Working as a lab assistant

[sj73201, BSN, RN]

Hi all, I have a dilemma....I currently work as a lab assistant for an Ob-Gyn in a small office. There are only 4 other lab assistants employed there & no more than 3 of us working at the same time. I have been working there for a little over a month now & they all have been there about 1-1 1/2 years each. So basically, they're like best friends & I'm the outsider. When they get around and talk, of course I'm left out & I know that I can't control that. The job is not completely stressful, but there is soooo much to know about the different procedures and such. The most challenging I would say is writing out lab work for patients & dealing with knowing what to do for each insurance. Being there for a month, I still make mistakes (I am NOT a pro at this stuff), but I think I've grown and rarely ask for too much help because I've kinda gotten it all. However, one of the girls is nice some of the time & we make small conversation, but when she seems stressed she seems to get annoyed with me and acts like I'm supposed to know everything that she knows when she has worked there for a year & a half! I found myself getting upset about this because its already hard to fit in. What advice can you all give to me to let it go? I keep saying its not my fault, and that she's not paying me! But are there any other techniques I can develop to ensure a better work day with this individual? Thank you all in advance.

[eriksoln, BSN, RN]

I recently transfered to a new unit to get away from nights. The people on my new unit have been with each other for a long time. I get the same thing a lot of times, a little bit. You can just tell, there are certain conversations I'm not really wanted in, inside jokes abound etc....

It doesn't bother me. IDK. They've worked together a long time, been through a lot together. As much as they want, its just not possible to have the same "jive" going with new people as with people you've known a long time. Nothing can replace time with someone.

In a social setting, thats all it is. In a professional setting, there are complications in that there is a job to be done. If they are fluffing off questions you ask or favoring one person over another, thats a whole different situation.

Maybe I just deal with it well from being a military brat, always was the new kid. Maybe its my travel nurse time. IDK. It goes away though as you create more of a history with them.

[tech1000]

Relax!! You'll become part of them eventually. It takes time. I worked at my last job for about 3 months before I really started getting to know the people and felt like I belonged. It's only a month. Just keep at what you're doing, ask for help if you're not sure, and you'll get it.

[thmpr]

Being new sucks. Don't pay attention to the attitude. Let it roll off your shoulders & don't acknowledge it. You will look back and laugh.

[sj73201, BSN, RN]

Thanks you all! I will use all of your advice when I go in tomorrow. I have never really been one to let things go when someone has an attitude toward me, BUT I am learning to try to let things go and accept it for what it is. Besides, someone else's issues aren't MY issues :)

Its only really one of the girls anyway, but hey. I guess its not that bad afterall..