Regaining consciousness, Joan opened her eyes to the chill of the early morning . Joan tried to make sense of where she was, until it came back to her—this was her room in the nurses' residence.
She reached under her pillow for her watch. It was almost six in the morning.
Footsteps echoed outside her door. Realizing the baths would soon be crowded, she sprang out of bed, grabbed her toothbrush, paste, soap, and towel, and hurried out with the others to get ready.
"Oh , good morning,new face,"Lily said with a cheerful smile.
"Good morning ,Joan Blackwood "Joan replied.
"I already know that, Elizabeth told us ,there is a new trainee in the general ward, I'm Lily Foster also a trainee there"
"Nice to work with you Lily"Joan instantly clicked with her new friend, she reminded her of Emmy,the group chatter box.
Joan finished washing up,and changed into her uniform. She lifted her hair into a simple bun, securing it with a few pins ,then checked herself briefly in the small mirror.
She slipped into her work shoes, the familiar fit grounding her for the long day ahead .
Just in time to meet Lilly and her friend Helen at the stairs,Lily invited her to have breakfast with them.
As the door opened,the hall was already half full ,the early energy of the morning filled the room—quiet conversations mixed with the clatter of dishes as most hurried through their meals.
Joan received a simple plate: two slices of bread, a bit of butter, and a spoonful of jam. A cup of coffee was placed in her hands, still warm.
The three sat by the window .Lily continued chatting , lively and unrestrained , Helen had a quiet impression, compared to her.Most of the conversation was led by Lily ,she was mostly a listener.
"Did you know who your supervisor is yet?"
"No,I was told ,I will be assigned to someone today "
"No worries, most of our stuff are good people, as long you are doing your job, and staying out of trouble, they won't bother with you"Lily assured
"My name is Edith Hayes, I will be supervising your training from now on . You will follow orders, speak less and observe more . Most importantly be more mindful of your behaviour in front of patients "said a Burnett woman with forest green eyes sternly .
"On your first day you will follow me, watch how I change bed linens, where supplies are kept,and how patients are cared for. You will observe, assist when needed, but you will not handle patients directly,is that understood?"
"Yes, miss Hayes" Joan replied
"Any questions,you may ask your colleagues, they have some experience, even if they are also a trainee "Edith said as she headed to the supplies room.She picked bed sheets and asked Joan to pick hospital gowns ,six of them.Joan complied and followed her .
The two quickly became busy– changing bed linens, assisting patients,and moving from one task to another.At one point, Edith motioned toward the bedpans beneath the beds and instructed Joan to take them to the utility room for cleaning. cleaning, changing, dressing wounds, giving medicine, answering calls,Joan felt she went back home.
Before she realized it ,it was already time for lunch.The patients who can't use their hands were helped first.Then she headed to lunch with Lily ,they couldn't be free to talk as they were both busy.
"So ,How was miss Edith with you, today?" Lily asks between bites.
"Miss Edith is a reliable mentor"Joan replied calmly, she knew she didn't truly need training. Most of the work was no different from what she had known—only the medicines varied.
But there was no need to stand out. Work relationships were delicate, and it was wiser to stay unnoticed—for now.
Finishing lunch,Joan took a quick stretch, then returned to the ward, Edith already switched with Alice, another nurse,and went to have her lunch.
After another round with doctor William, adding notes, attending to the patients' needs and having dinner,it was almost the end of her first shift….
By the time she finished her duties, the hospital had fallen into a softer, dimmer light.
Joan signed out and made her way back to the residence.