Impressions

Wow! What a week I’ve had! We are so busy at work right now – Credentials Committee meeting coming up which means we have files to get ready for the Committee. We are also interviewing for a Credentialing Coordinator (which is what I am) because my friend, D, left for a new job about three weeks ago! It’s hectic, believe me!

We interviewed two applicants this week – one yesterday and the other one today. I have the best boss and when we have an open position, she has all of the Credentialers – there are five positions, but only four of us on staff right now – participate in the interview because we are the ones who will be working with any new employee that comes into our office. I think it’s great to be included. It makes great sense to me that we would have a say in who is hired to work alongside us!

During the interview we all ask questions, we all answer questions and describe to the applicant what the duties consist of as a Credentialing Coordinator. The interview is normally about an hour long, but can be longer depending on the number of questions the applicant may have regarding the job.

Now, we have the responsibility of deciding which of the applicants we think would “fit” better in the position! Not always an easy task! We not only look at experience, but also personality because we spend a lot of time together and it’s important that we are all comfortable together! It works! We have a great group of women in our department and I think the fact that the entire staff is a part of the selection process is the reason it works so well!

As we were doing the interviews and meeting afterward to talk about our impressions, I really thought a lot about how important those first impressions are in getting to know a person. Sometimes it’s hard to read a person in just an hour’s time, but other times – you can read and “sense” so much in that time! It made me think about the impression that I make when meeting someone new.

The other girls at work, when describing me, always comment that I am quiet! I guess that’s true to some extent, although I don’t see myself in that same way. I like to consider myself a student of human nature. I think that sounds much better! I am quiet but I’m listening all the time. I learn a lot about what’s going on around me and really try to get to know other people by watching their expressions, listening to the tone of their voice and reading body language!

I’m a very private person and find it difficult to share my personal life with others – even most of my friends! It’s a trait that I am working on because I think sometimes, it makes life more difficult – more overwhelming. I tend to hold inside problems and feelings that I’m dealing with because I don’t want to give the impression that I’m weak or “needy”. Not only does this keep me from making deep friendships, but I know that it’s not what God intended for us as his children!

”Carry each other's burdens,

and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

Galatians 6:2

We are made to be dependent on each other – to help each other through the difficult times and to rejoice together during the good times! I really struggle with this, although my co-workers are definitely helping me to learn to share my life with them – helping me to step out of my comfort zone! They are so genuinely caring and I am truly beginning to feel that – within the walls of the Medical Staff Services Department – I am safe! I am not judged – only loved! It’s an awesome feeling. It’s a feeling that I am becoming more dependent on every day.

“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children

and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us

as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1,2

I am constantly working to better myself and to live my life as God would have me to live. I pray that the impression I leave on those I meet is that I am first and foremost a fully devoted follower of Christ! I pray that everyone I meet can see – even if meeting me for a brief period of time – can see Christ living in me! I pray that the impression I leave is always kind and caring!

Philippians 2

(1) “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ,

if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit,

if any tenderness and compassion,

(2) then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love,

being one in spirit and purpose.

(3) Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit,

but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

(4) Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

In His Love and Blessings
annb