“Our nurses and NPs transferring here all hold ninety-day temporary certificates to work. By then we will be able to transfer them to full licensing.”
Kip thought about Harper.
“Part of that group is coming in from our Louisiana primary and urgent care centers to assess and supervise. Those nurses already hold multistate certificates. I’m trying not to strip those facilities. There’ll be a lot of overtime charges. PAs are also in good shape and have complete paperwork. Docs are still an issue. Though Thom Walton, the doc Hunt was interviewing from DC, took the position. His flight gets in at 0900. I’m also pulling docs from the three urgent care centers in Louisiana to help, but after our meeting, I’m heading to Baton Rouge with Hunt, Logan, Casey and Kieran for a meeting with the Louisiana licensing board.”
“Is Rene Sommerstone a real doc or figurehead?” Kip asked.
“He holds a medical license and is an OB, but he barely practices. He’s more of a figurehead—a name on the paperwork. In the hospital, each department appears to be autonomous. Except for anything to do with funds.
“At the nursing home, there is no head. All medical care is rendered through an agency, also owned by the Sommerstones. On-call only,” Kyle said grimly. “Response times are inconsistent, and staff is discouraged from calling an ambulance.”
“And it took this long to figure it out, why?” Kip shook his head. “The women’s center and hospital?”
Kyle held his hands up and shrugged.
“Latest word on Hurricane Greta?” Kip worried.
“I spoke to all our branches. They are moving up any of the transfers to us and are sending in supplies ahead of schedule. The computer models still put the hurricane straight at us on the twenty-ninth-ish.”
“Twenty-ninth-ish?” Kip walked over to his kitchenette area and made a pot of coffee. After pouring himself a cup, he offered his friends a cup. When they left, he returned to his desk and waded through more logistics. Soon staff began joining him in the office.
“Good morning and welcome.You made it.” Kip scanned his newly appointed senior staff as they gathered around the large boardroom table built inside a glass cell.
“I want to thank you all for making your way here on such short notice. Now that we’re together, before I talk about my leadership style, I’d like to go around the table and have you introduce yourselves. We’re creating a different command structure from the other divisions as our medical staff is part of the senior staff.” Kip turned to his left. “Hunt?”
“I’m Hunt Montgomery. I remain honorary director of Chase Medical. But here, I am Chief of Medicine for Chase Care New Orleans, which includes a hospital, nursing home, a women’s health practice, and multiple primary care and urgent care facilities.” He ran a hand through his beach boy hair.
“I’m PA Logan Shepard, the new facility director of Chase Medical New Orleans. I was previously a PA on 3-Sierra, Mr. Dupart’s security team. I’m a former PJ and Eagle’s Talon-qualified.”
“I’m Casey Reynolds, DNP, assistant to Logan. Formerly, I was assigned as an undercover operative in the New York branch and personal security for Saoirse Kennedy. I am also Eagle’s Talon-qualified.”
More senior staff introduced themselves.
“I’m Zayne Wentworth, former DEVGRU, formerly assigned to the New York branch, and now head of the New Orleans Eagles Talon Rapid Response Team, Crescent 1.”
Kip’s eyes twinkled thinking about the recent call from Zach Wentworth, Zayne’s brother.After some pleasantries, Kip asked, “What’s up? You sound down.”
“A family issue. Everyone is fine, but…it’s Zayne. Even though he’s assigned to Tighe, he feels he’s in my shadow. It’s creating unnecessary family friction,” Zach said.
“Saoirse told you to call.” Kip laughed.
“Fine, yes,” Zach mumbled.
“Have Tighe do the transfer. Do me a favor and text Owen Errol to add him to the housing list. Put him on a plane.”
“I’m Tag Dupart, former Navy Intelligence, retired detective lieutenant, San Diego PD, and now head of Health and Safety.”
“I’m Nora Kennelly, retired SDPD detective. I am now second deputy to Kelly.”
Kip chewed his lip. Nora sat as far from Tag as possible, trying to show independence. He received a call from Julian Dupart before he left San Diego.
“Hey,Couillon, make sure you watch for land gators,” Julian teased.
“Thank you for the advice.” Kip laughed.
“First thing, Holly is appearing in a jazz fest at the stadium mid-October. We are coming to visit. If you need me, use me.”
“That’s great. This seems so weird for me. You’re okay with me running amok on your home turf?”
