Facing Opposition

The year 2011 proved to be very challenging in my nursing career. I was working as a Clinical Supervisor for a well-known Healthcare organization. The hours were long, 12 hour days were the norm, and the position included every other month after hours, On-Call responsibilities. The supervisory position promoted me from providing direct care to patients to being the go-to person for all patient issues and the management of the nursing staff. I also received training to review medical records for accurate documentation to support services rendered for Medicare reimbursement. Truly this was a blessing, and I thanked God for His Divine Intervention. Nevertheless, I would endure unfair treatment that was hidden from coworkers and management.

Let me provide some background information on the hiring process; the organization required three interviews with the Clinical Director, Executive Branch Director, and the Regional Director. When I interviewed with the Executive Director, she explained that it would be at least 4 to 6 weeks before the position would begin because the Clinical Director was on vacation for two weeks. The Clinical Supervisor was the second administrative position in the Clinical Department’s hierarchy, which meant that I would have to interview with the Clinical Director upon her return. She would make the final hiring decision. 

But God had alternate plans; I received a call from the Executive Director, who explained that the Corporate’s Regional Nursing Director arrived at the office and had scheduled my interview for 10 am interview on Wednesday. She explained that my background check, which included digital fingerprinting for criminal history, verification of driving records, vehicle insurance, nursing license, job history, and professional and personal references were completed in record-timing. At the close of our conversation, she wished me good luck because the Regional Director was also a Legal Nurse, and the interview would be challenging.

The events that I share now prove that the impossible becomes possible when we pray and ask for God’s intervention. On the morning of the interview, I prayed and asked God to direct my thoughts and placed the outcome in His hands. The Regional Director’s interview felt as if I was a defendant in a courtroom being interrogated by the Prosecutor. Much to my surprise, at the end of the interview, she offered me the position of Clinical Supervisor and asked if I was ready to start orientation the next day, Thursday, to which I readily agreed.  

For the next seven business days, I received the initial orientation and began my duties, only utilizing the Regional Director’s assistance as needed. I was thrilled but was also very naïve in office politics. I would face a major issue from the Clinical Director, who was on vacation when I was hired. On the morning of her return, she walked past the cubicles with a joyful greeting of “Good Morning, I’m back.”  I can recall the events as if it happened yesterday. “Hi, my name is _____________, I am the Clinical Director. I assume that you are the new Scheduler.” “Hi, my name is Sonya, very nice to meet you. I am your Clinical Supervisor.” The look of disgust on her face set the tone for our present and future working relationship. 

From that moment, I faced daily opposition. In fact, during our initial meeting behind closed doors, my Director verbalized that she was very resentful that the Vice President approved the hiring of a Supervisor without her consent. Everyday, the workload increased. In addition to my responsibilities, the Director began to delegate more of her duties based on misguided feelings and abuse of authority. I worked under extreme duress for almost three months.

Hear me as I pray, O Lord. Be merciful and answer me! My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” Psalm 27:7-8

Everyday, I prayed, asking God to give me the strength to bear the situation. Finally, I prayed a different prayer, asking God for the courage to step out in faith and to bless me with another job. I was still in my probationary period, and could leave the job without consequences. I began to apply for other nursing positions. A few days before the end of my probationary period, I decided to meet with my Director to resign. Since my cubicle was across from her office, I slowly walked the few steps to her doorway and inquired as to whether she could meet with me sometime that day, to which she responded sarcastically, “I am very busy for the next couple of days.” “Okay, but I would like to let you know that I am resigning effective today.” “What??? But, why?” 

Because of our relationship with God, as believers, we will always face opposition, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. How we respond to our trials and tribulations indicates our level of faith and trust in God. In our carnal nature, we rely on ourselves, which escalates and worsens our problems. Do not take the easy route! We must pray, and give all of our hardships to God. God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. Psalm 46:1. Then we must wait patiently for God’s answer, and that is the hard part.

I will share the victorious outcome that God provided for my dilemma. Before the meeting, I prayed and asked God to guide my thoughts and my words. Standing in the doorway of her office, I looked at the angry expression on her face, which escalated my anxiety. My heart was beating fast. As she thought about my resignation, the tone of her voice changed, and I was invited to sit down and share the reason for my resignation. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5

God directed me to focus on my job performance and productivity, and to ask if it was satisfactory, to which I received a resounding “yes!” Then I acknowledged that I enjoyed working for the company and had hoped that we would establish a positive working relationship. I am unable to remember the rest of the conversation. But, my Clinical Director offered a heartfelt apology, and asked if she could hug me. We went out to lunch that day and enjoyed a get-to-know-you conversation. God allowed us to work in unity from that day forward until her separation from the organization.

Facing opposition is part of our life-long spiritual journey. But always remember that God has us in His hands.

Teach me how to live, O Lord. Lead me along the right path, for my enemies are waiting for me. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. Psalm 27:11, 14

Bible Readings: Psalm 27 and James 1

God, thank you for your never-ending love, grace, and mercies. Please help us realize that you will remove the obstacles and bring victory to our lives if we only ask and wait on you. We ask in faith for your Divine Intervention upon our circumstances. Thank you for hearing and answering our prayer that we ask in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

© Sonya Johnson Ruiz 2020, No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted for commercial purposes without the author’s written permission.