Another Work Thread....

[KaraBoo]

There seems to be a lot of work threads lately (or maybe it just seems that way), where someone isn't happy in their position and looking for advice.

We'll, here's another one.  

I've read the "be true to yourself" and "life's too short to be in a job you don't like", but I'm needing (I think) some slightly different advice.  

Background:
I've been in my current position for a year and a half (I've been with the hospital system for 18 years).  While I have come a long way in the job, I still feel like I don't really know what I'm doing.  The training has been almost non-existent and what little training I have received has been woefully inadequate for the work I'm doing.  I Credential physicians for the hospital I work for - basically verify and make sure they are qualified and have had the training to perform the medical procedures they claim they can do.  This seems highly ironic to me that a high-school drop-out is verifying that a physician is capable of doing medical procedures that took 10+ years of medical schooling to become proficient in, but whatever.

Anyway...

The office I'm in has a total of 4 employees - my boss N (20 years), my coworker V (22 years), the other coworker M (4 months), and me.  The new coworker, M, has noticed the lack of training as being a huge issue as well and both of us have talked with boss, N about it.  She's understanding and is looking for ways to help us in this area.  She, N, freely admits that V is a horrible trainer.  N has offered to hook me up with additional training outside of the office so as not to hurt V's pride as she's "very good at what she does, just doesn't know how to convey that information to someone else" (N's words).

So....here are the issues I'm trying to figure out in my head....
1).  I think that V isn't as good at the job as N believes her to be.  I'm constantly finding little things that are what V classifies as "exceptions" to the rule that I ask questions about.  Sometimes the "exception" is just that - there is a logical reason why it's an exception.  However, there are plenty of times the response is more along the lines of, "Thanks a lot for pointing out my mistakes" (always said in a sarcastic manner - or at least, that's how I hear it).  V also comments that I always find these "little quirks" - which I'm beginning to realize are probably, actually, shortcuts she is taking to get the job done - which in my mind isn't good.  These "quirks" aren't good because V is actually glossing over the things she's supposed to be verifying and making excuses as to why that's okay.  In my mind, it's not, because we're allowing physicians to do procedures that they might not be competent in - which could have dangerous results for the patient if we're not doting every I and crossing every T.  At the very least, the hospital could be held liable and responsible, which ultimately means my job can be on the line if we allow something that we shouldn't have.  Not sure where to go with this simply because I don't feel like I have the knowledge base to back up what I believe I am finding.

2).  From what I understand, the technology over the past several years in this job/area has taken leaps forward in terms of software and process improvements.  However, while V is very competent in the knowledge of the software, she's trying to utilize it how she originally did the job in paper format.  This is slowing her down immensely and in turn, slowing the rest of the office down.  It is slowing us down to the point that we're rushing at the last minute to complete assignments by a certain due-date and here are where the shortcuts are coming in.  Again - I don't feel knowledgeable enough in the position to suggest changes that will make everyone's life easier.  The one suggestion I made (and I was utilizing successfully for several months before I was pulled off that part of the project) was used for a month or two and then discarded for the old, paper-way of doing things.

N has freely admitted that she knows next to nothing of the software and is leaving that to us/me to figure out how to make the process smoother.

3).  N has informed me multiple times in the past that she plans on retiring in the next 4-5 years and her intention is to have me be in the position to take over her job as boss.  She wants me to learn everything and I believe is looking to me to "solve" these issues to gauge how effective I will be in the future.

So.....here's my dilemma....

I'm not sure I WANT to put in as much effort into this position as what is currently being asked of me.  The job is taking an extraordinary amount of my time (overtime is not uncommon every week) and I believe the stress is taking a toll on my health (possible stomach ulcer - find out Wednesday with a schedule scope, due to pain that is not going away).  Add in ex-spouse issues and teenager drama, and my life is currently overflowing with items demanding my time.

