Chapter 23
A week had passed since I ended things with Jabari.
It wasn’t the easiest thing ever. I laid in bed the rest of that day and cried my eyes out.
Danita called, and she could tell something was wrong, but I didn’t tell her what happened.
I didn’t want to hear from her about how my choices were irrational or dumb.
I wanted to be comfortable with the choices I made.
By the time I made it to the conference area, everyone had grabbed a seat, and others stood against the wall. A few more people trickled in, and five minutes later, Nancy took her stance at the front of the room.
“Good morning, everyone. Thank you all for showing up this early. I really appreciate it. Before I get started on my observations, Patrick has something he’d like to say to you all.”
Everyone watched as Patrick made his way to stand by Nancy. There was no telling what would come out of his mouth. Patrick cleared his throat and looked out at us.
“I enjoy working with you all and especially in this unit. I know that at times I’ve come across as rude, arrogant, or dumb, but all I wanted to do was be the best nurse possible.
By being in this unit, I’ve learned a lot from each one of you.
With that being said, I will step out of this unit and head to the med-surg unit to be the charge nurse there. ”
A few people gasped, and others mumbled among themselves. I was beyond shocked. I never would’ve thought Patrick would transfer off this unit. I couldn’t help but wonder what his reasoning was for the transition.
“Thank you, Patrick. I’m sure we all wish you well on your new journey. I’m sure you’re going to do great.”
Patrick smiled and then made his way back to his seat. Nancy cleared her throat and spoke.
“Now that we have announced that, I’m going to go over what I’ve witnessed on the oncology unit.
Everyone here works hard. There is no doubt about it.
The patients love all of you. We can tell from the surveys.
However, there is no one calling the proper shots.
The unit lacked structure. So as of now, there is no charge nurse over the unit, and I will hold interviews?—”
“Excuse me, Nancy,” Patrick interrupted by standing up. “Before you interview, I would like to throw in a recommendation.”
“Okay, and who might that be?”
“Nurse Amina.”
My eyes widened as everyone turned, staring at the back of the room at me. I was speechless. Never in a million years would I have thought Patrick would say my name.
“Amina is the one who helped with the structure in the past. She made sure lunches were planned, patients were scheduled correctly, and the rotation was cohesive. Amina is the behind-the-scenes brains of it all. I think it’s time for her to move to the front line of things.”
“Thank you, Patrick, for that,” Nancy expressed.
Patrick winked and smiled at me before he sat back in his seat.
I was stunned. My eyes bounced all over the room as everyone’s eyes were on me. I must’ve looked like a deer in headlights because I was beyond shocked.
“Amina, can you see me after this meeting, please?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Nancy continued with her observation, taking questions and answering them.
However, I had tuned all of them out. My mind was still all over the place.
My heart was racing in anticipation of this one-on-one conversation.
Nancy wrapped up ten minutes later and reminded me to stay behind.
The staff walked beside me, wishing me luck and congratulating me on the opportunity of a promotion.
Once everyone cleared the room, I made my way to Nancy. She smiled.
“Surprised?”
I nodded. “Yes, especially with the recommendation coming from Patrick.”
“I’m not. Amina, whether you believe or see it, your work ethic does not go unnoticed. Every staff member I spoke with consistently mentioned your name, whether it came to a process or praise. They see you, Amina. You just need to see yourself, okay?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“With that being said, I’m going to take Patrick’s request into consideration.
I was hoping that you would’ve thrown your hat in the ring personally, but it’s just as good coming from a peer.
I would like you to be the new charge nurse on the unit, but that’s only if you would like to take the position? ”
My smile spread from ear to ear. I wanted to squeal and reach out to Nancy and hug her tight, but I remained professional.
“Absolutely! I would love to take the job!”
“Great! Right now, we will keep you on an interim basis for the time being until I’m able to draw up hiring paperwork from HR.”
“Thank you! Thank you so much!”
“You’re welcome. Have a great rest of your day. You’re going to do amazing.”
Nancy walked out of the office with her head held high.
As soon as the door shut, I squealed and jumped up and down.
I didn’t realize how much everyone looked to me.
I didn’t see myself as being someone everyone was inspired by.
Now that I knew, I couldn’t be prouder of how hard I had worked to get where I was.
I checked the time on my phone, and it was now seven in the morning.
I needed to share the news with Danita and Gio.
Danita would be getting up to prepare for a fitness class, and Gio would be preparing for bed at this time.
I immediately ran out of the office and took the elevator until I was outside, so I could be loud while on the phone.
I dialed Danita first and then merged Gio onto the call.
“What’s going on, Amina? Is everything okay?” Gio asked.
“Right. You’re not chit-chatting at this time of the morning. You’re usually getting ready for work.”
“Everything is good. Shoot, everything is great. I have some good news for you both.”
“Okay, what is it?” Danita asked.
“I just got offered the charge nurse position for the oncology unit! Patrick announced he was being transferred to another unit, and before my director could mention holding interviews, Patrick stood up and nominated me. She agreed because so many people had come to her and sang my praises. Can you believe it?” I asked excitedly.
“Oh, my goodness! Congrats, sissy! I’m so proud of you! We’re celebrating tonight! Shots, shots, and more shots!” Danita shouted.
“Wow! Congratulations, baby sister! You deserve it all. I told you that if you keep working hard and put your all into it, it doesn’t go unnoticed. You deserve it!” Gio praised.
“Thanks, family! I had to share the news with y’all,” I responded, still smiling big.
“What did Jabari say about the good news?” Danita asked.
I froze. I hadn’t spoken to Jabari since the day at my house, nor did I tell them I stepped away from our relationship.
Danita would’ve had a fit, and Gio would’ve been thankful.
I wouldn’t lie. I missed him badly. I wanted to call and share the news with him because I knew he would’ve been my loudest cheerleader.
He probably would’ve cheered even if I didn’t get the job.
He would’ve been happy I wouldn’t have to deal with Patrick anymore.
The feeling suddenly became bittersweet.
I’d always wanted to share my wins and losses with my man, but that was no longer a thing.
Instead of telling them what happened, I came up with a lie.
“Oh no, I wanted to call you all first. He’s probably still asleep. His restaurant is opening soon, and he’s most likely having late nights, late mornings.”
“Facts! I cannot wait to attend the grand opening. It’s the talk of the town. Plus, he’s possibly my future brother-in-law, so I know I’m getting the hookup.” Danita excitedly declared.
I cringed.
“Yeah, bro is cool as hell. Tell him I said good luck on the opening of the restaurant. Let him know when I get back to the States that I expect complimentary entrees since he’s dating my little sister.”
All three of us laughed.
“I will. Well, I have to get prepared for work. I’ll talk to you all later. Love y’all!”
“Love y’all. See you later tonight, Amina,” Danita said.
“Love you both. I will check on y’all soon. Have a good day,” Gio added.
We ended the call, and I stood outside for a moment longer contemplating whether I wanted to share the news with Jabari.
I didn’t hate Jabari. I actually missed him bad as fuck.
I wasn’t sure how he would respond, but I couldn’t hold the information from him.
He knew how hard I wanted to grow in my career, how hard I worked, and what I was up against. I didn’t think we ended on bad terms, so I sent him a text.
Me:
Hey, it’s Amina. I just wanted to share some good news with you. I just got offered the charge nurse position on the oncology unit. It was unexpected, but I’m thankful. Just wanted to share that update with you. Take care.
I locked the phone quickly and tossed it into my pocket. Instead of getting in my head and overthinking, I poked my chest out and walked inside the hospital with my head held high. It was my time to shine, and I was winning.