Switching offices

[orangepink, NP]

I don’t know what happened but my original message got deleted so here goes

i work in a large practice and they hired a new MD who complains about his assigned office because he felt it was too small for him and he wanted a window. I heard from the gossip that he’s been wanting mine which is roughly the same size but has a window. I was approached my another provider that he has been lobbying the office manager and that they’ll do the switch soon. No one has bothered to ask for my opinion. From what I’ve heard the manager approved it because he’s an MD and I’m not. Personally, I’m just a little speechless

What would you do?

[Neuro Guy NP, DNP, PhD, APRN]

Put your foot down and say no. You were there first, so that ought to count for something. If they'll treat you like this for something on the smaller scale, it won't stop there.

Believe me when I say that your response will set precedent for how you're willing to be treated. If they do it despite your protests and without even consulting you, I'd vote with my feet and leave.

[orangepink, NP]

1 hour ago, Neuro Guy NP said:

Put your foot down and say no. You were there first, so that ought to count for something. If they'll treat you like this for something on the smaller scale, it won't stop there.

Believe me when I say that your response will set precedent for how you're willing to be treated. If they do it despite your protests and without even consulting you, I'd vote with my feet and leave.

This is what worries me. This happened before in my previous workplace. The exact SAME THING and that previous practice never gave me a chance to speak up and you’re right, they treated me worse after that but this time, the new doctor is a cousin-relative of the owner-doctor. It’s a private practice.

Im so mad right now because I finally thought I found a workplace that treats me right. I’ve been there for more than a year almost two years and I never bought any decoration for my office because Of what I’ve experienced before and just when i feel comfortable with management,( I actually bought office decor!) this crap happens.

[FullGlass, BSN, MSN, NP]

I agree with other posters you should put your foot down. My clinic has a first come first service policy regarding offices and that included MDs. First person in the office has it unless they choose to change. The only exception was the new Medical Director took the corner office for himself, kicking out another MD, but that was viewed as reasonable. Ask for a formal policy on this. This is also good for the MDs - if a more 'senior' MD starts, do they get to kick another MD out of their office?

[Goldenfox]

How much do you like this job? My experience in dealing with these types of private practices where family and nepotism hold sway is that you will not win if you try to take them on. They will always choose their family and close friends over you. 'Putting your foot down' is not an option because they don't care at all about your opinion on the matter---not enough to ask you anyway. Of course the office manager approved it. He/she does whatever the practice owner says. You won't like hearing this but they have already made the decision.

You will eventually be making a decision of a different type....whether to stay and be treated like a rug or find a better opportunity and leave.

[orangepink, NP]

1 hour ago, Goldenfox said:

How much do you like this job? My experience in dealing with these types of private practices where family and nepotism hold sway is that you will not win if you try to take them on. They will always choose their family and close friends over you. 'Putting your foot down' is not an option because they don't care at all about your opinion on the matter---not enough to ask you anyway. Of course the office manager approved it. He/she does whatever the practice owner says. You won't like hearing this but they have already made the decision.

You will eventually be making a decision of a different type....whether to stay and be treated like a rug or find a better opportunity and leave.

One female doctor did the same thing last week to another older male doctor and the manager allowed it because the older male doctor only works twice a week (part-time) in our practice. And I feel like now, it's my turn.

I'm really sad and disappointed that it turned out like this. They just gave me a substantial raise 1-2 months ago and with a higher salary, I feel like I'm finally being paid for the work that I do but that doesn't give them the right to treat me like this.

I'm really at odds and would like to hear more advice.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

I don't work in a traditional office but rather multiple dialysis clinics. Even though my practice "rents" space for each clinic for our use, it is almost always in use by someone else. I have on occasion kicked someone out because I need to use the office for a conference or exam or whatever but I try to be easy going about it.

The APRNs don't usually see pts at our practice as we have multiple satellite offices. However, when we have an "office" day we just take whichever office is open that day - the same with the physicians - none of them have their "own" office.

Since you have full time and part time providers maybe NOT having an assigned office would be okay?

[GraceOnly]

Stepping aside and realizing family and friends working together is going to take precedence, even if the matter is over your space. This can be a big deal or a small one. That's up to you. Provided you have a decent place to document and think, you have to make the decision if you really want to start over elsewhere or not. Finding a job is another stress. These people aren't necessarily going to walk all over you because of office space. I feel bad for you because you're losing a window, but finding a new job is the next step without being flexible. If I really liked working with my patients and get along with staff, be up front and ask them about their plot over office space. Not communicating creates worse stress. They aren't talking to you, well-you can talk to them. You can decide how to be flexible while still setting professional boundaries. Your feelings may remain in limbo until you face them with your questions. Do they pay you well? How is the essence of teamwork? You mentioned you thought you'd found a final place to work where you feel at home. You weren't looking for a reason to leave until the office space issue came up. The task of managing who gets what space is on the manager/director. Sit and talk with them with your view and theirs. See what happens. They may not realize your perspective of their actions, until they are informed. We can't read each other's minds.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Another thought - this is work. Work isn't always fun. However, its what we make of it. If the compensation and overall environment is okay, I would pass on making this an issue.