Really odd meeting ... not sure what to think

[Opti]

We had our receptionist meeting today, and it was not as I had hoped, and even a bit odd.

As we were waiting for the FTer to come join us in the meeting room, I decided to make conversation on business and asked if we had a new opening date for the new building. The Fixer said, 'Well, Optimist I don't play those games... everybody gets the same information at the same time.'

WTE? How about saying something normal like, I'll wait to share that when Fter joins us.

  (Really I just wanted to know, Is there some bizarre business game some people play, knowing info like that for 5 minutes before someone else? WTE. WTE. WTE squared!)

Does this mean the Fixer is a game player?

[tskeeter]

Hmmm - the fact that you dubbed them the Fixer might be a clue to what you think of them.  I always think of "fixers" as being a bit manipulative and likely less than completely honest about things.

Now, if your Fixer is the person who can always get the copier running again, I might be off base in my interpretation.

[ArchietheDragon]

Sounds like you are known as the work shit stirrer

[andi9899]

I think it's a weird response. I think I would have said something about the snarky comment. But. I'm very politically incorrect too.

[honeysalt]

Is this a person who has been hired to come in and fix things or are you labeling them the fixer based on your impression of them?

External hires tasked with fixing departments often need to keep things cold and impersonal.  It can be harder to make the necessary staffing and procedural changes if you have a personal relationship.  Small talk isn't going to be on their agenda.

If this person has been there a while and you have labeled them a fixer, my guess is that they view you as a game player.  Not saying you are, how would I know, just saying that is how I think they view you. 

[andi9899]

Jul 22, 2015 16:41:52 GMT -5 ArchietheDragon said:

Sounds like you are known as the work shit stirrer

I'm known as the shit disturber.

[Opti]

Jul 22, 2015 16:41:52 GMT -5 ArchietheDragon said:

Sounds like you are known as the work shit stirrer

Thing is, I am not. But the new person is a liar and shit spreader. This means, the RDO aka fixer is buying her stories including non-starters like the issue with the Desktop is all about us having individual folders for our stuff.

We already do, and it is not issue except for the new person who is wicked territorial. The problem I have and the other PTer, i.e. both people who have worked here pre new person and pre Fixer, is that the new person moves, deletes, changes desktop icons and tells no one. I don't get it quite as much, but she loves telling the both of us how important she is because she is an administrative assistant(all FTers have had that title). I think she needs us to be impressed with her, which isn't going to happen unless admiring her BS, Sales, and lying skills count.

[flamingo]

I think it's a weird response. But, was the purpose of the meeting to discuss the opening of the building? Because then I wouldn't have used that as a way to make conversation while we waited for all of the meeting participants to show up.

[ArchietheDragon]

Jul 22, 2015 17:02:19 GMT -5 Opti said:

Jul 22, 2015 16:41:52 GMT -5 ArchietheDragon said:

Sounds like you are known as the work shit stirrer

Thing is, I am not. But the new person is a liar and shit spreader. This means, the RDO aka fixer is buying her stories including non-starters like the issue with the Desktop is all about us having individual folders for our stuff.

We already do, and it is not issue except for the new person who is wicked territorial. The problem I have and the other PTer, i.e. both people who have worked here pre new person and pre Fixer, is that the new person moves, deletes, changes desktop icons and tells no one. I don't get it quite as much, but she loves telling the both of us how important she is because she is an administrative assistant(all FTers have had that title). I think she needs us to be impressed with her, which isn't going to happen unless admiring her BS, Sales, and lying skills count.

To them you are

[Opti]

Jul 22, 2015 17:03:54 GMT -5 flamingo said:

I think it's a weird response. But, was the purpose of the meeting to discuss the opening of the building? Because then I wouldn't have used that as a way to make conversation while we waited for all of the meeting participants to show up.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss hostilities among the receptionists and I think to push some procedures she is starting out to us. But we were not actually allowed to discuss any of the stuff that has caused hostilities. Apparently just saying we are to respect each other is magically going to fix things and the new FT person will stop sabotaging us and crying Wolf every time she feels we don't respect her authority.

When the new building opens, impacts when we finally move into our permanent space and stop having to operate inside a patient room.

[Opti]

Jul 22, 2015 17:06:13 GMT -5 ArchietheDragon said:

Jul 22, 2015 17:02:19 GMT -5 Opti said:

Thing is, I am not. But the new person is a liar and shit spreader. This means, the RDO aka fixer is buying her stories including non-starters like the issue with the Desktop is all about us having individual folders for our stuff.

