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Hot Buttons and Weak Spots
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went well, and she now wanted to meet some of her potential
coworkers. As a traveling nurse, Nancy enjoyed the chance to meet
new people, work in new environments, and then move on before
the insanity got to her. “Hi,” she said approaching the group. “Is this
seat taken?”
“It’s yours,” responded Rhonda, the most senior person at the
table, and the one with the most outgoing personality.
“Thanks,” said Nancy, sitting down. “I’m Nancy R, an OR nurse
interviewing for an assignment in—”
“We know,” interrupted Sally. “We get the scoop from HR on all
the new travelers,” she said, pointing to one of the women at the end
of the table, who nodded. “Welcome.”
As Sally made the introductions of those at the table, Nancy
carefully noted their names, having learned early on that remembering
coworkers’ names was a critical first step to success at any location.
Some staff nurses resented a traveler. Nancy was not sure why,
but she always made it a policy to start on the best terms with everyone
she met at her new assignments.
“Have you met the crazies yet?” asked Susie, referring to the OR
medical staff.
“Well, I was interviewed by Dr. S, who seemed real decent, and
then Dr. H.”
“Oh, those are the normals,” interrupted Susie. “Wait until you
meet the second shift!” The others at the table rolled their eyes.
“Does Dr. M work on the second shift?” she asked, her curiosity
about Marshall getting the better of her.
“Haven’t heard about that one,” said Rhonda, puzzling. “Are you
sure he works here?”
“Oh, well, I heard his name mentioned earlier today, and I was
just wondering,” said Nancy, hoping she had not said too much.
“We did have an M, Marshall M, on the third shift. He was a
transporter, but he doesn’t work here anymore,” chimed in Sandra,
the union rep for the nurses. A few of the women at the table visibly
stirred at the mention of Marshall, but Sandra continued. “Got into