Hawthorne takes place at Richmond Trinity Hospital in Richmond, VA, where the strong-but-caring director of nursing, Christina Hawthorne (Pinkett Smith), continuously fights battles she often knows she won't win. Whether treating the homeless woman in front of the hospital like a human being or trying to talk a suicidal cancer patient off the ledge, Christina must challenge hospital administrators, heartless doctors, apathetic colleagues and a system that sometimes forgets it's there to serve the sick.
Recently widowed and the mother of a smart, willful teenager, Christina juggles her career with her equally important role as a single parent. Between the two, she barely has time for herself and has difficulty keeping things together. But she knows she has to and can't give up on anyone. That's what her passion requires; it's what it takes to be a hero.
Christina returns to James River; Tom must perform surgery on a friend; Kelly has a career-changing moment; Bobbie and Steve consider a move; Camille contemplates leaving for college.
Camille Hawthorne tries offering advice and comfort to her mother, Christina, whose choices will have dramatic consequences on the lives of Tom and Det. Nick Renata. Meanwhile, Miles prepares to say goodbye to James River. Chi McBride also guest-stars.
When Christina’s life becomes too much to handle alone, she seeks refuge in therapy, where she opens up about her husband, Det. Nick Renata, marriage, her daughter and even her own childhood. Meanwhile, Tom faces the daunting task of keeping a friend’s spirits hopeful while confirming a difficult diagnosis.
Christina is given an opportunity after losing her job at the hospital. Camille and Miles have to make a decision about their relationship after learning something about Miles. Bobbie makes a mistake that could cost her the job that Christina once held. Tom's dislike of Nick only increases.
Christina and Nick through his mom a party. Camille discovers something about Miles that could change their relationship drastically. Bobby holds a fundraiser for the James River cancer and research lab; also problems become a problem for the CEO of James River Hospital
