Fourth Clinic
14-October-2004, Thursday, 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Pathmark, East Rockaway
(last clinic assigned, all rest would be cancelled)
In terms of time, this clinic would be the only one I was scheuled to work six hours. Revved up from Audrey's clinic and our four hour total, I was ready to break records. But it was not to be. Allotted only enough vaccine for between 100 to 110 injections, clinic would be over before 7:00 pm.
Arriving to the pharmacy, I met Lenore, the nurse assigned with me. Lenore told me it would be her first vaccination clinic. We gathered supplies, handed out forms and had approximately 30 people waiting for us before beginning. Lenore was recently married, a newlywed of three weeks. Her husband was a handsome gentleman who stopped by soon after we began the clinic to ask his bride if she could get away for lunch. Basically, she told him if she left her station we would most likely be mobbed. They both ended with " I love you, I love you too." This seemed to calm down some of the seniors. They must have been reminiscing about the early days.
And then the reality of the vaccine clinic came around to bite us again. "This is Disgraceful!" cried one senior. I remember her name was the same as a precious stone, Ruby or Opal because I thought she was a real gem. And I had to agree with her. It was disgraceful. This is the United States for God's Sake. Why are seniors lining up in lawn chairs taking a chance like a lottery for a flu vaccine?
Ruby/Opal didn't know what I had seen. Yes, I had to agree. But Ruby/Opal, I'm not responsible for the shortage. Still, I have to admire your spunk. You made a point of telling us it was a disgrace at least 6 or 7 times in a half hour period. I'm listening. Then Ruby/Opal added "I am going to call Newsday and tell them what's going on here!" Ruby/Opal, I think they may already know. In fact, I'm keeping my own little diary of the outrage. I was only thinking this.
Lenore and I kept working, at the same time telling her we would do our best to see that she received the vaccine. The seniors on line became irate at her continued interjections. Our pharmacist, Christina and her staff came through once again to provide us with more syringes. The staff also made sure we had a beverage and a snack and they couldn't have been kinder to Lenore and me. After this experience, I must say: A rose to all employees who work with the public on a day to day basis. Congress should supply you combat pay.
And Lenore, may your marriage be forever. When you look back after 50 years, remember you participated in vaccinating 108 patients three weeks after you were married in 2004. Clinics may be over, but the memories are forever.
Pathmark, East Rockaway
(last clinic assigned, all rest would be cancelled)
In terms of time, this clinic would be the only one I was scheuled to work six hours. Revved up from Audrey's clinic and our four hour total, I was ready to break records. But it was not to be. Allotted only enough vaccine for between 100 to 110 injections, clinic would be over before 7:00 pm.
Arriving to the pharmacy, I met Lenore, the nurse assigned with me. Lenore told me it would be her first vaccination clinic. We gathered supplies, handed out forms and had approximately 30 people waiting for us before beginning. Lenore was recently married, a newlywed of three weeks. Her husband was a handsome gentleman who stopped by soon after we began the clinic to ask his bride if she could get away for lunch. Basically, she told him if she left her station we would most likely be mobbed. They both ended with " I love you, I love you too." This seemed to calm down some of the seniors. They must have been reminiscing about the early days.
And then the reality of the vaccine clinic came around to bite us again. "This is Disgraceful!" cried one senior. I remember her name was the same as a precious stone, Ruby or Opal because I thought she was a real gem. And I had to agree with her. It was disgraceful. This is the United States for God's Sake. Why are seniors lining up in lawn chairs taking a chance like a lottery for a flu vaccine?
Ruby/Opal didn't know what I had seen. Yes, I had to agree. But Ruby/Opal, I'm not responsible for the shortage. Still, I have to admire your spunk. You made a point of telling us it was a disgrace at least 6 or 7 times in a half hour period. I'm listening. Then Ruby/Opal added "I am going to call Newsday and tell them what's going on here!" Ruby/Opal, I think they may already know. In fact, I'm keeping my own little diary of the outrage. I was only thinking this.
Lenore and I kept working, at the same time telling her we would do our best to see that she received the vaccine. The seniors on line became irate at her continued interjections. Our pharmacist, Christina and her staff came through once again to provide us with more syringes. The staff also made sure we had a beverage and a snack and they couldn't have been kinder to Lenore and me. After this experience, I must say: A rose to all employees who work with the public on a day to day basis. Congress should supply you combat pay.
And Lenore, may your marriage be forever. When you look back after 50 years, remember you participated in vaccinating 108 patients three weeks after you were married in 2004. Clinics may be over, but the memories are forever.
posted by Emil | 9:58 AM
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