Changes
Chapter 4
Spoilers: Out of Africa
Doctor Lockhart
I never thought that I would ever go back to med school. When I quit med school the first time because I didn't pay my medical tuition I told myself that I liked being a nurse, but then something changed, and now I want to do more, and becoming a doctor is what I was what I need to do. I started a long time ago, and now I need to finish it.
I put on my lab coat, heading for surgery for my surgical rotation. Here it is goes... my first day back as a med student.
Back in med school. I am really doing this.
**
I was sitting in the surgeon's lounge studying when Elizabeth walked in.
"I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw your face. You are a nurse, why did you decide to go back to school?" Elizabeth questioned as she sat down to Abby.
"It has been a decision I have been thinking about for a long time now," I said, smiling.
"That is great, congratulations," Elizabeth said. Suddenly her pager went off. "I should go now… see you later," Elizabeth said, as she walked out of the lounge.
**
Later,
Susan and I were walking down the hall. "I still can't believe that you are back in med school." Susan said smiling. "I didn't know you were thinking of going back,"
"Well I never meant to quit med school forever and it seemed like the right time to go back. I only have one year left."
It was the right time in my life to do something positive with my life.
"Where'd you get the money?" Susan asked.
"Begged, borrowed, threatened my ex-husband," I said. It was the least he could do, as it was his fault I didn't finish med school because as he didn't pay the medical tuition.
"Good for you," Susan said, smiling. I looked at Susan and she looks really happy for me.
"As soon as I paid it up they put me right back on rotation."
"And Corday sent you down for a consult."
"Well, she was jammed. She figured I could handle a bowel obstruction."
It was easy enough for me. All my years as a nurse has given me experience, something the new med students don't have. I guess it comes in handy that I have been a nurse for so many years.. unlike the new med students that are coming in.
Susan then asked me if I would be doing any more nursing. I told her that I still need to do some shifts for a while.
As that is the only way I am going to get some money.
"Wow! You must feel great! "Susan said, smiling.
I wasn't sure how I was going to feel when I first went back to med school, but I am feeling really good about it.
I told Susan I was, but I was tired as well. I forgot how tiring being a med student can be. Susan told me something that got her through med school. She acted like a proud mother when I told her about med school. I thought it was sweet.
Then Sam came up to us, asking which one of us was from OR. It didn't take too much for Susan to say that I was from the OR.
I am not a nurse anymore. I am a med student now.
**
I was in the surgeon's lounge when Elizabeth entered. "Elizabeth, do you want to go out for dinner?" I asked. She looked at me. "Sure, that sounds great, I just have to call my nanny and tell her that I am going to be late."
"Okay, I will meet you in 5 minutes."
**
Later at the restaurant,
"So how is Ella doing? How old is she now?" I asked.
"She is 2 and half years old. She is looking forward to Halloween tomorrow."
"What is she going to be?"
"A princess," Elizabeth said, smiling. "So what's it like being a med student again?"
"I forgot how tiring it was," I laughed.
"I remember when I was a med student, I don't think I got any sleep," Elizabeth laughed. "So are you still working as a nurse or just being a med student?"
"I'm taking a few shifts as a nurse to pay my bills."
Elizabeth laughed, "When are you ever going to get any sleep?"
I smiled. "I don't know."
I don't think I have had any sleep since the day I returned back to med school, but it is all going to be worth it in the end.
"How are you doing?" I asked Elizabeth, as I know she had a bad day.
"You mean about Dorsett? Let's just say I think it is better that I just stay single," Elizabeth laughed.
"I understand what you are saying. I totally agree it is better being single," I laughed.
"Oh yeah, you have had some man troubles these past few weeks."
I laughed. "Yeah I guess you could say that… but it's all behind me now. I am just going to work on my rotations, work, and school. I am not going to think about men anymore."
Elizabeth smiled. She then looked at her watch. "I should be getting home; it is near Ella's bedtime. Thanks for dinner."
I stood up. "I'll see you tomorrow morning."
**
I walked into my apartment, and saw that my answering machine was blinking. I listen to the messages; nearly everyone was from Maggie, wishing me good luck on my first day back at med school.
I laughed. My mom always wanted me to go back to med school and become a doctor. She never understands why I would be a nurse.
I am still in transition, I still can't believe that I am not a full- time nurse anymore, that I am a med student now.
I picked up the phone and called Maggie, but she wasn't there. So I picked up my textbook, and started studying.
I am really doing this, aren't I? For the first time in weeks, I am really happy about my life. I finally made a decision about my life that was positive.
I survived my first day back as a med student.
Author's Note: I would like to thank everybody that has reviewed this series. I don't know if I am doing a good job or not.