Several weeks after her near-death experience, a recovering Izzie returns to work. Meanwhile, nervous that there will be layoffs in the hospital in the wake of an announcement from the Chief, the Seattle Grace residents compete to survive the cuts, including Cristina, who attempts to work alongside Arizona in pediatrics. And Bailey and Alex's patient's already complex case is further complicated by her schizophrenic son.

The Seattle Grace staff has to deal with the aftermath of George’s tragic death. As the news hits the staff hard, they all must find a way to get through the stages of grief. Later, George’s mother arrives at the hospital to decide what to do with his organs.