We already do, and it is not issue except for the new person who is wicked territorial. The problem I have and the other PTer, i.e. both people who have worked here pre new person and pre Fixer, is that the new person moves, deletes, changes desktop icons and tells no one. I don't get it quite as much, but she loves telling the both of us how important she is because she is an administrative assistant(all FTers have had that title). I think she needs us to be impressed with her, which isn't going to happen unless admiring her BS, Sales, and lying skills count.

To them you are

Correct. This woman has bought the new woman's version of reality hook, line, and sinker. It helps that she apparently is as computer un-savvy as the new FT person. My boss tried to bring up the fact the issue was the shared files, but she got shut out as well.

[Deleted]

It's been my experience that those who play games, assume everyone else rolls the same way.  

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

Jul 22, 2015 16:43:37 GMT -5 andi9899 said:

Jul 22, 2015 16:41:52 GMT -5 ArchietheDragon said:

Sounds like you are known as the work shit stirrer

I'm known as the shit disturber.

better disturber than distributor.  

[Knee Deep in Water Chloe]

thoughts you might consider:

1) If it isn't your reality that is the winning reality, you will have to decide to either participate in the winning reality or remove yourself from this gig altogether. Otherwise, you'll be fired. 

2) If there is game-playing, which there is or there wouldn't have been this type of meeting scheduled today, then yes, telling one person something prior to telling someone else something is a big deal. Feelings get hurt and the person who first found out often plays the "well, I was told first" card. 

3) It's unclear to me, but I'm one who has declared confusion with your pontification, who has authority and who doesn't. If the full time receptionist is your superior, then you need to play the role. If she isn't then ask for your own meeting with the actual supervisor and seek clarity. 

[debthaven]

Sounds like they like the new person, even though you do not.

I'm not saying your complaints aren't valid, but they probably hired this person FT for a reason (ie they like her and they feel she is competent). Opti I know you have wanted a FT position there for a while, and I'm sorry that you haven't gotten it.

But she's FT there, and you're still PT there. So, visibly, they like her.

I'm just not sure it's worth trying to prove she's wrong, and therefore that THEY are wrong (because clearly they like her, because they just hired her for a FT position) is worth your while / time / angst.

[debthaven]

Also, maybe she has been told to try to standardize things, and that's why she's getting rid of icons and every PT-er's way of doing things? Maybe that's her brief?

IF that's the case though, of course all the staff needs to be informed of the way to do things going forward. 

Could that have been the point of today's meeting?

But honestly, if you need / want this job, I don't think causing friction or standing out is the best way to go about it. 

As always, good luck!

[obelisk]

Start looking for a new job.  It is crystal clear that your opinion does not carry any weight there.  I would set the deadline by the time the new facility opens.

[Works4me]

It does not matter what the reality is nor does it matter how you perceive it. All that matters is how the powers that be perceive it.

You have repeatedly expressed a desire for full time which most likely has been ignored, not overlooked. For whatever reason, that facility does not want you there full time. The reason does not really matter now - all that matters is the reality of what the powers that be want.

My best guess is that they will use the opening of the new building to re-align the front desk staff. Positions will be changd and eliminated. In my life experience, the writing is on the wall and you need to put all of your energy into finding a new job - hopefully full time.

ETA - Healthcare facilities have fairly high rates of turnover and being near several large employment markets plus being a renter gives you the ability to find a job you want and like then after the probation period is over you could move closer. Use what you have to your advantage - employed only part time,  good transportation, educated, taste to dress well and ability to move as needed.

You can do this!

[Opti]

Jul 22, 2015 17:06:13 GMT -5 ArchietheDragon said:

Jul 22, 2015 17:02:19 GMT -5 Opti said:

Thing is, I am not. But the new person is a liar and shit spreader. This means, the RDO aka fixer is buying her stories including non-starters like the issue with the Desktop is all about us having individual folders for our stuff.

We already do, and it is not issue except for the new person who is wicked territorial. The problem I have and the other PTer, i.e. both people who have worked here pre new person and pre Fixer, is that the new person moves, deletes, changes desktop icons and tells no one. I don't get it quite as much, but she loves telling the both of us how important she is because she is an administrative assistant(all FTers have had that title). I think she needs us to be impressed with her, which isn't going to happen unless admiring her BS, Sales, and lying skills count.

To them you are

Correction, unless by them you mean the RDO and the new FT person who started in April. My boss knows I am not a shit stirrer because she has been here for roughly 6 years and me, four.

