I had the oddest experience of having nearly all my patients or their parents give me a thumbs sign up as a parting gesture this evening. Of course it's better than getting the finger, but it was strange to have so many people of varying ages and cultures use this gesture. What was it- Thumbs Up Day? I know that they weren't mimicking me because it's an action that I would never use. I tend to shrug, smile, and look down at the floor no matter the interaction.
As an update to the story regarding the very rude medical assistant, much has unfolded. After two days of thinking about the several scenarios which transpired over the weekend, I decided to write an email to the lead medical assistant. I did not write to my bosses, or to any of the administrators. I put the information out there on the level of the employee so if the medical assistants had anything to say about my behavior, I would hear them out.
T. called me at home yesterday and opened up with, "I am so sorry that you were treated like that. I have brought it to B. and G. and they are regarding it as a serious matter." Okay. Then when I got to work this afternoon, A., our nursing director, called me into her office and I thought, "Here goes." Worse than her discussing the bickering over the weekend was that nursing leadership in our organization won't take no for an answer in regard to my ignoring their requests to fill a position as a nursing instructor.
In truth, I know nothing about the role of LPN and I have no desire to teach at that level. It's more task oriented and less philosophical in general and I tend to wax eloquent on concepts of nursing philosophy. These LPN students need to learn the basics- vital signs, weights, giving shots which is not in my sphere of interest. The pressure is rather heavy coming from nursing administration because a feeder system is desired to fill positions for LPN's.
So just when I would like to phase myself out, or at least dream of it, I am asked to assume a new role.
Maria told me this evening that Tom. who was the offending medical assistant is being called in on Friday, probably to be fired. It was never my intention to have it travel in that direction but I guess she has done enough to harm herself over time. I am hoping that her union intervenes and asks for her to receive guidance/anger management on the job. She is a loose cannon, with a threatening demeanor but can probably learn to keep herself in check.
Angriest of all about the way I was spoken to, I am told, is B. my dear friend and tormentor who is the head administrator of our center. Word does travel fast. Tom. took a chance with me this weekend, and it backfired. I think that the consequences for her have little to do with education or a social class issues that are weighted in my favor (though there might be a small element of that). I'd like to think that it's because I have never, ever messed around on the job and everyone knows this.
Upon coming home, NB and I watched a show which was my dream concept. It was a competition of young opera singers at the Metropolitan Opera, shown on PBS. The program was delightful until the final credits, and then it was sad. Our favorite competing tenor had died of cancer.
We are all still reeling here from the results of the Senate election in MA yesterday. How is it possible that such a shallow and mean spirited Republican could have won? I hope that Ted Kennedy is beyond knowing
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