Читать книгу This Little Piggy - M.G. Crisci - Страница 10

Knowledge, , professionalism, and sensitivity are hard to ignore.

Doreen Gray, Greenwich Hospital’s brusque, business-like Director of Surgical Services, asked Sandra to share a cup of coffee in her office.

Doreen got right to the point. “I’m sure you’ve heard that Bernadette’s (Doreen’s assistant manager) husband Tom has decided to head the biogenic research facility at the Scripps Research Center in San Diego. He got an offer he couldn’t refuse. I’m thinking; maybe you’d like to interview for Bernadette’s position?”

Sandra was pleased with the recognition and concerned about her qualifications. “I’m a registered nurse. I don’t have any management experience.”

“I know that, but I’m also aware you know your way around the hospital and have the respect of the doctors, which is no small task. Management is not exactly rocket science. I can teach you what you need to know.”

“Could I think about it?”

“You mean you want to talk to Victor?”

“Yes.”

Doreen pushed her granny glasses down her nose and stared at Sandra. “Dearie, you know this is the twenty-first century. Women make their own career decisions.”

“It’s not about that. I’m perfectly capable. But Victor and I have been partners from day one. He’s always asked my opinion and, equally importantly, listened to my hopes, fears, and concerns.”

~

Sandra broached the subject after dinner that evening. “It’s a long shot. I’ll be interviewing against far more experienced nurses. Besides, I’m not sure I have the management fire in my DNA.”

Victor sat back and smiled. “Let’s start with the obvious. Do you want to try?”

“I think so,” said Sandra shyly.

“Let’s try again,” chuckled Victor. “Do you want to try?”

“Yes. Yes, I do.”

“Wonderful. Now, we’re making progress.” Victor knew Sandra was a throw-back to another time; she suffered guilt pangs whenever she thought about putting her interests and her dreams before those of her husband and her family. “This man’s opinion is you’d make a wonderful manager. You’ve figured out how to balance kids, a career, this huge house, and your job and, in the process, make your cranky, grumpy husband one happy, satisfied dude. Plus, from what I can see, the doctors respect your knowledge and your style.”

“That’s what Doreen said.”

“Well, it’s true. Old Doctor Delaney [the hospital Chief of Surgery] said it best last Christmas: ‘Cream always rises to the top.’”

“Did he say that?” asked Sandra, pleased.

~

Two weeks and three interviews later, Sandra was appointed assistant manager of the operating room. Two months after that, she had developed four innovative initiatives to improve operating room efficiencies and increase nursing staff morale.

“I couldn’t be happier with your performance,” said Doreen, as she handed Sandra a twenty percent raise, her largest ever.

That evening, Victor and Sandra toasted their good fortune. “Thanks for your support,” said Sandra, love reflecting in her eyes.

“I will love you forever,” said Victor. “I’m the luckiest guy in the world.’

~

The following Monday, Doreen asked Sandra to sub for her during the afternoon since she had to take her “annual” physical, which she had postponed three years running. Tuesday morning, a somber Doreen asked Sandra to her office. “Close the door, please, will you?”

Sandra knew something was wrong, but she could never have imagined in a million years.

“Sandra, you know me. I’m a cut-to-the-chase lady.” She got up, walked over to the window, and stared out. “I’m dying. The doctors tell me I have inoperable brain cancer that is spreading like wildfire.”

“Oh, my God! Are you sure?”

Doreen turned around and looked at Sandra with tears in her eyes. “Trust me; there’s no mistake.”

Two weeks later, Doreen was unable to work anymore. Her last business request was that the hospital promotes Sandra into her position.

Four weeks later, Sandra was packing Doreen’s personal effects to send to her only living relative, a sister in Glasgow, Scotland. She found a green wool cap marked New York Jets, Doreen’s favorite American sports team. Her mind wandered to a cold, blustery December Sunday when Doreen had joined her and Victor at the annual Jets-Miami Dolphins game. The temperature dropped below twelve degrees by the second half. Victor and Doreen completed a trade. Doreen got Victor’s extra wool cap in a straight-up exchange for six toots of 100 proof bourbon from Doreen’s oversized flask.

Sandra placed the cap on her head and wept.