Need a quick vent and what do you think? (Sorry... kinda long) About This Page:

[fiferpig]

Hey all, let me first say this may be a little long, but I have been stewing on this for almost 2 weeks and need to get it off my chest and I know how supportive and what great listeners you all are! Let me tell you what I do. I work as a medical assistant for a medical office in a small town. We have 5 Dr.'s and we are currently under-staffed as one of the medical assistants is on maternity leave.

I work with a women who totally takes advantage of everyone, including the head Dr. She called in on a Wednesday and I happened to answer the phone at work. She proceeds to tell me that she has to go out of town on a "family emergency". Apparently her dad was "sick". She said she was going to be leaving either Thursday or Friday and would be gone for 2 weeks. I asked if she was going to be in for her shift that day since she wasn't leaving for a day or so and she said "no". Ok, I get we all have emergencies but she totally went about it the wrong way. I am not a supervisor and have no authority to authorize that time off. So I told her I would have the nursing supervisor call her when she got in. I gave the info to the super and she proceeded to call her. Now, when asked by the super what was going on with her dad she had no clue. She said her mom didn't know what was going on and that her sisters that live in the same state hadn't even been to see their dad. So at this point, what is the "emergency"? The super asked her shouldn't she find out how "serious" this emergency is before she hops on a plane and goes across the country for 2 weeks. No response. She said she was going and that's that.

Ok, so I have a feeling that she is lying because she has done so in the past. Within the past 6 months she did the exact same thing except she just left a message on the after hours machine saying she wasn't going to be in for a week. She calls in usually 2 times a month and she goes home early every day leaving everyone in a bind. There have been no repercussions for her actions and I am tired of it. We have been so busy the past 2 weeks and the 3 medical assitants
that are there are totally over worked. We have gotten no recognition.

I just don't know what to do. I am so lucky and blessed to have a job while so many don't. I feel she doesn't really care or need this job and that we should hire someone that really needs a job and wants to work. I tried talking to the head Dr. and she really didn't have much to say on the subject which kind of upsets me even more. And the nursing super is a personal friend of hers outside of work so I have a feeling that not much is going to be done when she returns.

Well this was much longer than I anticipated . I am so sorry and greatly appreciate any feedback you may have. It just kind of felt good to get it off my chest.

[Pinkyt177]

Wow, that really stinks! I wish I had some words of wisdom, so I'll send you some pixies instead!

[xrosario]

Wow that seems completely unfair. I wonder if there's another superior you can talk to or of those are it...I don't know what else to say except that I'm sorry you have to deal with that!

[TheMadonna3]

I'd suggest a drug test. Sounds like a stint at detox.

Actually, the only thing you can do, is offer your perspective to your supervisor. Ask to meet with her and politely, yet diplomatically, explain YOUR perspective of this person's work ethic and the current office situation to your supervisor.

Offer no resolutions, do not demand answers or actions. At the end of the conversation, thank her for her time.

Sometimes, I don't see things other staff members see until they explain it from their point of view. Something I didn't think a problem, may actually be a problem when experienced from someone sitting on the other side of the table.

By offering no suggestion, you've simply offered information and by expecting no action, your supervisor won't feel as if you have expectations, but will be forced to deal with the issue.

[Tigger71]

Offer your own resignation and see how much they need you! Find a position where all employees are treated fairly.

[Huntermom]

If you need the job, there's not much you can do. I don't think you even have the right to discuss it with a higher up. Personnel issues should be confidential.
And I'm not sure it's any of your business. If the powers that be in your office are willing to put up with it, you'll have to, too.

Some one mentioned it sounded like a rehab stint. This person could also have a different medical or psychological issue that your superiors do that are none of your business. I actually think the supervisor was wrong to discuss it with you at all. Maybe her father has legal, not medical problems.

Until your in charge, it's really none of your business and if you make it so, you may find yourself the one without a job.

