This happening is more than chance. It's a miracle to me. Here's the whole story (I apologize about the detail - feel free to skim). It's personal, but I must give credit where it's due.
This story started a while ago. Before we left for LA, my father gave me a priesthood blessing. In the blessing I was told that I would have to wait for employment, but to rely on the Lord. At that time, it came as sort of a blow. You see, I get my heart set on these plans I have, and at times forget, that my Heavenly Father has His own set of plans, better ones. I had thought that after moving here to LA, within a month or two, I'd be working as a nurse, doing what I love and able to provide for Matt and I. I had made a plan, but didn't plan to be surprised.
I had contacted Cedars-Sinai's Nurse Recruitment in September and again in October, shortly after we arrived in LA. They told me they didn't know anything definite about hosting a new grad program, and I should call back at the end of December. To be honest, I kind of wrote it off as an option.
Lots of time passed, and what was only a few months seemed like years. I'll be honest, I got very discouraged and began feeling useless. I had spent too much of my life basing my self esteem on success, or being good at something....success in school (grades, scholarships, etc.), or other stuff (dance, running). Essentially, I was using external accomplishments to validate myself...bad idea. I couldn't find a job, I was sick of running, and there was no such thing as a scholarship for life. I had to rely solely on my knowledge that I was worth something to my Heavenly Father, husband, and family, until I began to believe it myself. I was stubborn. Having a change of heart or mind isn't easy...I had to be humbled. And I was.
We prayed. We fasted. I began attending the temple regularly, and loving it. I began studying my scriptures. I figured I couldn't expect help unless I was doing all I could possibly do. I guess I expected something to happen overnight. I applied for a Nurse Residency at UCLA, and after a robotic phone interview, never heard a thing. My options became more limited when Huntington Hospital who was suppose to host a new grad PROGRAM posted ONE position, and White Memorial did not post one at all. I started to panic. My faith wasn't as strong as I had hoped it was. I was discouraged, and relied on the faith of others.
Matt and I spent Christmas with our Balle Family. I had a little break down and realized I had become a grumpy, bitter old hag. I had to be happy...no strings attached. Regardless of what my circumstances may be, I needed to be happy. So, I woke up. I decided I was worth something. I decided to be happy. Life is meant to be lived in happiness.
My family fasted...We continued to pray...and one day I had a little prompting.
December 30th, while once again following up with UCLA, I noticed a little "post-it" note in my job hunting book. It was under Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and read simply, "Call back in December." I thought to myself, why not, and dialed their number. Britney answered, and told me she did have some information concerning the new grad program. They were indeed hosting one, a large cohort I might add, and the application was currently available. She gave me the job number. I applied following our phone call. At the time, I had no idea that the posting closed that night. My application was the last to be reviewed.
My father gave me another priesthood blessing. I was told that there would be an opportunity for me to pursue my career. I kept thinking about Cedar's, wondering if it could possibly be this opportunity. Since the blessing, I have been filled with peace.
January 10th, 2011. At 2:01pm, Eileen called. We had a delightful phone interview, right then and there. It was candid, but I felt good about it. I continued to feel the peace brought by the spirit.
January 11th, 2011. I checked my email probably every 10minutes, hoping to receive an invitation for an interview.
January 12th, 2011. I was working. Matt checked my email probably every 10 minutes while studying :) (okay, maybe like every hour.) I called him on my break. He refreshed his email one more time, and lo and behold, there was my interview invitation. It had arrived just seconds before I called. We were elated. I silently thanked my Heavenly Father.
I began compiling my portfolio. Cedars wanted certain paperwork compiled in a certain order, in a certain folder. I couldn't find the folder at Staples, Office Max, or Office Depot, so I ordered it online and hoped it would arrive before my interview. Magically it did, and on a holiday!
January 16th, 2011. Practice drive to Cedars. We took a Sunday morning joy ride for me to make sure I knew exactly where I was going and to assess possible traffic situations :)
January 18th, 2011. I got writers block. I usually love to write. Yet, there was my mom, coaching me on the phone. My friend Nikki helped me polish my resume, cover letter, references, etc. Matt stayed up with me, sitting beside me at the computer. He gave me a priesthood blessing, and I again felt the peace and comfort I needed.
January 19th, 2011. Interview Day. So it was time to dance with destiny. I miraculously found a parking place after driving around an overly crowded lot. I checked in, along with my fellow 132 fellow applicants. I waited. I waited. I waited. Finally, the nurse recruiter held up my portfolio and said, Michael...La..... And that was all. Of course it was me :)
I was introduced to my interviewer, the director of medical, surgical, and rehab nursing (the floors where the residency takes place). The interview went well. There were questions about medication administration, case studies, conflict resolution, customer service in a hospital setting, etc. Throughout the interview, I continued to feel the peace of the spirit. My interviewer told me she'd love to have me on her surgical unit and could tell I had great customer/patient service skills. She gave me her card and wrote down my name. Additionally, she went out of her way, after my interview and introduced me to the labor and delivery nurse manager. I couldn't have been happier.
And we're back...January 24th, 2011. Job offer. I am so humbled and grateful for this opportunity to care for my Heavenly Father's children. I will continue to strive to learn the Healer's art. I know He loves each of us and knows each of us - our hearts, our desires - and that He cares. I know that this opportunity is an answer to prayers. It's too perfect to be mere chance. Fasting works. Priesthood blessings are real. I have come to rely more on my Father in Heaven, and have chosen to be happy...no strings attached.