On one hand - if my home life was stable (no ex, teenage, or bed bug drama), I'd welcome the challenge of what this position is throwing at me.  Or at least, I wouldn't feel like I was drowning.  I have to ask myself - is this where I need to be or is it a stepping stone to something else?

On the other hand - if my work life was stable (actually knowing what I was doing and working regular hours), I'd not feel so overwhelmed at home with all of these issues I'm dealing with.

I do feel like I have options in getting another job as I'm respected in my company and I know of other departments would hire me if a position opened up and I actually applied for the job (I've been told this by several of the directors).  So, I'm not stressed about leaving.

I guess my question is - what should I really be looking at or what questions should I be focusing on?  Currently, my job is the one thing in life I have somewhat control over.

***I do have to work - I carry the health insurance on all of us and we cannot live on just my DH's salary alone at this time.

Sorry it's so long - I tried to include everything as I'm unable to get on the boards during the day.  I'll answer any questions I can when I can - just know it may later in the evening before I get a chance.  Thank you for reading and helping!

[whoisjohngalt]

The first question I would ask myself - is there any chance that my ass can be liable for all the mistakes V is making bc it's not like you are just making burgers, your job sounds very serious.

The second question I would be asking - if not this job, what other job would I want to be doing?  If you can find something else that you would like to do/can do - there is your answer.  If not, I would be having much more serious and blunt conversations with your boss.  Just bc she will be (may be) retiring, doesn't mean V will be - so one way or another you might be stuck with her. 

And the third question I would be asking - what can I do to separate my personal and professional life bc stressing out in both wouldn't make me last very long in either.

Don't know how helpful this is, but that's what I would be asking myself

[KaraBoo]

Okay - It's time for me to go to bed, but I'll try to think through what's been brought up so far:

JohnGalt - Several months ago, I would have been seriously worried about the shortcuts V is making because I was directly assisting her.  Now, I'm working a totally separate project doing the same work, so any mistakes she makes are 100% on her.  However, this brings up another issue as the project I'm now on, she began and I'm worried about what shortcuts she may have made in the beginning that I may not find until much later.  That will be on me, even if I can prove I didn't actually do that work.

The issue of mistakes are tied directly to our regulatory agencies who survey the hospitals to make sure we are doing the work properly (The Joint Commission - if you've heard of them....).  Getting "dinged" by them has the potential of the hospital losing it's accreditation which is directly tied to Medicare/Medicaid payments.  Losing the accreditation is a huge deal in this industry and can basically shut a hospital down if the "dings" are serious enough.  I don't know if any of her shortcuts rise to that level, but I really don't want to find out either.  I'm much more worried about ending up on the 6 o'clock news that we allowed some doctor to do a procedure that has a horrible outcome with the patient.  I think that's a much more likely scenario that I want no part of (even if it is a small likelihood of happening).  

As for another job - I'm not sure what I would do.  I've basically floated through my career going from one job to another as the opportunities presented themselves.  This job happened the same way - I was recommended for the job, interviewed and I accepted.  Now that I'm in it, it is much more involved than I ever expected it would be.  I'm not sure if I should be looking for a new job or waiting for another opportunity....

Not sure how to separate out the stresses right now - I think it's just the season of my life right now....

Cheesecakelady - I attended a work conference a few months ago and the one common theme I heard from both the 1st time attendees (I was also one) and the seasoned pros - the lack of training in the position.  Almost everyone I talked to stated how they were thrown into their positions with very little knowledge of how to do the job and what they're doing to try and figure it all out.

Apparently it is industry standard for me to be in this position of feeling like I don't know what I'm doing.  I'm just not sure I want to commit several YEARS to learning a position and making changes if it isn't a good fit for me.  

I almost feel like my problem is both industry and personnel related.  If I had a different coworker and boss, I might not be struggling as much - however, the job might just be as demanding as it is and there's nothing I can do about it (although I don't feel like this is the case).

