Susan took up a job in a major medical center. It was her first day at the job and her first assignment as the new head nurse. She would be in charge of all the nurses on the operating room team. She would hold full responsibility for performing all the duties nurses performed.
When the surgery was complete, the surgeon said, “Okay, it’s time to close the incision. I need the sutures.”
“But Dr. Strange, you used 12 sponges,” Susan responded. “I’ve only counted 11 being removed. There’s one sponge unaccounted for.”
Dr. Strange appeared slightly annoyed that his authority was challenged. Still, he assured Susan that all of the sponges had been removed and he was ready to suture.
“Doctor, you used 12 sponges. Only 11 have been removed,” Susan insisted.
Dr. Strange was getting irritated. He raised his voice slightly and said, “I’ll accept full responsibility.”
At the time, Susan’s temper flew and she stomped her right foot and said, “Dr. Strange, think of the patient!”
Dr. Strange stared at Susan sternly. Susan looked back with no intention to back down. The situation was getting very tensed. Then unexpectedly the doctor smiled, and slowly lifted his left foot. There it was right under his foot: the 12th sponge!
With a smile, Dr. Strange said, “You’ve just passed your probation.”