Head Nurse Clark turned around and glanced at Joan, meeting a gentle smile from a composed young woman in her early-twenties. Joan looked at the serious woman before her, her black hair neatly tied and covered with a cap that fit her position. She wore a dark blue dress, covered by a clean white apron. She looked tall, strict, and entirely devoted to her work.
"Good morning, Ma'am , my name is Joan Blackwood"
"Okay,miss Blackwood, let's head to my office now ,and get this over with before things get busy "Mrs Clarke said , glancing briefly at her watch.
Joan nodded and followed her .
The office was small but orderly, papers stacked neatly across the desk as the head nurse looked up without a smile.
"How old are you,Miss Joan?And what's your family situation and your current address?I need a general view of your circumstances "Mrs Clarke said , looking intently into her eyes.
"I'm 25 yo , originally I am Scottish,but my mother is an American. Something terrible happened back home, and I couldn't stay there any longer,so my mother contacted some distant relatives to help me come here .I arrived yesterday,and I'm currently staying at the Albert hotel "Joan calmly replied.
"How come you're not married or engaged at your age ?and do you plan to marry anytime soon"
" I used to be a nurse back home ,which may have delayed my marriage.And no , I don't plan on getting married anytime time soon as I need to get a stable income first "
"So , you are a graduate nurse? May I see your diploma?"
"Unfortunately, ma'am, I cannot provide any documents. I was robbed while traveling. My bag, which contained my papers, identification, and most of my savings, was stolen. I had to sell my hair accessory just to afford a place to stay."
Mrs Clarke studied her silently for a few seconds before speaking.
"Miss Joan, I understand that you may have the experience of a trained nurse. However, I cannot offer you a regular position without proof. Patient safety comes first. Even if we were to send a letter to your former hospital, it could take months to receive a reply—if it arrives at all. Therefore, you have only one option: to begin again as a nurse trainee and complete the training properly. Are you willing to accept that? "
Joan smiled "That is completely fine, Mrs.Clarke.I expected this. It is the most reasonable solution "
"Very well, The training period is three years, during that time, accommodation and meals will be provided " Clark paused then continued"I recommend that you move into the nurse residence today and settle in،as tomorrow may be your first day,as we are currently short on stuff "
"No problem, I will do my best to be if help"
"Good .Collect your belongings and report to Elizabeth. She will arrange for someone to guide you to the residence."
" Thank you Mrs.Clarke " Joan stood up and headed to the door.
"Oh , and miss Joan ... .don't worry about your identification, after working with us for some time, if you prove yourself, I will ask the office to assist you with it"Clark said before taking a sip of her coffee .
"That is very kind of you, Mrs Clarke, please excuse me "Joan t left the office, closing the door quietly behind her.
"Eight twenty five ... .not bad ,all done in less than half an hour " murmuring to herself.
The lounge looked more crowded than before. Nurses moved quickly between tasks—changing sheets, cleaning, and preparing for the day. No one stood idle.
Joan walked back to the hotel, deciding she would take the tram later with her luggage. She needed to save every cent she had left.After packing her belongings , Joan headed to the reception and handed her keys to marry, asking for the reminder of her rent.
"No worries, here you go two dollars .Have a good day, miss Joan"
"Thank you, see you around "
Joan dragged her bags to the intersection and boarded the tram, taking a seat by the window. She wondered what her new room would look like. " After a fifteen minute ride, she returned to the hospital and approached Elizabeth,who was busy registering a patient. Joan waited patiently.
"Hello again,Mrs Clarke told me to ask about the nurses resident "
"Oh , yes , just a moment, " Elizabeth said, looking around. "Elena, come here for a second "
A tall red-haired woman approached them,then greeted Elizabeth.
"She's new , take her to the residence " Elizabeth said, before returning to her work.
"Hello there , I'm Eliana , would you like some help with your bags? It is a bit of a walk."
"Thank you, I'd appreciate that," Joan replied with a small smile.
The residence was a separate building behind the hospital.
Eliana led Joan up to the third floor, to the third room on the right side of the stairs. Thankfully, it was a single room.
The room was small, barely fitting an iron bed and a narrow table, with dim light filtering in through a single window. It contained nothing but the bare essentials, as if it had been created solely for sleeping, not for living.