Secretary issues

WineRN · Nov 29, 2017

Some people just are abrasive. What are you worried about getting "in trouble" for exactly? It never is a fun situation when you have to report a coworker for something, but you shouldn't be afraid too if it's needed. She may be getting talked to about you reporting her "a lot", which can be why she is more hostile towards you.

I have an AWFUL front desk sect who is an abrasive person who also doesn't like me. When I first started I was pumping for my daughter still. I tried to pump before work once and despite me not answering her 10 back to back calls (the phone was too far from me), asking her to wait behind my closed and locked door, she kept knocking and eventually unlocked the door to poke her head in and tell me a parent was waiting for me. After the situation, I tried to talk to her about what constitutes an EMERGENCY, which is the ONLY reason why you should come into my office after I say "wait" and "I'll be out in a few minutes" , but she became upset with me over the situation and I ended up reporting her.

Since then we don't work well together but I don't let it get to me and I haven't reported her since even though I probably could for some of the things she has said and done. Her being disrespectful in front of others says a lot about who she is, not who I am.

You just keep focusing on your role and doing your best in your office.

Amethya · Nov 29, 2017

Mostly because of the disorganization I been told I have and I'm worried that if I report her, she'll turn the tables to me and say it's my fault for being disorganized that she feels the need to do something about it.

I have ADD and I'm trying my hardest to do my job better and learn my role better, so disorganization and such is something I have most of the time, but I been getting better at it.

MrsNurse08 · Nov 30, 2017

I'm sorry but the secretaries I work with will not be telling me what to do or talking to me negative in front of parents. I'm the medical professional in the building not them. They hired me not them to handle medical issues. Me and Mrs. Secretary will have a long talk behind closed doors. Who died and made them boss?

Rubor · Nov 30, 2017

Don't ever be afraid to stick up for yourself. But some things you need to learn to let go of. Its your own personal level of what you can deal with and what you can't. She undermining your work is not her job. You keep documenting and reporting it. If it is making your work environment uncomfortable or hostile you need to go to the next level because our admin's aren't cutting it. Good luck.

MrNurse(x2), ADN · Nov 30, 2017

Amethya, you have given numerous reasons this year to be looking for greener pastures. Steel yourself that June is your goal and start applying for other positions that give you a safer environment for your license. Running from this secretary won't make it go away, there are always challenging people anywhere you work. A lot of secretaries have control issues. They believe they are the only reason anything gets done and feel the need to control the minutiae of their world. It's her issue, not yours.

tining, BSN, RN · Nov 30, 2017

I will never forget what a supervisor told me when I had an issue with a co-worker.

"Have you talked with her?"

"If you can't work it out, then we can have a meeting together."

When I know there are ruffled feathers (mine or theirs) I wait until the end of the day and ask if we could meet. Never avoid, get in there and get it over with. Also never go in with - "you did this/you did that." Start with "I feel like there is some friction between us and I would like to resolve it so we can work together for our students and staff as a team." "it makes me feel not valued when . . ."

If that does not help, then ask the principal to meet with you both and describe what you did to resolve the issues.

Plus Mr.Nurse(x2) is right. I am concerned about your position as well. Posts like: "Been thought of as the bad guy?;"I did something wrong. Help!;" "Going over me to go home;" "I feel like I'm losing." "I did something bad..." "Today is not a good day for me." "I am so disappointed" "Got scolded by parent today"

I see a pattern. Just an observation.

Amethya · Nov 30, 2017

No I agree with a lot of you. It's like this year has been so hard on all of us in this school, not just me, but a lot of my fellow co-workers. A lot of of the MA in our school district are also feeling it too. And honestly we don't know why.

I am thinking I should find another job, which I'm currently applying for, but I'm just worried on how this year has gone, I won't be receiving a good recommendation from my bosses.

I am thinking of holding out until June, but I was thinking of starting to apply to places now to see what I can get now.

MrNurse(x2), ADN · Dec 1, 2017

When you approach your administrators make them fully aware of the possible violations of your state's Nurse Practice Act by not having RN oversight and your concerns of liability. I would do this in writing. Be confident that you did the best job given your constraints and the impossible position they put you in.

ruby_jane, BSN, RN · Dec 1, 2017

I am thinking I should find another job, which I'm currently applying for, but I'm just worried on how this year has gone, I won't be receiving a good recommendation from my bosses.

If you work the contract year, the only comment from HR will be that you worked a year and are rehireable (that second part might not be true if you leave mid-year).

Nobody's going to call "your bosses" unless you give a cel phone number as a reference.

And I'd encourage you to use the next 23 or 24 weeks (that's all we have left!) to make a list of things that you do efficiently and well -- like getting all the vaccines documented and that state report in -- and spend less time worrying about what other people think of you.

WineRN · Dec 1, 2017

If you work the contract year, the only comment from HR will be that you worked a year and are rehireable (that second part might not be true if you leave mid-year).
Nobody's going to call "your bosses" unless you give a cel phone number as a reference.
And I'd encourage you to use the next 23 or 24 weeks (that's all we have left!) to make a list of things that you do efficiently and well -- like getting all the vaccines documented and that state report in -- and spend less time worrying about what other people think of you.[/QUOTE]
Yes to all of this but especially what is bolded.
My husband calls it "Super Hero Syndrome", the need to be the very best at what you are doing and to have people appreciate what you are doing. I get it from time to time and it does sound like you have a little bit of it too. It's hard when you are trying your best and people just don't see or appreciate it.
But like the post says above, focus on your strengths and focus on you. You can't control what other people think about you, but you can control how you react to it.

Amethya · Dec 1, 2017

Thank you for the encouragement guys, especially for the last 2 years I been here.

The reason I worry is mainly of issues I had in the past and I'm trying to get over it. I have this issue where if I get in trouble, I fear I'm going to get fired. For this, it's harder for me to trust others in my line of work. It's difficult but I'm getting better on it little by little.

I've been actually calling schools around because of lice checks questions my AP put me up for and I chatted with the nurses there. Some even said to apply next year for them! So hopefully things get better and I have a easier time.