[plugginaway22]

I have done credentialing for a medical practice of 8 providers, so cannot even imagine doing it for an entire hospital system.  You are correct in that it is a job you just learn 'on the job'.  Has taken me years to find all the little tricks, and electronics has improved things.  The local hospital credentialing staff is just how you describe.  They frantically contact me last minute for documents, licenses, etc, right before 'time is up'.  Good Luck in whatever you decide!

[KaraBoo]

Heading to work shortly, but wanted to respond...

Plugginaway - I appreciate you responding - your position is exactly what we deal with in regards to outside contacts.  I also appreciate you commenting that you have the same experience.  This continues to lead me to believe what I was already suspecting that it is industry standard to be in my position of "lost" while/during training.

The thing is - I don't believe it has to be a "last minute frantic whirlwind" to gather the information we need to credential the doctors.  Everyone (Med Staff office, physician's office, and the physicians) all know this information is needed by a specific date - why is it left to the last minute to scramble for the information? 

I don't know and that's what's frustrating to me.  I prefer to be on fire-watch rather than trying to keep the blazing fire at bay.  It seems like there is always a raging fire that needs to be dealt with on a daily basis.

[Shooby]

  There is nothing wrong with looking at other jobs that you might prefer to do.  I don't subscribe to the "love your job" type fluff that somehow your life isn't complete unless you have the PERFECT job which you never will have.  That type of advice has sent many people down the wrong path in search of some fairy tale that doesn't exist IMHO.   So, if there are positions in a different area, then certainly go look at those.
  As for your present work, when dealing with coworkers, is it your job to crack down on V?  Apparently the boss is happy enough with her performance to keep her their for years.  I think you really need to focus on your own job and what you are doing and i think you need to be careful about overstepping your bounds in terms of your coworkers.
  As for your job being "life or death",  there aren't a lot of rogue doctors out there who are going to go about seeking to do medical care they aren't qualified to do.  They are all highly specialized and a chiropractor isn't going to come to your hospital under the auspices of doing a lung transplant so I think you can not stress out so much about what you are doing while you are trying to collect their credentialing information.

[Shooby]

   It is really time for medical professionals to have one national data base or website where all of their information is stored from board credentialing to other certifications like State licenses and BLS, etc where it could all be easily accessed and verified.

[Opti]

Can you connect with people who are doing what you are at other hospitals and facilities?
Perhaps a mentor or two would help you navigate your job and give you suggestions on what to be concerned about and perhaps how to deal with V.

Its likely Shooby is correct that shady physicians are not going to be practing at hospitals so your actual risk might be low. You have to decide whether you want to hang on until you are V's boss and/or you can replace her. I strongly prefer firewatch mode so I get it. Unfortunately you may need to go with the flow until N retires if you choose to stay.

[KaraBoo]

Shooby – I appreciate you responding.

I’m with you – I don’t subscribe to the theory that I must “love” my job either. I’ve had plenty of jobs that I didn’t love, but stuck them out until something else came along. That’s what I’m trying to figure out in this position – do I stick it out until something else comes along, or do I put in the extra work required to really understand the position and get good at it? I’m not sure of my direction at the moment.

As for “cracking down on V” – I’m not really concerned with her job performance and have no interest in going to the boss about her performance. That is between them. What I am concerned about is the fact that she’s training me and that I might be given incorrect information, not enough information, or no information at all in areas that DO affect my job. It has happened several times that she showed me how to do X part of a job and then later (one time months later), asked me why I wasn’t also doing Y that was associated with X. I never knew about Y and told her that. It has happened enough times in the last year and a half, that I’ve now begun to ask if there is a Z as well. I’m usually told no….until an “exception” comes along, which I don’t know about unless I actually stumble upon it. Frustrating to say the least.

