“Lockers are in the break room where you can keep your clothes.You’re welcome to wear scrubs every day; you don’t have to wear a suit.There are fresh scrubs outside the bathroom, so you can shower, change, whatever works for you.”
I nod, appreciating her effort to make things easier.As she shows me the room, I tuck my briefcase away under the desk, which makes it feel more permanent.She smiles.“Go familiarize yourself with the medical ward, and I’ll check in with you in a few hours.You’re not expected to do much today, but if you want to get started, the option’s there.Tomorrow’s your first real shift.Seven a.m.”
When she leaves, my nerves spike.She grew on me… her easy personality.And now, I’m alone again.
I step out, heading to the reception desk on the medical floor.A woman behind the counter hands me a lanyard with a hospital ID badge holder.
“This will get you into all the secured areas, med rooms, ORs, your office, staff lounges, all of it,” she says.“I just need to take your photo for the badge.”
I nod and follow her instructions.Once the photo’s done and she clips it into the holder, I ask, “Is there anything else I should know?”
“Well, I work mornings here, and another woman, Adelaide,covers the afternoons.”
“Got it.”
“The head nurse will help you with notes if you need it.She’ll follow you, update you on patients, and answer questions.”
That’s new.In the city, you handled everything alone.No one checked in.Which now, looking back, was a bad thing.
“Thanks.Who’s the head nurse?”
A light voice answers before the receptionist can.“That would be me.”
I turn.She’s in her thirties, blonde, navy scrubs, pink sneakers, bright smile.
“I’m Jess, the head nurse on this floor,” she says, offering her hand.“If you’re ready, I’ll take you around to meet the patients.”
I smile and shake her hand.
She gives me a rundown on my first patient, Mr.Grant, who’s recovering from pneumonia.He’s filling in a crossword as I enter.He lowers his pen and settles back into the bed.“You’re new.”
I nod.“Dr.Pierce.Just moved here.”
I start by going over his chart, but the conversation quickly turns to stories about his wife, grandkids, and then his love of golf.The passion bubbles through my veins as I work out the best plan to help him.In this town, people expect you to know them, not just treat them.I shake Mr.Grant’s hand before I leave with Jess, and this interaction reminds me exactly why I love being a doctor.
She shows me another patient.It’s a rhythm I know, but something about it is different.More efficient.More personal.The town feel is stronger than I expected, and oddly enough, I like it.
I like it a lot.
After a few more patients, she pauses.“Dr.Pierce, I have to say something.”
I tilt my head.“Go on.”
She hesitates before looking up with a wince.“The article made you out to be some kind of devil.”
I exhale sharply through my nose, but there’s a sting behind it.“I was torn to shreds, wasn’t I?”
“Yeah.”She pauses.“But… was it true?”
“No,” I say simply.Appreciating her directness, even though it brings back my anxiety.
She nods, smiling.“Figured.Come on, let’s finish up.It’s only your first day.We can’t scare you off yet.”
Even with the hushed voices, the lingering looks, and my reputation trailing behind me, I feel comfortable here.Like maybe I can breathe.
I step into the next patient’s room and pause.The man in the bed is in his late fifties, lying on his side, arms wrapped tightly around his stomach.Coming closer, I notice his skin is a faint gray color, and when he tries to move to his back, he winces.
“It’s okay, don’t move.”
