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A TIME FOR DECISION

Virginia Poll

The long white corridor stretched endlessly ahead of Julie. The
only sound to be heard was the measured squeaks of her shoes as they
echoed down the hall.

"Hmm," she sighed looking at her watch, "only seven days, twelve
hours and I'm off duty forever."

As she approached the second floor desk, Miss Minert cleared
her throat and called quietly:

"Miss Taylor, may I speak to you a moment?" Julie stepped
aside and accepted the seat her superior offered. Her questioning eyes
searched Miss Minert's for a clue as the cause of this important inter-
view.

"Well, tonight's one of your last nights on duty. Are you still
sure you want to leave the nursing profession? There's a lot it can
offer you, if you would only stop to realize and accept it. You know,"
she continued softly but still looking straight at Julie, "we need every
girl we can get and you are an exceptionally fine RN. Would you
mind telling me what in heaven's name secretarial work offers you
that is so superior to nursing? Is it the pay? Surely it isn't any added
prestige, because the nursing profession certainly has a great deal of
that!"

Julie looked down at her hands and was surprised to feel how
extremely moist they were.

"I've answered that question so many times, Miss Minert, and as
long as I'm satisfied and happy in a job, I don't see what difference
it makes." The last words had come out with an almost vehement
splurge. Julie realized for the first time that Miss Minert was hurt-
friendly, motherly Miss Minert who had helped and guided her ever
since her first day of duty over two years ago. When she came back
to her senses Miss Minert was again talking:

"That's all right, Miss Taylor. I just hope you don't regret your
decision."

"Heaven help me if I ever do," laughed Julie, half to herself.
In her mind she was thinking: it's such a monotonous life-walk the
same halls, take temperatures, give medicines, cheer up people. Did
I ever think this life would be glamorous? Why, convalescent ward

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