Rules of the workplace

There are a few rules when starting a new job. 

Rule:  Make friends with the administrative assistant.
Score: 9 out of 10. The administrative assistant is the one who really makes the place run smoothly. I noticed that Paula had a picture of a dog on her desk and asked her pup's name. Paula's face could not have lit up more if I'd given her a million dollars tax free. Her pup's name is Sassy and this got me into the world of Paula. I now know where she lives, what snacks she brings to work (because she shares-hello pink lady apple!), and who to ask about all of the unwritten rules of Vanderbilt. You may be wondering why I only gave myself a 9 out of 10 on this one. Please read the following rule and personal score.

Rule: Don't lose important things.
Score: 0 out of 10. On my third day of employment I lost my pager within 30 minutes of receiving it. I literally have no idea where it is. There really isn't anything much worse than trying to figure out how to tell your brand new boss that you've lost an important piece of equipment within 30 minutes and hoping that she understands that it's nerves and not the start of a trend. Thankfully, I get one freebie loss which is now used up and Paula was able to help me out, but this unfortunately added to her workload. I seem to have a knack for lasting first impressions. Some of you may remember that within six days of employment I painted my office blue and the issue went all the way up the chain of command to the executive director. Not exactly the flying under the radar approach that I keep hoping for. Now, in all fairness, I probably shouldn't get a 0 out of 10. I haven't gotten too lost in the hospital, I can find my office on the first try now, I still have my badge, I know where to park and have the key card, I know where the bathroom is and haven't passed out from hunger after 4 meetings each morning, I've been on time. Still, I am a perfectionist and this was a big one to me.

Rule: Don't punch your brand new coworker.
Score: 10 out of 10. I might be the most proud of this one. Jen and I both started as NICU social workers on Monday. Jen is a "one-upper" and I about gave her a right hook on day three of listening to her add something to each and every story we heard. I have to admit it pulled out a response in me that I didn't love in that I joined in a bit. We were meeting new people and I didn't want to be the silent, boring one with nothing to add. I'm sure we have some similar characteristics; we're both competitive and driven with lots of interesting experiences. I even prayed for Jesus to share some of his love for her with me during one of the meetings. I apparently wasn't very open to my own request because the follow up thought directed towards her was "I hate you. Seriously." I think I made it through because I figured that you get one pass on losing an item of importance, but you don't get a pass on harm towards another person. I guess that makes sense.

One week down, many more (hopefully) to go. I think I'm gonna like the job. I start taking cases towards the end of next week.