Last point about rogue doctors – it isn’t so much the idea that we’ll get some weirdo who claims to be a doctor, steals his identity and poses as the physician himself that I’m worried about (true cases listed below). I’m worried that if the documentation is incorrect on our end and we allow an actual physician to do a procedure that they are not on paper qualified for, then the hospital can get in a lot of trouble. That WILL directly affect my job.

abcnews.go.com/US/florida-teen-accused-impersonating-physician-assistant-trial/story?id=17102337#.UbaKoPlQFhQ

lexington-sc.patch.com/articles/sheriff-georgia-man-posed-as-physician-at-5-senior-care-facilities

As for the national databases – they’re already out there to some degree. There are a few things that are nation-wide. However, the actual license to practice is state-specific due to the laws in that state. We also verify the physician’s schooling – that they actually went where they said they did, graduated like they said they did (and without major issues – there are more than you might think that have arrests on their records), and can prove that they can do the procedures they claim they can do. There have been many times a requested procedure has been turned down because the physician cannot prove to us/hospital that s/he is competent in that area.

Optimist – I’m in the process of trying to find a mentor outside of my current office. I have talked about it with my boss and she supports the idea, but I haven’t actually had any meetings yet. It’s on my to-do list.

[Shooby]

  It sounds like V just isn't that good at training you.  But, just watch and learn and over time you will put all the pieces together.  Some people just aren't great teachers and sometimes people who have been there for years seem to forget that some things are not obvious or commonsense to someone who has never done it.
  As for doctors "proving their competence", i don't really know the procedure for them doing that.  If they are a board certified ENT with training and residency i would presume that establishes their competence but i don't know how you determine this unless they have to have x number of cases under their belt or what.

[plugginaway22]

This has been the bigger part of my job for the past 10 years.  I find so much of it 'a joke', in that we run around with credentialing paperwork that gets flung in front of a harried Dr to sign, they have no idea what they are signing, don't care, when in reality, the requesting insurance company or hospital or wherever, will throw it in a file and now they are compliant.  We are just the crazy people running around getting all this stuff that no one really cares about.

I also am involved in the HR for the company, which is a whole 'nuther' mess of paperwork!  Haha, but believe it or not, I love my job and am paid well.  Maybe just try to put it all into a lighter perspective.

[KaraBoo]

Thanks guys for sticking through this with me while I talk it through.  

Shooby - V isn't good at training and doing the "watch and learn" system isn't working.  That's what I've been attempting for the last year and a half.  We have due dates, rules, regulations (both state and federal, along with hospital policy that we have to follow) and these items are cumbersome to wade through and learn.  Not to mention a fairly complex computer data management system to keep it all in order.  

I'm slowly learning everything, but it's like sitting on an assembly line for vehicles, putting on one part day after day and then getting moved to a new position, told to put that part on with no training or instruction, because after all, it's just a part, same as the other, and then management gets upset that it's put on wrong.  Then they ask you to assemble the whole vehicle after learning how to assemble two parts with half-assed training.  At least, this is how I'm feeling.

Plugginaway - To a point, I agree - some of it is a joke.  However, as you know with HR, there are rules to follow for liability reasons.  Making sure the physician has current insurance protects not only the doctor, but the hospital and the patient they are performing the procedure on.  Not having proof of that on file at the moment a regulatory agency walks in the door can cause some serious issues.  (If it's easier to think about, compare it to a restaurant with a health inspector visit - you want the establishment to prove they know how to handle food safely right?  We make sure the doctors handle the patient safely.)

(this is general comments - not directed at anyone in particular)  The same goes for performing procedures.  As patients, you want the physician who is the best at what they do...right?  How do you prove that they are the best?  Not only by word of mouth, but by how many procedures of that type they have done.  If you need a hip replacement - do you want the guy who's done 0 or the one who's done 20 in the last year?  What about if they learned how to do it in residency 10 years ago, but haven't done any since then?  A lot of what I do, verifies that the doctors we have on-staff are at the very least competent in recent history (they've done at least X amount in the last year).  If they cannot prove current competency, the procedure is taken off of their list of things they can do.  We have had plenty of doctors get mad at us because they can't prove they've done a procedure in recent history.  