[TMWIlson7196]

This sounds all to familiar. I work with a woman who does the samething. Calls in at least once a week. She's worked maybe 8 days in the last two months and management does nothing about it. Yes it makes all the coworkers mad but there is nothing we can do about it. So try not to stress and just do your job and try to forget about her. I know easier said then done. Good luck.

[CinderAbby]

I'm in a somewhat similar situation. While the woman I work with doesn't call in sick, she comes in and more than half the time, just stands there talking while me and one other person have to pick up her slack. Then when she does actually do something, she does it wrong so we have to fix her mistakes. The boss doesn't say anything even though Pat (the other person who picks up the slack) has gotten to the point she'll tell the boss to her face this person is useless. I keep my mouth shut but Pat doesn't need to - who's going to fire an 81 YO for speaking her mind?

[JoanneS]

Maybe, if you just go along at a comfortable pace and not stress yourself while at work, they will see that they need more help than this other person is providing. If enough patients complain about wait times and understaffing, they may do something. If you keep covering for this woman, nothing will be done. And don't volunteer for overtime unless you're getting paid for it, and paid well. I'm not saying to slack off, just do your job as it should be done and don't push to do any more, You've already spoken to someone about the situation so they already know how you feel. Good luck!

[Colexis Mom]

[rescuesk]

[fiferpig]

Originally Posted by Huntermom

If you need the job, there's not much you can do. I don't think you even have the right to discuss it with a higher up. Personnel issues should be confidential.
And I'm not sure it's any of your business. If the powers that be in your office are willing to put up with it, you'll have to, too.

Some one mentioned it sounded like a rehab stint. This person could also have a different medical or psychological issue that your superiors do that are none of your business. I actually think the supervisor was wrong to discuss it with you at all. Maybe her father has legal, not medical problems.

Until your in charge, it's really none of your business and if you make it so, you may find yourself the one without a job.

I actually wouldn't make it my business, but the fact that she goes through all the wrong channels, ie. me, when calling in for such a serious issue she has made it my business. She is not responsible enough to go through the proper people to make the decision. I don't want to know her business, I would just like someone that has work ethic to work. I get that if my superiors are willing to put up with it then in reality I have to. But we have a trickle down issue going on here and I wish the powers that be would see how stressed and over-worked the rest of us are and are just asking for a little help. I do see your point and appreciate the feed back!

[Teresa]

You can't change her use of inappropriate channels to call off (you). You can't change that she has a relationship with the supervisor outside of work.
However, without talking about THIS situation, you can talk to your bosses about their business doing so well the PAs are having a hard time keeping up. "wow, it seems like we're so busy now, 3 PAs aren't really enough to keep up!" "You must be so happy to see business pick up lately" etc.

[jennie622]

I feel your pain, didn't realize so many were in the same position. As stated above, try not to stress out about it Hey, I said try! I do it everyday. I come in right on time and leave exactly at 5. No more, no less. I do my scheduled activities and I do them WELL. The work, or in your case, patients, will be there regardless. If they must wait, let them. If they growl, let them. It will make them feel better to vent. Let them know you are understaffed, because you are.

It does shock me how, in such lean times, some have no respect for others and do not take pride in their work. What gets my goat even more, is that they are allowed to get away with it!

I understand your frustration and I'm grateful for this site for the opportunity to vent. It helps to know others are in the same boat. Vent away!!! I'm hear to listen and not judge you. You could go out and find another job, true. You could also throw her under the bus(figuratively), take her out back and beat her with a wet noodle, cry like a baby, scream you head off. OR, you can just get it off your chest here and feel a wee bit better about it. I hope.

Here's a stress releaving trick I have used over the years...
Stand up straight, feet shoulder widith apart, arms out straight in front of you, take a deep breath and choke the living daylights out of the person annoying you!!!

[njsmama]

As long as the super knows about it, then there is nothing you can do except find another job. If you gripe about it too much than you will become the bad guy. I have been where you are and it stinks. I wish you the best!