The Process

From the moment we decided to go for the job at LRMC I knew it was going to be a process with policies and protocols to follow at each step. First committees had to meet to approve the position based on hospital census. Then, once I had an official offer I got to practice filling out forms with names like A5863, OF306,and da5019. I thought it was going to be dreadful but whoever knew putting information in little boxes could be so much fun. I would fill out a group of forms, send them in, get corrections, make the corrections, and finally re-submit the forms. Despite completing everything immediately upon receipt we had the 9-hour time difference against us. I would get home from work, fill out forms and send them off. Then, the next morning 0530 LA time (1430 Landstuhl time) I had a second to respond and ask questions if needed. So in essence, any communication would take 2 days to complete. Maybe I sound like I am complaining but I’m not. I would have used carrier pigeons if that is how the information needed to be conveyed. All the time just built my anticipation and helped us slowly adjust to the fact we will be living in a new country. By about the end of July every box had been filled in, every form was perfect. I got an email from Kathie, “it won’t be long now!” On August 1st - 2 days before my 28th birthday) the official PCS (permanent change of station) orders arrived. It was the best birthday present I could have got!