[Shooby]

Jun 12, 2013 7:54:56 GMT -5 @tbird said:

Jun 9, 2013 21:37:13 GMT -5 KaraBoo said:

This seems highly ironic to me that a high-school drop-out is verifying that a physician is capable of doing medical procedures that took 10+ years of medical schooling to become proficient in, but whatever.

Second, you aren't evaluating their competence, you are making sure that all documentation is as it should, i.e. an administrative job.  Either you are capable of assessing the completeness of a record or you are not.  Stop feeling inferior or intimated by others' education, and focus on what you have accomplished vs what you have not.

  Yes.  You are not evaluating their competence.  Good point.  You are not making a decision that they are capable of performing surgery or whatever.  What you are doing is verifying their credentials and completing the documentation.  So, i do think you can remove that particular weight off of your shoulders.

[formerroomate99]

Karaboo, you seem to think V is undermining you, and you very well may be right.  If she doesn't mind the overtime, and wants to be queen bee, she has absolutely no incentive to do a good job training you. 

But on the other hand, you really don't need her cooperation.  Software has local documentation, and common software often has forums where you can google answers to your questions.  The University of Google is your friend.  At my first job out of school, I was the only person at my office who was doing what I was doing.  Since they were too cheap to do any training and had no idea what I did or how I did it, I not only had to train myself, it was on me to figure out what I needed to learn and pick it up.  Yes, you may have to read some boring piece of documentation 5 times before it sinks in, yes, doing this on top of putting in overtime will be hard, but if you learn how to do your job in a more efficient mannor, the overtime could go away, and even if you plan on leaving, learning how to do the job more efficiently is an effort that won't be wasted. 

[justme]

I was in a somewhat similar position once, people left and I got tossed their work and had to make sense of it with very little training and it was paper based before me. I sat down one day and took what instructions I had and what needed to be done and then made my own process and created a list of instructions to go with it. I threw on the computer what information I could. I showed it to my supervisor and they liked it and were grateful someone had finally done it (the whole office was very high turn over). I worked there during college breaks so I'd leave and come back and know at least 3 people were trained using my method so it was accepted.

So that's what I would do, in hopes that you could streamline the steps and cut down on the craziness and stress. Plus, writing down the steps and instructions as you see them  and then have your supervisor review it is a great way to ensure that you're doing the job correctly and should alleviate your lost feeling.

[KaraBoo]

Okay - I meant to reply on Wednesday night, but was busy with the kids....

Then - I was going to reply last night instead, but spent the entire night crying and making a list of everything I'm currently stressed out about, both at work and at home, because the proverbial "straw" was dealt yesterday afternoon.

My boss, who was supposed to be helping me through all of this, was "asked" to resign - resign or be fired.  At least they gave her the choice - I guess.  Yesterday was her last day.  She came to work today after lunch, with an HR escort, to clean out her desk and give us final instructions.

When her boss (S) came to talk to us yesterday afternoon, I couldn't say anything except sit there and silently cry.  Real professional, I know.  At least V was crying too.  S asked V what she could do for us - the response was, we can't take on any more, we're swamped as is.  S asked me if I had anything to say since I was so quiet (trying not to sob out-loud).  I finally was able to respond that I needed to request a one-on-one appointment with her - which was promptly scheduled for 10am this morning.

I scheduled the appointment to lay out to S everything that N already knew about - multiple personal health issues, kids and myself in counseling, bed bug issues at home, ex-spouse issues, and work stresses.  She was concerned that I felt a major error on my part a few months ago contributed to N "resigning", but I assured her I understood the resignation to be business and not personal and I wasn't going to hold a grudge about it.  What I didn't say to her is that I'm not surprised it happened to be honest.  I did tell her my emotional breakdown was due to my own personal threshold being exceeded and I just couldn't deal with one more thing at that moment.  She said she understood.

Before I even got to the work-related issues, S asked me to give her some time to get me the proper training I need - to please not bail on her or the department.  That she's been watching our department for a while and she's been impressed with what I've been able to do without the proper training.  I told her about my own debate on whether or not the job was worth it and how I thought the lack of proper training and the office culture played a big part in my indecision.  She assured me she will get me the training I need.

