I was once again in uncharted waters. This was something I always enjoyed. Not having the slightest clue on what was around the corner but going around the corner anyways. The anticipation of having to ad lib for my own safety was what I had learned working in the factories. Here it was safe. No drugs, alcohol or horseplay. I collected the specimen from operating room 3 and proceeded to the microbiology lab. The laboratory supervisor was waiting in the reception office for me. He stamped the lab slip with a date and time taking it to the lab. He asked me to follow him. The labs were impressive. He informed me that they had the latest technology and he sure seemed proud. He wanted to know if I ever considered working for the laboratories. My immediate response was, “no.” I thought I kind of liked what I was doing in the Central Supply Department. He informed me that working as a currier for the labs I would have free reign of the medical center. I would have every other weekend off, work the day shift, and make more money per hour.
It did not take me long to figure out this was a win win for me, at least for the summer, because currently I was restricted to working nights, two weekends on, and one weekend off. I didn’t mind having days off through the week, but the weekends now I could be with friends if I accepted his offer. I would walk the entire 8 hours covering some 11 buildings and the Wayne State University campus, as well as meet young students and employees in my age group. I would also have two weeks paid vacation and planned on going to Montreal, Canada to see Stevie Wonder in concert. All short term goals but attainable. This offer opened a whole new world to me, and I accepted it with a resounding “hell yea!!!” We were friends from that day forward. I was young, very naïve, and impressionable. What I learned at the medical center books could not have taught me. Compared to the factories I had worked in, this opportunity was God sent. I truly believed that. I had all kind of plans for the summer and the medical center gave me new hope.
I found my friend who had told me to apply to the medical center. I offered to buy her dinner at the Grace Hospital cafeteria. For a dollar and ten cents you could get a full home made dinner with two scoops of home made ice-cream. She said she was watching her weight but would share my meal with me. Sounded great to me. They were nice size meals and easy to share. When questioned about why she thought she needed to watch her weight she informed me she “had too many jiggles.” I smiled and informed her that I didn’t think there was anything wrong with “jiggles.” She looked at me concerned and gave me the following advice: 1. I was young and naïve. A bad combination for working here. 2. I needed to be professional in all of my interactions in this hospital system. Especially, since the Hospital Administration is interested in promoting me. 3. This place is and can be an open soap opera as I found out in the operating rooms the other day. Don’t get drawn in to anything that compromises your integrity. 4. Enjoy the parties after work which she was sure I would be invited to but choose your friends wisely. I thanked her for the advice and for sharing a meal with me. She had just been promoted to a lead nurse in the intensive care unit, and was concerned I could get myself in trouble here. “Don’t ruin your chances for being promoted by making bad choices!” She was the big sister I never had, and a mentor. Her advice I appreciated and followed as much as my young heart would allow me. TO BE CONTINUED…
Putin’s continued aggression in the Ukraine will not be forgotten. Slava Ukraini
Psalm 116
MJ-Way 