One-Fourty Three

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

"Ms. Morales, right?" paninigurado ng isang babaeng nurse. She looked like she's already in her forties. Naka-bestida itong puti sa loob ng puting long gown. In medical term, we call it lab coat or just simply white coat. Her hands were placed inside the pockets of the coat.

She waved her hands in front of my face when she noticed that I'm staring at her for too long. Namula ako sa kahihiyan. I heard her chuckle then gave me a soft smile.

"Uh, yes po. Billie Amorette Morales. New CNA."

(*CNA- Certified Nursing Assistant)

Iniabot niya sa akin ang kanyang kamay. I shook it firmly while remaining eye contact. She smiled. "Julie Perez, RN. Looking forward to working with you."

Halos ilang minuto rin kaming magkatitigan lamang nang maya-maya'y tumayo ito. I have this confused look when she gestured me to follow her and I immediately obeyed. I will be under her supervision here in St. Mary's General Hospital.

Nursing wasn't in my original plan. I finished college studying BS Psychology but because of certain circumstances I eventually took a nursing aide assessment program and passed an examination to work in a healthcare/medical field as a CNA. 

Back when I was under Nurse Luisa and Dr. Harry's supervision in St. Lorenzo's Hospital, I was usually in the ICU. I won't forget most of my memories while I was there. It was traumatizing. With my 12-hour shift, marami na akong nakita at nakasalamuha bilang nursing assistant, and the number of those patients who survived their surgery won't justified those who didn't. I have seen families breaking down with their soulful voices and tears while kneeling in front of us.

It was so heartbreaking to see.

Alam ko naman na kailangan ko talagang ihanda ang sarili ko lalo na't medical degree ang kinuha ko. I was destined to see all of those. We were.

Nakarating kami sa hallway at lobby. I was still following nurse Julie. Pareho kaming ngumingiti at bumabati tuwing may makakasalubong. But then, I remembered that I was still in my casual clothes. White longsleeves dress shirt tucked in my khaki slacks and a white sneakers.

"Go and change. Magkita tayo sa harap ng ICU." bilin ni nurse Julie bago ako pumasok sa staff room.

I gripped on my clinical bag and started opening it. I brought most of my equipment and personal tools. Umikot ako sa mga locker na nasa loob ng staff room. I notified the hospital two days ago that I was transferred here for another years of work. Plano ko rin na dito na mag-stay dahil mas malapit ang byahe papuntang condo ko dito sa St. Mary's General Hospital.

Nang makita ko ang locker na may pangalan ko ay kinuha ko ang susi at binuksan ito. I placed some of my belongings na pwede ko ng iwan doon so that I won't have to bother to bring it next time.

Kinuha ko na ang blue scrub uniform. Our dress code. Nang matapos sa pagpapalit ng damit ay iniayos ko naman ang pin na nagsisilbing name tag namin sa kanang parte ng aming dibdib. Isinuot ko na rin ang kabibigay lamang sa akin kanina na ID ko. One thing that I love while working in the hospitals were how organized one must be.

Isinuksok ko na rin ang med gloves sa bulsa ng scrub pants ko para kung sakaling magamit ay handa ako. I have my watch with me... the retractable pen, small notebook and gloves were on my pocket, while a stethoscope were already hanging around on my neck.

Nilingon ko ang locker ko na organized na ang sanitary items, batteries, tapes, limang pack ng gums, toothbrush, konting snacks, pens, napkins (for emergency), charger, makeup bag, eye drops, lotion, hair clips, highlighter, pen light, at journal.