Complaints! Complaints!

Yes I understand we have a difficult job. Yes I understand that it is difficult to learn paperwork, systems, and protocol. Yes I understand that the clients have been waiting for five hours to see the Psychiatrist. Do I have to hear all of the complaints?

The staff today was worse then the clients. "The computer doesn't work for me. I give up!" One said. I'm tired of calling the help desk!" Said another. "Who stole my paperwork?" Questioned another. I have to go, move my client to the front or no one will translate for them." Demanded another. When twenty people are vying at one time for attention, at times it can be a bit much.

"Try closing down the computer and starting over." I reply to one. Did you look at the chart order sheet?" I asked another. "I saw Johnny shredding your documents", I replied with a smile to another. But when the Psychiatrist entered the room everybody leaped to attention! But as the first person was about to speak his phone rang and he started to talk about the Smart Car he had his eye on.

Hurry up and wait. This has been a long occuring model around the crisis room we as a staff are all too familiar with. We have tried to fight it, even complained to the doctor about it, but you can only mold Jello into a mold for so long and it will eventually ooze back into its original form. Trust me, the doctor will find a way to see twenty people, talk about cars, clothing and Jessica Alba. Only if she knew about the crush he has on her.

So with confidence at an all time low with the department heads, who does the staff turn to - yep - yours truly. I should wear a sign on my forehead - "The Complaint Dept." I knew I signed up to help those in crisis, little did I realize it would be the staff I worked with that would dominate my time.

May you have good mental health