S asked me for my assessment of the department mood - I told her my opinion.  That M is as frustrated as I am with the lack of training and that V is stuck in the past trying to do the job the old way.  S agreed with me and stated she will be looking for a strong leader to implement the proper changes, but force a change in the culture (if necessary).  

After making my list of stressors, presenting them and talking at the 10am meeting, I actually feel better about the situation, even with all of the unknowns.  I feel bad for N, but overall, I'm feeling better about the situation.  I'm going to bid my time for the next 6 months to see if the changes actually happen or are just smoke.  

[KaraBoo]

Jun 12, 2013 7:54:56 GMT -5 @tbird said:

Jun 9, 2013 21:37:13 GMT -5 KaraBoo said:

This seems highly ironic to me that a high-school drop-out is verifying that a physician is capable of doing medical procedures that took 10+ years of medical schooling to become proficient in, but whatever.

Karaboo, this sentence just keeps bugging me.  And I first read it a couple of days ago.

First off, why are you insulting yourself?  Is that how you see yourself?  A high school drop out?  Wasn't this decades ago - and if so - why is this defining you?

Are you capable of doing an administrative job or not?  If so, then own that and move on.

Rukh - I've been thinking about this for a few days (read it on the 12th, just couldn't respond until now).  I think the reason this bothers me so much is because it is the only thing in my life that I seriously regret.  I don't regret what I learned during the time I ran away from home which led to me dropping out, I don't regret marrying my ex-husband, I don't regret helping my current DH get custody of his kids (no matter how much they try my patience).  

But I do regret not graduating.  

There's nothing I can do to change this, but there is a part of me that feels empty because of it.  I don't know how to get over this feeling and it does bother me a lot.

[mmhmm]

KaraBoo, there is something you can do to change that which leads to that empty feeling.  You probably can't do it right away.  You've got more than enough on your plate for the moment.  However, if things pan out the way S made it sound like they would, things may get better over the next year.  Once you have some breathing room, why not check in with a community college in your area.  They can help you make some plans to get that education you missed.  You can enter the community college by passing the GED and their entrance exam.  From that time on, hon, the world is your oyster.  It'll take some work, and commitment, but it is something you can do.  Give yourself a bit of time, and think about it.

[KaraBoo]

mmhmm - thanks, I appreciate the reply, but I do have my GED - sorry about not being clear about that before.  I was able to get it about 3 months after returning home from my grand adventure (I was gone from March through Septemberish - I dropped out with about 12 weeks to go in my senior year).  I remember I royally p*ssed my mom off by taking the test cold, with no prep work, and passing it on the first try.  She didn't want to pay for me to take it and instead told me to go back to high school.  I just couldn't do that at the time after "seeing the world".  

I don't know how to explain it exactly, but just the act of not "graduating" is what I regret.  Like somehow that GED paper just isn't good enough. That somehow my smarts and talents are just a sham and one day the rest of the world is going to realize that I'm not very smart.

I know none of this makes sense and I know I should just get over it.  It's hard because I've always been told how smart I am (I passed the GED test on the first try because I was in Honor's classes).  Well - if I was so smart, why did I drop out in the first place?  Being young and naive and incredibly stupid at the time - that's why.  

Like I said - I don't regret what I learned while I was running away - those lessons taught me a great deal about myself and gave me more street-smarts than the book-smarts I had.  

[mmhmm]

Oh!  That's too cool!  In that case, you're well on your way!  I can understand the regret of not "graduating".  It's a big deal, I suppose, in most of our lives.  However, the GED is plenty good enough and your smarts and talents are obviously not a sham.  You've been able to make your way in the world, and you're doing a good job and doing it without training.  That speaks reams, girl!  All you have to do now is get through this rough patch and set a plan for yourself to reach the goals you're longing for and prove yourself to yourself.  I've read enough of what you've posted here to assure you:  You've already proven yourself to me.

