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Great Insight Into These Matters

Well, I orientated today. That was exciting.
Actually, it was the best orientation I've ever been to--and I've been to a lot of them. The people who are in charge of training and information are exceptionally cool, enthusiastic, kind people. So, it was in fact actually very fun. That's new.
I found out a lot of really cool things. Like how I will get access to a ridiculous health club and all its benefits for very cheap. And how I can pay off all of my medical bills from the last two years--EMS almost killed me, you guys. Remember that time I went to the ER? Fun stuff!--little by little and deducted from my pay check before taxes. Oh, and how my health benefits start in two weeks. WHAT?! Two weeks.
So, not only are all these people crazy nice and super joyful to be working there--and, honestly, they are. Even the ED nurses I came in contact were always kind and (not happy, because ED nurses are rarely "happy") satisfied in their positions or in their place of work--but I get some serious perks just for donning those scrubs in the morning. Very cool.
As happy as I am, I am going to be so insanely tired for the next few weeks because, alas, orientation isn't over. Which, thank god. Quite frankly, I was a little worried they were going to throw me to the wolves (kind of how [University Hospital] did, only these wolves are bigger, and scarier, and 30+ ORs wide) and I was going to have to learn on the fly. But, of course they would never do that to someone. I honestly don't believe that they are capable of that kind of thing. So, starting tomorrow I will be donning those scrubs every weekday morning at 0630. I'm exhausted just thinking about it. But, at least I'll have a couple weeks--and I am going to try to learn as fast as I can so it is just a couple weeks--to chase someone around the ORs and learn the geography. That is the tricky thing about hospitals, really: finding your way around. I swear every architect in the world see a hospital as an opportunity to create their dream labyrinth. Don't believe me? Take a tour around [Other Big City Hospital] and tell me the person who designed that place wasn't just fucking with us. At least the floors at my new hospital are fairly straightforward. You know, if you can ever orient yourself to which way is north.

Today I learned that I am classified as an "Eagle". It's some form of personality style, broken down into four quadrants and thus four birds that symbolize the personality. I forget what it is called, but I am sure if you're curious you can google it. Or, I'll look it up and try to remember to say something about it in the future. Or I won't. Anyway, the four personalities are this:
Dove: relationship oriented and indirect communicator.
Peacock: relationship oriented and direct communicator. (This is your pretty classic extrovert, by the way.)
Owl: task oriented and indirect communicator.
Eagle: task oriented and direct communicator.
I don't remember enough to give you the whole rundown, but basically it just means that I concentrate on getting things done quickly and well enough to exceed the standard, speaking and moving quickly, cutting through the small talk/light chatting and getting straight to the point; often eagles are blunt and become impatient with people that cannot follow or do not pick it up quickly; eagles tend to be high achievers. And, quite frankly from talking to others in the class, we all sort of came to the concensus that people tend to see eagles as bitches. Even though, really, we aren't.
The whole point of the exercise was to see where we fit and to learn to see where others fit--which you find you do quickly--and adjust our communication just slightly to meet them in their comfortzone and thus communicate more effectively. So, basically, if you're a dove or a peacock, I should try to focus more on chatting and forming a relationship because that is what is most important to you. You care less about the product or the deal and more about the relationship you are forming with the person selling or negotiating it. Me, I care about the end product, the result. Because of that I don't focus so much on opening up and forming relationships, especially right off the bat. I'm harder to get to know. But, I will say, if you take the time, I am pretty great to know.
It really makes sense. I am this person and this is who I will be forever and I can adjust myself to fit your needs and make you comfortable--and, if you're aware of my style, you can adjust yourself too--but I don't have to apologize for it. Weirdly enough, this little bit of information I obtained at a new employee orientation may actually have a serious impact on my life, both personally and professionally. Interesting.

Alright, lab time.

It's been almost two years since I've worked in the OR, so I'm a little anxious. Excited, but anxious. Here's to tomorrow.

As a Scientist and as an Oddball.

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