“I’ve never been in this much pain, Doc,” he whispers.“It started this morning… but now it’s worse.”
I scan his chart, fingers tightening around the board.Low-grade fever and elevated heart rate.
“Has he had imaging?”
“No,” Jess replies.
“Then I want a CT scan.”
“That’s… kind of broken at the moment.”
I freeze.“What?”
She shrugs.“We’re trying to raise money for repairs, but it’s a lot.”
That’s not good enough.I can’t believe I assumed they’d have all the same equipment as the city.I’m angry at myself for misjudging that so badly.“We need it.It’s essential.”
“I know,” she says simply.“But it’s out of our hands.We send patients to Prescott Valley for scans.”
We exit the room, and I immediately get on the phone to order an urgent CT scan at the hospital in the next town.While that’s being arranged, I put in orders for IV fluids, lab work, and pain management.I also make him nothing by mouth in case surgery becomes necessary and ensure he’s being monitored closely.If my suspicions about an abdominal bleed are confirmed, he’ll need a surgical consult.
After talking to Jess and taking notes, I head back to Anita’s office.
“How did it go?”she asks the moment I appear, her hands clasped tightly on her desk in front of her.
I take a seat, thinking about it before replying.“It was really great.Thanks.”
She smiles.“We pride ourselves on being welcoming.Of course, not everyone will be a fan.”
I already know that.I felt their glares and heard their words.But whatever.I’ll prove myself.
I shift in my seat, crossing one ankle over the other, knowing I have to bring up an issue on my first day.I don’t know how Anita will take it, but I can’t leave without mentioning it.“I wanted to ask about the CT scanner.”
She sighs.“We’re doing our best to raise funds, but it’s expensive.”
“We need two, ideally,” I say, already planning how I can help.
She chuckles.“That would be nice, but getting even one is a stretch.”
I inherited money from Dad.Maybe it’s time to actually use some of it.“Let me handle it.”
She shakes her head immediately.“Doctors of the hospital aren’t allowed to fund hospital equipment.”
Damn.She saw that coming.
The rejection hurts, but pushing the issue won’t help anyone.
Her smile softens.“Listen, I’ll give you the numbers for the repair and a replacement.Think about it.We’re open to ideas.”
I nod, already trying to figure out another way I can help.“I’ll work on it.”
“Have a good afternoon, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Thanks.See you tomorrow.”
My first real shift.Today was just a warm-up, and I’m already exhausted, but it’s the good kind of tired.I’d forgotten what it felt like to be drained for the right reasons.
I leave her office and walk back to the break room to collect my case.Checking my phone to see an email.I open it and immediately regret it.
