A Life Ever Changing

by Angel

 

#2 - Get a Job

"Get a job, Sha na na na..." -- The Silhouettes

 

...After all the introductions were done (a long hour or more) the DON took me back to her office. Wow, what an office! It was very impressive to say the least. Large room with AC! Wall to wall carpeting with one of those Indian throw rugs in the middle of the floor. Big shiny wooden desk and a chair that looked imposing as heck! Funny how 'her" chair was higher than the one I was to be sitting in. She pointed to "my" chair so I sat. She sat in hers and I was looking up at her of course.

I was nervous again! I had thought the interview was over. Not so keem-o-sabie!

She smiled down at me and said; "Just a few small points I need to stress with you Ricky." (I HATE BEING CALLED RICKY!!!!!!!!!) I interrupted (Not a smart thing to do). and informed her my name was Rich or Richard. She then proceeded to inform me how impolite it was to interrupt someone while they were speaking. UUHHGG!

She then asked me if she could continue. (I knew I had done something stupid right then). I just nodded and apologized. (Smart move!) She smiled and said; "RICKY, (OUCH!) you are a young boy and will need to learn many things and quickly. (Can this get any worse?) So you will report to me Monday morning in full uniform at 6:45 sharp in the nurse's dining room. She then handed me a bunch of papers and said; "all of what you will need is listed there as well as a good place to purchase them along with a coupon for a discount." I said; "COOL!" (She frowned, oops.) I then said; "Thank you very much." (She smiled, I am learning!)

Then!!!! To my surprise she informed me it was time to complete my application and for her to gather other pertinent information. She asked the questions and wrote the replies. (Good, because my spelling and penmanship sucked big time.) BUT! Wait a second here! Some of these questions can't be on any application! (I really think she enjoyed seeing me turn beet red!) Especially when she kept using the "RICKY" name! She then asked for my parent's names and phone numbers for their work and for home. I had to tell her I was living with my mother and that that my parents were divorced.

Oh crap! This set off another bunch of questions I really did not want to have to answer, but being such a "young" and inexperienced "boy" I answered all of them. Red as a beet! I had to tell her my mother worked and I took care of my little sister and brother. My little brother being mentally handicapped and my little sister with a physical defect that kept her in diapers most of the time. (RED, RED, RED!) She really smiled then! She asked me how and what I did to take care of them. So, reluctantly I told her. She pressed in certain areas for details. She just got happier and happier! I got a permanent blush from head to toe!

Surprisingly, she asked me if I was thirsty. I said; "Yes." (STUPID thing to do!) Off we went to the "nurses only" dining room. It wasn't empty! The looks, smiles, chuckles and all around stares I received was uncomfortable to say the least! She introduced me as "RICKY"!!!!!!!!!! RED, RED, RED!

She got a tea and brought me a glass of milk and two cookies! (OH LORD what have I got into!!) Then, she started with a few more questions and made some comments aimed at informing me and the others sitting around what was expected of me. (I figured this out later of course. The part about informing the others while talking to me.)

TRAINING! The nurses would be training me in just about everything! No, not just direct care, but how to act, walk, talk and anything they thought I needed to learn to be not only a good worker, but also a good "gentleman".

Back to her office we went. She motioned for me to sit and I did. She smiled and dialed the phone. Who was she calling? My mother! With me sitting there, she introduced herself to my "mom". Then of all horror of horrors, she told my mom all the things she told me, PLUS! She asked about my brother and sister and confirmed what I had told her. Her smile got bigger! She then informed my mom about the uniform requirements. Her smile vanished for a second. (OH NO!) She looked over to me and asked if I would mind giving up 50% of my future earnings each week to pay back the facility for uniforms. What could I do? I said "K". She frowned and I quickly said "Yes Mrs. Brown" she smiled again. (I'm learning!)

Then I heard the worst thing any young man oops I mean "young boy" can hear! She informed my mom that it would be no problem and that she would take me herself to get the uniforms.

 

 

 

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© 2002 by Angel O'Hare. All Rights Reserved. These documents (including, without limitation, all articles, text, images, logos, compilation design) may printed for personal use only. No portion of these documents may be stored electronically, distributed electronically, or otherwise made available without express written consent of the copyright holder.