Read Online It's Nothing Personal by Sherry Gorman MD - Free Book Online Page B

One of the operating room nurses noticed
Jenna standing by the door and said, “We also have an anesthesiologist
here.   Dr. Reiner.”   At the mention of her name, the crowd
collectively turned their heads toward Jenna, who blushed at being singled
out.   She looked directly at Keith
Jones.   His relentless stare
perturbed Jenna, but she forced herself to return his gaze.   Instantly, she got the impression that
he was familiar with her.   It was a
fleeting awareness, yet undeniably present.
    Suddenly, Jenna felt like a trespasser and
regretted having come into the lounge.   She addressed Keith Jones, while the entire room remained focused on
her. “I thought this meeting was open to everyone.   I don’t want to intrude, so I can leave
if the meeting was not meant for physicians.”
    Keith Jones continued to concentrate on
Jenna.   His haunting scrutiny made
her feel like he knew her deepest, darkest secrets.   In a tone that revealed nothing, Mr. Jones
said, “No, Dr. Reiner, it’s fine that you’re here.   Please feel free to stay.”   Following his approval, the eyes and
ears of the staff shifted their attention back to the CEO.  
    He resumed his address, “As you are all
probably aware, we have had some very unfortunate events occur recently at St.
Augustine.   I’m going to assume
that, by now, you all know the basic details of Hillary Martin and her
crimes.   If not, I encourage you to
visit the employee website.  
    “At this point, you all are strongly
discouraged from talking about this issue in any area where patients may be
present, as well as speaking to members of the press.
    “From a preventive standpoint, all staff
anesthesiologists have been advised as to changes in policy regarding the
handling and securing of controlled substances.   Under no circumstances are any drugs,
but most importantly controlled substances, to be left out on anesthesia carts
without an anesthesiologist present in the room.   Any violation of this policy should be
reported immediately to the charge nurse or the chairman of the anesthesia department,
Dr. Rob Wilson.   Now, if there are
any questions, I can attempt to answer them.”
    Impulsively, Jenna raised her hand before
she had the good sense to stop herself.   Keith Jones had already been gazing in her direction and did not
hesitate to call on her, “Yes, Dr. Reiner?”
    Jenna strained to keep her voice even in
order to conceal her fear of Keith Jones.   “I just want to clarify exactly what you mean by how our drugs should be
stored.   I understand that our drugs
cannot be sitting out in plain sight.   My question, however, is whether it is acceptable to store our drugs
within the drawers of our anesthesia machine?   Is that considered secure?”
    Keith Jones glared at Jenna as if she were the
criminal.   “At this point, unless
drugs are locked within your anesthesia cart or are being carried on your
person, they are no longer considered secure.   Just so you all know, locks will be
installed on all carts by the end of this week.”  
    Several nurses raised their hands, and Keith
Jones shifted his attention elsewhere.   Jenna slipped out of the nurses’ lounge undetected.   The interaction left Jenna deeply
disturbed.   She tried to dismiss it,
but Jenna could not shake the feeling that he was somehow sizing her up for a
particular reason.  
    Jenna arrived home early in the
afternoon.   The house was quiet and
empty, but Jenna could hear Mia and her babysitter, Kim, in the backyard
engaged in a water-balloon war.   The
two girls were so wrapped up in their game that neither of them noticed Jenna’s
arrival.   Jenna watched in delight
as Mia giggled and squealed.  
    Hiding behind a lawn chair, Mia taunted Kim,
“You can’t get me!”    
    Kim shouted back, “Just did!”   The splash of water exploding from the
impact of a balloon hitting the chair threw both girls into a laughing fit.
    From the deck, Jenna could see