Page 63 of Hellcat Barbies: Imani
As soon as I place my food containers on my kitchen counter, I pull my cell out and see that the calls are from Mount Sinai-this late. It’s almost eight.Who is calling me from the hospital?I don’t have to wonder who called for long because it starts ringing again. So, I answer.
“Hello?”
“Imani? This is Karen Black from Human Resources over here at Mount Sinai. How are you?”
Because I have no clue why she would be calling me and because I also don’t want to pretend like we are friends withpleasantries, I answer curtly. “Why are you calling me Karen?” I ask.
After clearing her throat, she says, “Because I wanted to provide you with an update on what’s going on here at the hospital.”
“No offense Karen, but you guys fired me. Why would you update me on anything there?”
“Because um…there’s been a development. Dr. Stetson is no longer a practicing surgeon here. We made the decision to part ways and concerning that w-”
“That you blamed me for his fuck up,” I say, interrupting her song and dance.
“Admittedly, we acted prematurely,” she utters. “And we would like to offer you the opportunity to return.”
Shocked.
Stunned beyond words.
Did she just really say that?
My words are caught somewhere between disbelief and my throat and I’m truly unable to speak. Even if I could, I don’t believe I know what to say, because what?
“Imani, are you still there?” she asks after my silence becomes apparent.
My voice slowly returns, words form, and they flow out cautiously. “I’m here but I’m not sure I understand you. You are offering me my job back?”
“Not your exact job but yes. We have an opening for a CVOR certified surgical tech, day shift.”
“Cardiovascular?” I confirm although I know exactly what is CVOR. I’m just still in shock, processing her words.
“Yes. You have extensive experience in cardiovascular, correct?”
“I do.”
“Right. Which is why we thought you might be interested in the opening. Of course, your severance will not be impacted. That’s your money to keep.”
“What about my benefits?” I ask. My brain is now fully accepting what’s happening so, my thoughts are clear.
I’m being offered my dream job back.
Dr. Fuck-up Stetson finally got what he deserved.
And I get to keep my severance.
This is really happening.
“The same benefits: full medical, dental, and vision, fifty percent match of 401k up to eight percent, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, and two weeks of paid time off accrued on your start date.”
“And when are you looking for me to start?”
“Next week; Monday actually.”
The end of the year is the busiest time for surgeries. Most patients have paid out their deductibles and they try to schedule all surgeries before the new year and restart of deductibles. Surgical calendars are jammed packed November and December and I do not miss that. I also have the advantage here. Clearly, they know Dr. Stetson was at fault. She admitted it. He probably did something else wrong in the operating room. I could talk if I wanted to and that would not be a good look for the hospital that kept him on after the incident involving me. So, I try my hand.
“I’m still processing how unfairly I was treated and to hear that he’s gone now, kind of makes it worse. I need moretime. How about I start Monday, January the third,” I say after opening my calendar.”
