Diabetics were first on the schedule, often arriving at the crack of dawn with the rest of the surgery staff. After the diabetics came the itty bitty children and then the elderly. If you were between the ages of 30 and 50 you'd better be great at fasting for long periods of time.
I loved scheduling the O.R. at the surgical center. It took years but I'd become admirably good at it. I'd found the sweet spot between the nurses who worried that patients were scheduled too closely and the surgeons who'd bring in a new patient every 15 minutes if I'd let them. There was always someone looking over my shoulder, someone sneaking up front from the O.R. asking me to call and move patients one way or the other. I became adept at keeping everyone happy. But my favorite part of the job was my association with the patients. It was often the elderly, scared to death patients that stole my heart. When things were slow enough I'd leave my desk and sit beside them in the waiting room, patting their hand to put them at ease as they waited for their name to be called. I loved them. I loved the job. I was good at it. I was voted employee of the month and a professional black and white picture was hung near the building's entrance for all to see.
And then I had a baby.
These days I work hard to juggle everyones schedules, wants and desires. I clean and mend and shop and listen and give and read and cheer. I've gone from being the O.R. scheduler to being the surgeon, nurse, billing department and maintenance worker all rolled up in one. I've been at it for 14 years now and instead of getting easier it's becoming more complicated.
After shoveling the snow last night I took a step back and looked inside at a home glowing with warmth. I've never been voted employee of the month, I haven't gotten any raises, the long hours are ludicrous, I have lots of disgruntled employees and zero chance of retirement but I've got to say that I really, really love this job. Where else could you receive such amazing benefits?
What is/was your line of work
aside from running a household?
4 comments:
That's awesome. I never knew you worked in an O.R. Sounds like a very interesting job. And I've got to say, I missed my job terribly after I had Ellie, but I think I've finally adjusted to my new one. For all the long hours and under-appreciation, there are also some serious perks. :)
really sweet post...
love it :)
I worked at IHC Home Care in the office taking referrals for new patients who needed equipment, IVs, nursing, etc. I was the team lead, got paid and had benefits. Now, like you, I have really long hours, no health plan to speak of, no pay, no appreciation. However, I've got 2 really great bosses who love me (most days) and want to be with me forever. Now that's job security.
I am the CEO, CFO, & to top that off Executive Secretary of the Nelson Group.
My benefits are 7 hrs of leisure Mon- Friday time each day to do WHAT I want but in my contract it specifically states IF one of the three individuals by the age of 36yr, 9yr, and 6yr need immediate assistance I have to drop everything and assist them. If not I will be FIRED.
I am required 2 hrs of Community Service each week at the local Elementary school to copy 2000 little Kindergarten worksheets and take home sheets. Along with being On Call if they need a SUB. I mostly think it should be called baby- sister.
The pay is good. Have a debit card that uses 4 digit password and has never got rejected....X my fingers that through this down turn of the economy that my rights and freedoms don't get taken away!
Overall, I feel really good job security...because I know where all the bodies are buried and I also know all the passwords to many important accounts and a black book with all the important numbers in it!
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