The RDO came to fix things. Someone bending her ear about all these problems might be something she wants to hear. Some weird stuff is being implemented such as safes and drop boxes for cash. One day I came in and the key to the business office was gone, so we could no longer drop off the cashbox nor the envelopes of cash, checks ad occasional CC receipts. Since we are getting bigger, it does make some sense that more double accounting type methods for receiving money are in place.

However, this happened on new girl's shift and I think, but do not know, it had something to do with money of some sort going missing or not being accounted for. She gets lazy at the end of the shift and has refused both me & the other PTer to just walk the money received during her shift down to the business manager. Since he is usually still in the office, both can count & witness it there. I was tired of her continually dumping the stuff on me, because I should not be responsible for monies received or not on her shift. Its weird given she worked at a car dealership prior to this, and logic would say she'd understand and agree that it is in her best interest to not have two shifts of money in the same envelope. But she is petulant and often said something like you could just do it. So could you, Princess.   It turns out what I did probably hastened us to this point, because I told her if you aren't going to take it down, I am no longer going to count, check, and verify stuff from your shift. This is part self preservation, as over the years, FT people get sloppy and do not receive all the money for lunch from employees or guests. And usually by the time I come in they are gone or are leaving. So I started turning in envelopes with her collections and mine with only mine labeled. I am somewhat anal on this, because people use the business manager's office when he is out, so a sticky on the outside usually gives a breakdown of what was received during my shift, which typically is 4 to 8PM on an evening following the new woman. This means I only handle dinner money and

payments usually for beauty services, tv, or phone. The big $$ usually comes through the mail for private pay patients.

[Deleted]

Jul 22, 2015 18:51:42 GMT -5 obelisk said:

Start looking for a new job.  It is crystal clear that your opinion does not carry any weight there.  I would set the deadline by the time the new facility opens.

[Opti]

Archie, do not know if I put in another thread or even on PB. Just last week Thursday, the new person stayed behind in the patient room across from reception which is being used as a break room just to spy and listen to me and who I talked to. For 30 minutes. She left & came back three times.

I did not notice, it was actually my former boss I was talking to, who did. I was talking to her to make sure I wasn't being unreasonable, but yes the sleaziness, lies, the game playing is way past old. I have never worked with someone like this before, at this facility. This will be the first time I actually distrust someone as a person and feel their character is crap. Before her, I always found common ground and worked around weaknesses. I know I still need to do so until one of us leaves, even if she is a liar, possible thief, and verified maker up of stories.

I really wish she would go to a grief support group or something. She's been on notice off and on for being inappropriate with visitors and patients. She has glommed on to one that reminds her of her father, who she took care of before he passed from Alzheimers. Then it was appropriate to ask about medications etc. For a patient in our facility it is not. It is not professional to try to ingratiate oneself into a patient's family when said patient is in the facility. Its not great form for those out of it, but perhaps not crossing any legal & conduct boundaries.

[Opti]

Jul 23, 2015 6:01:31 GMT -5 oped said:

Jul 22, 2015 18:51:42 GMT -5 obelisk said:

Start looking for a new job.  It is crystal clear that your opinion does not carry any weight there.  I would set the deadline by the time the new facility opens.

Totally agree. Makes me wonder if she is the one who got the person who was to be the director of the ALF and dementia unit, fired. She was planning to ride his coattails to promotions in the new building. Big shock to all of the staff, I have not called him yet, but after yesterday's meeting it is on my to do soon list.

[Deleted]

That sounds like a whole lotta drama at your job.

I didn't realize you'd been there 4 years. What do you think is the reason you have been unable to get a full-time position at the company?

[NastyWoman]

Jul 22, 2015 16:31:47 GMT -5 Opti said:

We had our receptionist meeting today, and it was not as I had hoped, and even a bit odd.

As we were waiting for the FTer to come join us in the meeting room, I decided to make conversation on business and asked if we had a new opening date for the new building. The Fixer said, 'Well, Optimist I don't play those games... everybody gets the same information at the same time.'

 

Opti, based on this reaction I would say you need to heed that old saying of "the early bird gets the worm" which if you give it a second look also tells you what happens to the early worm...

Sounds to me like you need the implied warning the fixer gave you by telling you that you are considered not the bird in this equation by the fixer. Since you need this job at least until something better comes along I would keep this foremost in my mind if I were you

[Opti]

Jul 23, 2015 8:55:19 GMT -5 @pinkcshmere said:

That sounds like a whole lotta drama at your job.

