Difficult Experience with Coworkers in Clinical Job

[Teisuto]

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Hi everyone! So I'm currently a rising junior working as a medical assistant this summer. I love the job; organizing the flow of the patients, getting to see all the procedures the doctor does (urology clinic), drawing blood, etc. However, I do not get along well with my coworkers. They definitely get along a lot better with each other and frequently leave me out of things. We're cordial, but it's still really awkward honestly. Anyway, these coworkers make me dread the days I have to go into the clinic even though I love the actual job duties, which sucks.

Something that happened today really hurt. The "lead" MA (certified, has been doing this for decades) pulled me aside and told me that she noticed that I wasn't doing as much as the other MAs and needed to be more proactive to continue being in the healthcare field. Thing is, I'd definitely say that I'm a proactive person, but this environment is just so hard to be proactive in. Feeling left out all the time makes me not want to do my job.

I just feel really awful about all this and wanted to rant. I only have two more months in this job (because I have to move for college) and I know I can get through it, but I just wish the experience was better. Has anyone else had bad experiences with coworkers?

 

[Gwynbleidd]

I went through a similar experience - not at my clinical job, but another activity I did. It took me a while to realize a big part of it was the environment. The staff were toxic and cliquey, and not very forgiving of honest mistakes especially for a volunteer. As a result I really hated going in for my shifts despite liking the work, and ended up quitting once I got all I could out of it.

So I understand how you feel, but if you enjoy the work (which is sounds like you do), try your hardest not to let it stop you from doing your best. Maybe you’re not besties with your coworkers but you can still be a great MA. Perform to the best of your ability, get a rockin LOR, and don’t be afraid tell them goodbye when you’ve gotten what you need from the job.

 

[Osteosaur]

It's your first job and you're like 21 or so? Its easy to be "proactive' at a job when you know what needs to be done and how you can help. Its hard when you're new you're afraid to rock the boat. Did she give examples of what she'd like you to do? Just ask for specifics. Obviously don't make her mad and just react calmly and show willingness to improve.

And of course its awkward. You are probably younger, and not going to be there long, and trying to find your place with people have been coworkers for years.

Get what you can out of the job so far as a CV entry and go. Who cares. Some rando MA can't say whether or not you're qualified to be a doctor.

 

[candbgirl]

And if your other coworkers have been there for years there might be a bit of jealousy. Young college kid who plans on med school after college might be something they wanted at some point. You’ve got 2 months so work hard, do what you can and go back to college. Just make sure you are impressing someone if you want a letter and I don’t mean the head MA. Is that even a job category?). It’s still a good experience clinically and even with interpersonal skills.

 

[LizzyM]

I would strongly recommend not asking anyone in that practice for a LOR. You don’t need it and the risk is too high that the MA will poison the urologist with her opinion of your work ethic. That’s how bad letters get submitted.

 

[lumya]

You'll probably find a lot of situations in your work life where you have co-workers who have issues with you/your work, some of which may be fixable and others may not. Workplace cliques are really hard to break into - I recently left a job I was at for two years and still felt like an outsider.

If there was a specific thing the lead MA wanted you to fix (i.e. starting a specific task w/o being told), I'd try to do it. If there's no tangible thing you can fix, I would just keep my head down and be polite and cordial. You'll be out of there soon and right now just try to get the most of it that you can.

 

[Teisuto]

I went through a similar experience - not at my clinical job, but another activity I did. It took me a while to realize a big part of it was the environment. The staff were toxic and cliquey, and not very forgiving of honest mistakes especially for a volunteer. As a result I really hated going in for my shifts despite liking the work, and ended up quitting once I got all I could out of it.

So I understand how you feel, but if you enjoy the work (which is sounds like you do), try your hardest not to let it stop you from doing your best. Maybe you’re not besties with your coworkers but you can still be a great MA. Perform to the best of your ability, get a rockin LOR, and don’t be afraid tell them goodbye when you’ve gotten what you need from the job.

Thank you, I'm so glad that there are people that went through a similar experience. Most of the time, I just hear about how people love their job. I'm still going to try hard during my shifts.

 

[Teisuto]

It's your first job and you're like 21 or so? Its easy to be "proactive' at a job when you know what needs to be done and how you can help. Its hard when you're new you're afraid to rock the boat. Did she give examples of what she'd like you to do? Just ask for specifics. Obviously don't make her mad and just react calmly and show willingness to improve.

And of course its awkward. You are probably younger, and not going to be there long, and trying to find your place with people have been coworkers for years.

Get what you can out of the job so far as a CV entry and go. Who cares. Some rando MA can't say whether or not you're qualified to be a doctor.