[shanendoah]

Have only glanced through, so this may have been mentioned and I missed it. This is advice for if you decide you want to stay in your current position.

Have you gone to NAMSS.org and looked for your local chapter? The credentialing staff I worked with were all very active in both NAMSS and the WAMSS (the Washington state chapter). I know that they were able to find mentors in the professional organization outside of their workplaces, which really helped for our single credential-er located in the other half of the state.
In addition, even if you don't take the test, studying for the CPCS (Certified Provider Credentialing Specialist) exam might help you understand the job a lot more.

Since your boss knows you haven't had great on the job training, you might even be able to convince the company to pay for your membership.

[suesinfl]

Kara, you are one strong lady, I'm glad that you are posting again, even though times are tough are right now. You have helped me so much in the past in dealing with my kids and the ex. Your advice and resources were right on. Please take care of yourself, you have so much to offer.

I know that it would not help too much, but can we have a virtual "graduation" for you? You definitely deserve it!!!

 

[KaraBoo]

Hey guys - sorry I've been MIA - it's been a long few days for me.

Shenendoah - I replied to your PM.

mmhmm and Sues - you guys are too sweet!  And I'm really happy to hear I was able to help you Sues - ex's, horrible ones like we have, are just the worst to deal with!

The mood in the office is very dour right now from V.  She's always been a "nose to the grindstone" type personality, but I can tell her attitude is starting to change.  I can't tell if it's for the better or worse, so I'm holding my tongue for now.  M is handling everything more like I am - upset, but there's a job to do, so let's do it.

What I really, REALLY want to do is have a meeting with just the three of us - V, M and myself - and comment, "We have the opportunity to make some serious changes in our department RIGHT NOW.  Without an immediate director and lots of support of our interim boss, we have the ability to reorganize the job duties into something that actually makes sense instead of spinning our wheels.  What suggestions do you have that can accomplish this?"  (I do have suggestions.....except.....see below...)

To me - taking this step just makes sense.  However, at the same time, it doesn't - because of me.  I'm part of the office, but everything I do is for another facility - I'm basically doing all of my work remotely.  Everything V and M does is for the entity we're physically located at - meetings, meeting minutes, etc.  So...I'm kind of the odd man out.

Any suggestions on how to accommodate each need - the immediate need of the hospital we reside at and the equally important needs of the distant hospital I actually work for?

[Queen of Interesting Nuts]

Both my kids dropped out, DS at Christmas break his senior year, took the GED the following summer and DD never took her senior year and took the GED on her 18th birthday, before then she had to get permission from the county schools so she just waited until she was 18. I myself ran away from home around oct of my senior year then came back the following summer and had to go to the principal and beg for them to take me back so I graduated a year behind everyone I knew. It ain't the end of the world, you're good.

[KaraBoo]

Wanted to give you guys a small update on my situation.  I'm so happy right now!

I did have the talk with V and M about what can we do to improve our situation in the office - what changes can we make?  M was open to the idea, but only being in the office 4 months and not doing the same type of work that V or I do, she didn't have any concrete ideas.  V stated she just didn't know of anything that COULD be changed and we didn't have time to work out the changes anyway - we're too busy!

That was kind of my point for having the talk - we're SLAMMED, but I'm pretty sure the reason we're slammed is because of our work processes, not because of the actual work.  Do we have busy times?  Of course we do, but I'm just not seeing the same issues that V sees.  

So....I took the only step I know that I can have control over.  I requested training at other facilities to see how they handle their processes.  When I brought up the idea to V and M (with my interim boss's approval), M was supportive and V thought it was a bad idea.  Her response was I can get any training I need from her and going somewhere else (especially the locations I had chosen) would be like taking a step backwards because they're not using the same software we're using.

That's not the point V - the point is, I need to know/learn new processes, how to do the job - not the program.

I had my first training session yesterday with the one location V was adamant I not go to.  We talked for over 5 hours, missed lunch and both of us learned so much!  We could have talked for another 5 hours as the last hour and a half is when we really ramped up what we were learning from each other.  