I didn't realize you'd been there 4 years. What do you think is the reason you have been unable to get a full-time position at the company?

I was offered FT when I worked as rehab aid tech but it would have been $10/hr. to start and the bulk of the time on my feet which I knew my back could not take. Turning it down did hurt me, but I had to protect my health.

The facility I work in is fairly small and most of the jobs that changeover regularly are in nursing(not qualified) or food service(not certified, no desire to be). The office jobs that do not require certs are few and often belong in various divisions that are not mine. Also, it is rare until recently that job openings were even posted. Several times after the announcement of someone leaving/someone being hired, I and others find out a certain position was even open. Unit secretary - under the aegis of whoever is the current Director of Nursing. My current boss got promoted into that after her maternity leave and the FT recreation aide got slid into FT receptionist to save her a FT job. Our facility has been under construction for over 1 1/2 years. The budget shrinks and regains ground fairly often.(That horrible hiring decision was two administrators ago, three if you count the acting one. That FTer is the one that got fired, whose status was held from me and the other PTer because we did not need to know.   I guess if you choose to leave me as a mushroom and not promote me, that kind of thinking could be justified to someone I suppose. Bottom line though, I am still better, faster, nicer, and a suckier self-promoter than new FT hire.)

I know why and unfortunately it is not mostly me. My biggest fault is not being a natural marketer and talking up my situation every month, with every one. Which to me sounds tiresome, but is likely what is needed given my exposure to the decision makers is limited given my hours are evenings and weekends. o in short, I do know why. I knew this place was not what the bulk of YM thought it was. There are places that good work is not rewarded unless it comes with an advertising campaign and pretty shiny. This is one of those places, and since I do have to be there - I am doing the pretty shiny when I can. I will not let FT liar win be default. She's going to have to earn this and I have been told I need to document the slip ups. I hate being a tattle tale, but apparently she is good at picking who she slips up with most of the time. Not sure why my boss is so clueless in that yes Virginia, asshole suckups generally only treat the people they consider below them like crap and put on the 'I am wonderful, you are wonderful face' in your presence. She's been talking smack about you(current boss) from about week two or so. Consider this post you warning.

[obelisk]

Oh boy!  I mean Oh girl!  By your own admission the writing is on the wall.  You are screwed by your own admission.  Please keep us updated on how this finally turns out after 4 years PT work with a boss that favors you over all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am sure there is a higher power out there (a ferry) that will finally recognize all your issues into one for all that will finally make you into the eyes of management that you are a key person.  Do you even have a key to the facility?
Keep in mind that management does not care about you, especially after " your 4 long years of dedicated pt work".
You are fighting a losing battle.  The sooner you realize this the sooner you will be able to move on.

[Opti]

Obelisk, this is not my forever job. I've had at least 5 or 6 bosses since I've been there. The only things constant about this place is really knowing that the receptionist's boss, the DON, and the administrator generally have an expire date of a year or less.

Reminder, its a sub-acute facility, it is always open. Like hospitals - 24x7x365 - so no key for me, although we all had keys to the old desk which did have a locked drawer.

[Opti]

I will abandon this thread. For those who want to talk about things I already know, like I  want a better job elsewhere, have at it. I have lots of deadlines to meet in the next month, so job application time is limited. They sometimes end up being a waste of time anyway, like the PT receptionist at a car dealership I recently applied for. Meh.

I need to survive until. I need to make money until. I'm not going to live in the mythical future of a new good job or even a better FT crappy job. I need to live now, fully present in my crappy PT job with my crappy income, etc. I successfully got recertified for food stamps, got my crown done, and have set up an appointment with another ObamaCare dentist with better hours for me and even closer to me than the dentist Social Services assigned me to. Being underfunded is a constant pressure of money, time, and often copious loads of paperwork, which, if you don't do exactly right, sometimes the conseqences are not pretty.

Off to do today's two paperwork snafus and possibly other things before tonight's work shift.

[obelisk]

Wishing you the best of luck with your future.  I can only hope that you are able to take posters advice seriously.  I have  been there with a previous employer.  After 20 years of full time work, I did not take the new management viewpoint as adverse.  I moved on and looked at the past as the party is over and its time to move on.  This decision was best since the old company is a shelf of the past.  It is up to you and only you to make the necessary changes to effect your future outcome. 

[MJ2.0]

I don't understand why you start threads about job related stuff and then leave when people tell you what you need to hear. Burying your head in the sand is not going to help you at all (been there, done that, got the t-shirt, and I ain't wearin it!).