Nervous Breakdown

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-15-2003
Nervous Breakdown
7
Thu, 03-11-2004 - 1:38pm
*Sigh*

I like my job, four days a week.

On Wednesdays I have to work out of a different office. I work for Public Health the four days a week that I love my job. On Wednesdays I work for Diabetes Education Resource. I HATE IT. There is a nurse and a dietitian there. The nurse is the kind of nurse that gives nurses a bad name. When I first started in May, I was only calling people to remind them of their appointments. Well a couple of months ago the nurse decided that scheduling her own appointments was "below her" and they changed it so that I have to make all their appointments. So now they interrupt my day over at Public Health to call me and say "so and so needs and appointment". I am so frustrated ladies. I started crying at work! When I get frustrated I cry, and I hate that. The dietitian called because she couldn't find this lady's file. When I had pulled all the files for today's appointments I couldn't fine this one. Well, I thought that one of them had it. So she calls to say "We need to know who the referral came from, or who her doctor is, can you remember any of that?" Like come on!!! I was so ready to tell her to @#$*)(_ off. But I held my tongue. I know I was a little rude, but that was already the sixth time they had called me.

Then the nurse calls to tell me that I had scheduled this one guy to see her and he was all mad because he wanted to see the dietitian. She told me that I have to make an effort to find out who wants to see who. I told her that because he hadn't shown up for his apppointment the last time, we sent him a letter to tell him to call us if he wanted and appointment. So he called, and I scheduled him in the first spot I could. Well, she got all snotty and said "All you had to do was look back in the appointment book to see who he was scheduled for before". Then I kindly (not really) reminded her that they had taken those schedules out of my binder. So I had no idea who he wanted to see. I am so frustrated, I called my boss and she told me that we have to provide support for them. I know that, but this has turned out to be 1.5 full time jobs. I am gonna crack here.

Somebody suggested to me that I suggest getting our appointment book put on the computer. As it is now it is in a binder that I carry around. I think it is a good idea, because on a day like today when I am not there and they have clients they can book their appointments themselves instead of calling me and interrupting me when I am trying to help the public health nurses. Like today, I was on the phone with a client and the nurse called. Well my co-office mate told her I was on the phone. The nurse told Jen that she needed to talk to me because she was with a client and NEEDED to talk to me. So I have to put everything on hold for them.

Does anyone have any advice. I know this is a long post. I am so ready to lose it.

Pamela

Image hosted by Photobucket.com
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-10-2004
Thu, 03-11-2004 - 6:16pm
Pamela

I know how frustrating that can be. I don't really have any advice, since I struggle with a similar situation, but I do want to say that if you love the rest of your job, then you just have to take it one day at a time. The days when you get to enjoy what you do are a blessing that a lot of people never experience, and you have to focus on that part.

I know it can feel like even the best day gets ruined by someone like that, but keep in mind it is her problem, not yours. She probably hates her job and just takes it out on you. But it is not something you deserve. When she is a pain, just think to yourself how sad her life must be.

Anyway, I will be thinking of you and hoping things get smoother for you.

Sara
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-30-2003
Fri, 03-12-2004 - 12:26am
first of all, you are so lucky to have a job that you love 4 days a week. most people don't have that. i know how terrible that other day is getting, but when it is approaching-just remember it's one day and then it's back to the good days. i am sorry that it is so stressful for you. i have cried at work too, and i know it's not fun. but you know what? sometimes it tells the people around us just how crazy they are making us and just how upset we are. i don't feel like i have the best advice to offer, but i wanted you to know that i am here supporting you. i hope that it gets better for you.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-12-2004
Fri, 03-12-2004 - 11:50am
I've been working in the medical arena for nearly 30 years, and the one thing I've noticed is they all (nurses, NP, NA) think they're doctors, and doctors think they're God. Each and every one of them feels that what they want is the be all and end all for anyone who supports them irregardless of any other responsibilities or obligations.

Your manager doesn't sound like she supported you much. You're only one person, and one person can only do so much. You say they're interrupting you. Are they interrupting you during your OTHER job? If so, can you take that to your manager and explain that they are taking you away from your other job, and how would she like you to handle it because you don't want to appear as uncooperative? Try to put it back in HER lap?

I wish you well. I know exactly where you are. And, unfortunately, crying at work is not a good thing. It makes you appear weak and vulnerable, and then people who are not so nice know your vulnerabilities and will exploit them to your detrement.

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-12-2003
Sat, 03-13-2004 - 12:00pm
Breathe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I think putting the schedules on the computer is an excellent idea because it isn't fair to you to have to drop everything for them. Please let us know how it goes. Love and Hugs Andrea
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-26-2004
Sat, 03-13-2004 - 12:16pm

(((((((((Pamela))))))))), I'm sorry I haven't gotten back to you about this.

AcornLeaves
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-15-2003
Sat, 03-13-2004 - 5:35pm
Thanks ladies!!

We have a meeting set up to discuss things. I know I am gonna bring up the fact that when I am at Diabetes Education that the Public Health folks aren't calling me over there and taking me away from DER work.

Barb, you are such a wonderful lady! Thanks so much for remembering my test. I got 79%, quite a bit lower than my others, but it was two chapters in one and I still got the highest mark.

Thanks again.

Pamela

Image hosted by Photobucket.com
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-18-2003
Sat, 03-13-2004 - 7:09pm

((((((((((((((((((Pamela)))))))))))))))))


I agree with putting the appt schedule on the computer.