You ever misplace a gem? Not lost it, just misplaced it? A ring or a pair of earrings that when you put on, you felt a little extra special. For you guys, that watch or favorite shirt that made you feel sharp — on your toes.
There are some gems where I work, but not having worked surgical services for the last four weeks, I forgot just how cool they were.
Until yesterday.
I put in my obligatory weekend call hours, came in for two surgeries, and prepared the next day’s paperwork before starting to head out for the evening.
Walking toward the back exit with the PACU RN, we slowed and checked in with the OR nurse before leaving.
“We’re leaving. You need anything?”
She popped her head around the desk where she was entering data for next day needed surgical trays.
“No, I’m good. Almost done.”
“Hey, either one of you interested in grabbing a beer and some Cuban food? The place is close by.”
The PACU RN and I both declined, but then I remembered that any conversation I’d had with this OR RN was introspective, informative, and there was always equitable sharing of how life in general was going. There was never constant interruption or a scenario where I felt like I was being talked at instead of to.
***
I had a wonderful ‘post call’ Cuban dinner, the coldest yummy draft, and the best conversation with a valued peer who, due to the differences in our work hours, I rarely saw.
And the icing on the cake is this:
I learned that this Operating room RN is gifted with the ability to emote words of prayer that have a gentle and at the same time direct ring to them — transparent chords that point to grace and trust. I gave her my prayer request to add to the list of people already in her heart. And of course, a big smile in lieu of the ‘not allowed’ hugs.
What a nice and unexpected way to end my day on call!