The first day of orientation I was expecting a full day of somewhat mind numbing information about rules and regulations‚ navigating the hospital maze and dressing for success.  When I walked in to the room I suspected I was in for something a little bit different.  I was greeted by Ann Marie who was wearing a beautiful‚ bright‚ exotic dress and head wrap and who was infectiously excited and cheerful.  She was fun‚ enthusiastic and genuinely happy to have us all gathered for orientation.  In fact‚ much to my delight‚ all of the presenters had some degree of enthusiasm.  I never got the feeling that anyone who addressed the orientees didn’t really want to be there.  It was a very pleasant surprise.

When orientation was completed and the real work began I was again surprised.  Virtually everyone I came in contact with was focused on the positive and not resentful about the eight or ten or twelve hours spent at Gila Regional.  I don’t mean that everyone here walks around like Stepford wives but people do‚ overall‚ seem to enjoy their work and one another.  My second week we were provided with a luau‚ T-shirts‚ leis and free lunch.  I have never worked in an atmosphere that is so appreciative of its employees.

 I’ve been here for three weeks now and every day brings new surprises‚ delight and challenges.  I am treated with respect and kindness‚ appreciated for my efforts and enjoy the variety of the work that I do.  I am allowed to be myself and to encouraged to have fun and tap my creativity at work.  Everyone is overwhelmed but it’s ok.  We’re all in it together and together we will pull it off with laughter‚ hard work and play‚

Elizabeth Rockey