Yeah, this is basically my first experience in a clinical setting period, so it's been a rough adjustment. I asked her if there's anything I can do to improve and she basically just told me to get up and try to do duties before the other MAs can. Which I will, but yeah, I'm just glad I've only got till the end of the summer.

 

[Teisuto]

And if your other coworkers have been there for years there might be a bit of jealousy. Young college kid who plans on med school after college might be something they wanted at some point. You’ve got 2 months so work hard, do what you can and go back to college. Just make sure you are impressing someone if you want a letter and I don’t mean the head MA. Is that even a job category?). It’s still a good experience clinically and even with interpersonal skills.

Yes, that might be right. The other students are pre-PA (one was premed). It definitely is still a good experience and I'm still happy I got it, it just could have been better :,)

 

[Teisuto]

I would strongly recommend not asking anyone in that practice for a LOR. You don’t need it and the risk is too high that the MA will poison the urologist with her opinion of your work ethic. That’s how bad letters get submitted.

Yes, you're right. I'm aware that a physician letter is not required whatsoever for MD and I agree that it's not worth the risk. It's unfortunate because I'm sure the physician himself likes me, but when it comes to writing a LOR he will probably ask the MAs of their opinion of me since they worked with me. Thank you!

 

[Teisuto]

You'll probably find a lot of situations in your work life where you have co-workers who have issues with you/your work, some of which may be fixable and others may not. Workplace cliques are really hard to break into - I recently left a job I was at for two years and still felt like an outsider.

If there was a specific thing the lead MA wanted you to fix (i.e. starting a specific task w/o being told), I'd try to do it. If there's no tangible thing you can fix, I would just keep my head down and be polite and cordial. You'll be out of there soon and right now just try to get the most of it that you can.

Wow, that sounds so tough! I definitely would not stay here for a year, much less two. I'm going to do exactly what you said and just be there for the experience.

 

[DNAJB6]

It sounds really toxic, and I would leave the position ASAP. If you can afford it, II would give them a 2 week notice and move on. If you dread work that much, it will affect your performance. You're clearly not getting anything from it other than money. I agree with Lizzy M that it would be risky to ask for a LOR. You don't have much to gain by staying IMHO. And if the other MA creates friction, you could be fired. It's better to resign.

 

[Teisuto]

It sounds really toxic, and I would leave the position ASAP. If you can afford it, II would give them a 2 week notice and move on. If you dread work that much, it will affect your performance. You're clearly not getting anything from it other than money. I agree with Lizzy M that it would be risky to ask for a LOR. You don't have much to gain by staying IMHO. And if the other MA creates friction, you could be fired. It's better to resign.

Thank you, it probably has affected my performance. That being said, I'm only here for one more month so I will just stick it out as I don't think I will be fired (that decision isn't up to the MA). Thank you so much for your input

 

[ToliBro]

Speaking as a RN who sees this plenty... A lot of medical offices and hospital units are filled with a lot of catty/cliquey behavior. This is especially the case when I'm watching people for whom this situations are transitory interacting with people who are working in that position as a career. You're most likely dealing with a combination of being relatively inexperienced with the workflows and thus not quite as efficient as someone who has done this for several years, on top of being seen as a temporary staff member who isn't going to be a career MA but is on the pathway to be their boss in the future.
I would ignore it and move on with your life in a few months.

 

[jhmmd]

Hi everyone! So I'm currently a rising junior working as a medical assistant this summer. I love the job; organizing the flow of the patients, getting to see all the procedures the doctor does (urology clinic), drawing blood, etc. However, I do not get along well with my coworkers. They definitely get along a lot better with each other and frequently leave me out of things. We're cordial, but it's still really awkward honestly. Anyway, these coworkers make me dread the days I have to go into the clinic even though I love the actual job duties, which sucks.

Something that happened today really hurt. The "lead" MA (certified, has been doing this for decades) pulled me aside and told me that she noticed that I wasn't doing as much as the other MAs and needed to be more proactive to continue being in the healthcare field. Thing is, I'd definitely say that I'm a proactive person, but this environment is just so hard to be proactive in. Feeling left out all the time makes me not want to do my job.

I just feel really awful about all this and wanted to rant. I only have two more months in this job (because I have to move for college) and I know I can get through it, but I just wish the experience was better. Has anyone else had bad experiences with coworkers?

Didn't read every reply yet but the first thing I wanted to tell you was to not vent on SDN. It's a small world and you never know how it could get back to the wrong person. That said, try to look at your experience as a learning opportunity, and not as "two months left and I'm out." That is the wrong kind of attitude to be quite frank. Good look with your endeavors in college.