and worsens again. Jenna tries to leverage her Cleveland opportunity into concessions from Dr. Stickley. DiDi's patience wears thin after a debt remains unpaid. Staff members point fingers at each other after an equipment malfunction injures Cordelia, an irascible patient. The staff makes up when a patient dies and comes together to perform their weekly Caregiver Concert for everyone in the ward.