I am so excited by what I learned!  I'm not feeling so defeated by the job any more - I have a plan and while I know it won't be easy to implement, there is a plan!

I have another training session today with a different facility.  If I learn half of what I learned yesterday, I will be just as excited!  

[KaraBoo]

One last thing, then I have to leave for my training.  I'll be back later.

I didn't tell V that I had scheduled the training as I just didn't want to hear any more negativity from her.  She found out anyway because one of the facilities called her for another reason and then mentioned it to her.

She informed me that I had hurt her feelings that I didn't feel like I could get the training I needed from her for the program.  I reminded her, yet again, that it wasn't training for the program I was looking at, but how they actually did their work, the processes that utilized the program, was what I was after.  She said she understood, but her feelings were still hurt and it's going to take her a while to get over it.

<sigh>  I wish she could see the value in what I'm trying to accomplish.  I'm not trying to slam her at all - my intention is to help the entire office, including her, not feel so overwhelmed all the time.

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

Good job Karaboo.  Keep "leaning in"

Don't worry what V thinks (or at least try not to).  You are doing what you need to professionally and if she can't recognize that then that is her problem.  There is absolutely no reason for her to take it so personally.

[KaraBoo]

I guess I am that naive....  If someone has an idea that will potentially make my job easier - regardless of who is trying to show that to me, I'm all for it!  I don't understand the mentality of holding on to old ways, just because "that's how it's always been done".

As for the self-bestowed importance - I understand what you are saying - but I see that as a cop-out or maybe as an excuse.  Maybe it is lack of self-esteem, I don't know, but I certainly do not understand the mentality, whatever it is.  My experience is that you make yourself MORE important/valuable to the company by learning new and better ways to do things in your position.  I understand that in certain job cultures that can be a negative, but in the company I'm in and with the bosses I've had - it is definitely a huge plus!

Part of hind-sight being so important in instances like this is what you can learn from it.  My boss being asked to "resign" isn't a huge shock to me like it is with V.  Hind-sight tells me that when they reorganized the department 2 years ago (before I transferred in), there was an expectation there that the processes would have to change to meet the current demand with less staffing which would put us more in line with the market.  

V obviously doesn't see the same history or issues that I do which is why I'm trying to encourage us to look at what we can change before we're forced to change.  The processes in our office didn't change and as far as I can tell, excuses were made why they weren't happening.  The big bosses will not put up with that indefinitely - as N found out.  I'm afraid V might/will find that out as well - and at that point, I will be the most senior person in the department - which is a scary thought!  

So....yeah....I really do wish she could see the value in what I'm trying to accomplish.  If that makes me naive - so be it.

[NomoreDramaQ1015]

It's a nice sentiment but it's not your problem.  Keep doing what you are doing.  It sounds like teh writing is on the wall and you need to focus on keeping your job.  V will either adapt or be washed out eventually.

Some people get used to "knowing it all" and being Queen Bee of the office.  What you're doing is rocking the boat and forcing her to admit maybe she's not all that and a bag of chips.  Majority of people are not comfortable with introspection and will do whatever they can to avoid it.

I've worked with plenty of them myself.  My focus is on keeping my job and moving forward.  If they want to stay trapped in the past that is their business.  I won't be the lab tech that is cut when the budget tightens.

[mmhmm]

Sounds like things are going well, Kara!  You're learning and growing, and ideas are surfacing that may be very useful in getting your operation to a point where it isn't burying you all.  I get the feeling V is just afraid of change ... afraid she'll be unable to learn, or unable to progress.  As long as things stay the same, she knows what she's doing (even if that's spinning in circles). Change means challenge and she doesn't appear to have enough faith in herself to believe she can meet that challenge.  Folks like that must sink, or swim on their own.  There's little that anyone else can do for them.  It has to come from them.

Hopefully, further sharing with other locations will give you more grist for the planning phase of your ideas.  I'm betting you'll do beautifully!