Most of you have probably seen my posts about the difficult doctor I work with. For those of you that don't, I'm a fairly new Medical Assistant working for a single doctor at a private practice. This doctor is very difficult to approach and everything I do is wrong in his eyes. I feel very incompetent and wonder why he hasn't fired me.
I thought the beginning of today went pretty well. We had new patients who were scheduled for a physical (pediatric patients, twins). However they could not do the physical today because they had orientation for school in an hour. They were also due for immunizations, so I told them we can do immunizations today and the physical another day when they have more time. The doctor was annoyed that they didn't want to do the physical at first, but he calmed down.
He took off during lunch and he never says if hes going to the hospital or if he'll be back. He just said he'd call to check on me end of day. Now I understand where I made this mistake and I acknowledged it. After lunch we had a call from a parent with a sick kid. I referred them to Urgent Care because I had no idea where the doctor was or if he was coming back. He doesn't like people knowing where he is and like I said, he's not approachable, so I'm terrified to bother him, especially because he gets annoyed if I call him when he's out. I should also mention he told me to refer patient's to Urgent Care if he wasn't going to be in, so I thought I was following orders correctly because I honestly didn't know if he was coming back or not.
When he called to check up on me and I told him what happened, he blew up at me. He said "Why didn't you schedule the patient for the end of day!" I told him "I would of, but I didn't know if you were coming back". He claimed said he would be back, but I reminded him he was just going to touch base with me end of day to which he hung up on me.
I don't know what to do at this point. I'm very unhappy at this job. I've applied to a few medical groups, but only had one interview this far. As much as I want to, I can't quit and I really can't be fired because I have bills to pay. I wrote the doctor an apology e-mail owning up to my mistake, hoping he'll let me keep my job.
I'm so confident with the patients and I think my clinical skills are good, but put me on the phones or anything administrative, and I'm a lost cause. I'm the only MA, so its not like I can stay in the back office while someone else handles the administrative stuff.
I get anxiety every night before work and I shake when the doctor is near me and I can hear my pulse racing. What would you do in my position? Should I stick it out until I find something else?
I'm so not looking forward to tomorrow. I'm certain I'll get a lecture and maybe even a firing, which will ruin my whole day.
Specializes in Med-Surg, OB, ICU, Public Health Nursing.
I think jumping to substance abuse or shady behavior is a big leap. I suspect by the way you write and your level of experience that you are pretty insecure. That is normal when you are starting a new career. There are a lot of cranky people in the world. If you can calmly explain that you want to succeed, but you cannot succeed without having open effective communication with him. You don't need to know where he is; you need to know if he wants patients scheduled if they call urgently. My experience is that cranky people become less cranky when the meek stand tall and you gain his respect. There is nothing wrong with looking around for another job, particularly a practice where there are other staff for feedback and assistance.
Another reason he might hire somebody who is basically clueless (not your fault-- you're learning): Billing irregularities. When they are found he can blame it on you.
I agree with the PP who recommended calling the board of registration in medicine. Tell them everything you've said here, tell them you're afraid of him, and his behavior is erratic (use that word). Then hang up. They will take it from there.
I am so sorry. That is horrible. I can't imagine dealing day in and day out with such a mean grouch. I work in a hospital with several surgeons and there is one like that. We all avoid him. Scary thought to be stuck in an office and constantly called out on everything. You've gotten some great advice here. I don't see the need to add. I hope you get another job soon and no longer have to be abused everyday.
Thank you. I've been on a few interviews. I'm only down to one day a week since we have no patients. The doctor isn't gonna pay me to sit and stare at the walls all day with nothing to do/no patients to see.
I'm not discouraged by this. I see this as an opportunity to be persistent in my job searches and get out of there. I know the right job is out there for me.
Wow. I can't get over this guy sees kids. Just wow.
If you are down to one day a week anyways, I would cut bait. Really look around at your options. Try Urgent Care as well.
I know finances are not ideal, but see about any grant/scholarships to perhaps get your EMT--ambulance companies are often hiring. In the meanwhile, call them and perhaps you can get in on the administrative side for now.
You do not need to be part of his weird dynamic. Regardless of the reason. In the meanwhile I would try to be as direct as feasible--"If we have sick calls, would you like me to schedule them at 4pm or refer to urgent care?"
Otherwise stop apologizing. You have done nothing wrong.
He is up to something, who cares what, don't let it get to you. Perhaps his girl on the side will come and run his office.....I am being sarcastic, but honestly....or maybe he was outed on that certain adultery website that spilled all sorts of information recently.....Seriously, he's an idiot.
I am sure the nurses at the hospital are pretty sick of his poop too.....
Wow. I can't get over this guy sees kids. Just wow.
If you are down to one day a week anyways, I would cut bait. Really look around at your options. Try Urgent Care as well.
I know finances are not ideal, but see about any grant/scholarships to perhaps get your EMT--ambulance companies are often hiring. In the meanwhile, call them and perhaps you can get in on the administrative side for now.
You do not need to be part of his weird dynamic. Regardless of the reason. In the meanwhile I would try to be as direct as feasible--"If we have sick calls, would you like me to schedule them at 4pm or refer to urgent care?"
Otherwise stop apologizing. You have done nothing wrong.
He is up to something, who cares what, don't let it get to you. Perhaps his girl on the side will come and run his office.....I am being sarcastic, but honestly....or maybe he was outed on that certain adultery website that spilled all sorts of information recently.....Seriously, he's an idiot.
I am sure the nurses at the hospital are pretty sick of his poop too.....
I've definitely been applying all over. I'm hoping once I get certified as an MA, I'll be more marketable.
Good news! I got out of that place! Woooooooo! It was a huge weight off my shoulder quitting. I started my new job last week. It's another private practice, but well established and there are a lot of people working there. Now I've just been trying to get used to the doctor and getting the hang of things. It's definitely a different pace than my old job, which will also take getting used to.
So far, the other employees have been nice enough and willing to help if they are not too busy. Haven't had too many interactions with the doctor, but the ones I've had were good.
I still feel like I have a long way to go before I'm 100% confident without needing reassurance I'm doing the job right, but that comes with practice/experience, right?
nurseactivist
247 Posts
I think jumping to substance abuse or shady behavior is a big leap. I suspect by the way you write and your level of experience that you are pretty insecure. That is normal when you are starting a new career. There are a lot of cranky people in the world. If you can calmly explain that you want to succeed, but you cannot succeed without having open effective communication with him. You don't need to know where he is; you need to know if he wants patients scheduled if they call urgently. My experience is that cranky people become less cranky when the meek stand tall and you gain his respect. There is nothing wrong with looking around for another job, particularly a practice where there are other staff for feedback and assistance.