Unprofessional Chief Scribe

[Michou]

Hello Everyone,

I've been working for ScribeAmerica for two months [2.5 if you count training]. I told the chief scribe since day 1 that I have an intensive self-study MCAT routine and to not schedule me often but for the past two months, he's be overloading me with shifts, constantly telling me to work more shifts, pushing me to open my availability, and completely disregarding our previous conversations regarding my schedule.

Recently, he's taken advantage of my open schedule and completely overloaded me with shifts. In response to this, I emailed him detailing my concerns to which he notified me that I could've taken a less aggressive 1 shift per week approach this entire time! I feel taken advantage of.

He's matriculating into medical school this year so obviously he doesn't care about the rest of our concerns but I'm ready to contact upper management about this gross display of unprofessionalism.

Two days ago, I told him that I wasn't familiar with the scheduling system so I needed help with contacting other coworkers regarding dumping my shifts but he just told me to do figure it out myself! I'm beside myself right now. I don't understand how people like this end up in medical school??

Should I just contact upper management regarding this issue?

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[The Unburnt]

Unfortunately there will be unprofessional/rude people everywhere you go, even in medicine. Since he's leaving in a couple months anyways I would just make clear to him that you can only work x amount of shifts per week from this point forward and minimize contact otherwise. Ask a coworker to help you figure out the shift dropping thing. It's really unfortunate that some people are like this and ruin experiences like this for others but I wouldn't waste much time dealing with him if it were me (I'm just s firm believer that people like that don't deserve my time when I could spend that time doing good in the world somehow). Like I said, just make it clear that you're only available to work x amount of shifts (get this in writing) and if he keeps scheduling you after that, then I would go above him. If it was part of your contract to work a certain number of shifts per week then I'd say that would be the minimum you could work since you took the job knowing the expectations. Don't let anyone try to bully you into doing more than you can manage on top of what is expected of you in the contract, MCAT studying is an important time and it's not like you'll be working there forever so whether or not this dude likes you is kind of irrelevant in my opinion. Good luck!

 

[pewpew95]

Agree with the above post. If you didn’t tell him exactly how many shifts you were comfortable with in the first place, he may have misunderstood how many shifts you were willing to work. Are you part time or full time? If PT you can say you’re only available to work 2 shifts a week, which is the minimum shifts required per SA’s contract. If FT then you don’t really have as much of a say.

 

[Jdp00921]

I'm familiar with ScribeAmerica so maybe I can offer some advice for the remaining days you have with this unfortunate chief scribe. If your scheduling system works how it did when I worked for SA, you are supposed to leave White/Green whatever you can work and Red out everything that you are unavailable. It seems like you were leaving everything open with the understanding that your chief knew not to overschedule you, but they are taking advantage of your completely open schedule and doing what they wanted with disregard for your scheduling requests - those agreed upon at an earlier time. From here on out, I would simply red everything out and only put the shifts that you specifically wish to work. Don't leave a completely open schedule from here on out!

 

[deleted480308]

Cowboy up....

Dear x, I will only be able to work 3 shifts per week. Which ones is up to you but if I am scheduled for more than 3 I will only be there for the first 3 that week and am not responsible for finding replacements for extra shifts that I have not agreed too.

-me

 

[pewpew95]

I'm familiar with ScribeAmerica so maybe I can offer some advice for the remaining days you have with this unfortunate chief scribe. If your scheduling system works how it did when I worked for SA, you are supposed to leave White/Green whatever you can work and Red out everything that you are unavailable. It seems like you were leaving everything open with the understanding that your chief knew not to overschedule you, but they are taking advantage of your completely open schedule and doing what they wanted with disregard for your scheduling requests - those agreed upon at an earlier time. From here on out, I would simply red everything out and only put the shifts that you specifically wish to work. Don't leave a completely open schedule from here on out!

They changed over to a new system where you can only put green/red. But yes, this would also be a problem if OP says they’re available all week.

 

[Kr#36]

To be honest you seem a bit immature. You're going into a high stress career with an education process that requires taking initiative yourself, yet you're 'beside yourself' because he told you to handle YOUR own problems? Just work the damn shifts and set proper expectations before the next schedule is made.

 

[Michou]

I'm familiar with ScribeAmerica so maybe I can offer some advice for the remaining days you have with this unfortunate chief scribe. If your scheduling system works how it did when I worked for SA, you are supposed to leave White/Green whatever you can work and Red out everything that you are unavailable. It seems like you were leaving everything open with the understanding that your chief knew not to overschedule you, but they are taking advantage of your completely open schedule and doing what they wanted with disregard for your scheduling requests - those agreed upon at an earlier time. From here on out, I would simply red everything out and only put the shifts that you specifically wish to work. Don't leave a completely open schedule from here on out!

That was my original intention! He pressured me constantly during training to open up my availability or text me to pick up extra shifts and it felt unnerving. I only mentioned that i will be moving to a fulltime schedule in August and never mentioned anything about claiming a FT or PT status; the interview process didn't have me choose yet due to my studying. But.. I should've been more strategic with my scheduling. Thanks for the advice!

To be honest you seem a bit immature. You're going into a high stress career with an education process that requires taking initiative yourself, yet you're 'beside yourself' because he told you to handle YOUR own problems? Just work the damn shifts and set proper expectations before the next schedule is made.

Taking advantage of my schedule is disgusting especially since I made it clear since day 1 that I was studying for the MCAT. I'm all for taking initiative but he's been completely dismissive of other scribe's scedules in the past; so, I'm not the only one to raise the alarm. If he's mentally checked out then leave! Also, being a scribe is no where near being a physician. Stop acting like $10/hr is worth the hassle.

 

[deleted480308]

That was my original intention! He pressured me constantly during training to open up my availability or text me to pick up extra shifts and it felt unnerving. I only mentioned that i will be moving to a fulltime schedule in August and never mentioned anything about claiming a FT or PT status; the interview process didn't have me choose yet due to my studying. But.. I should've been more strategic with my scheduling. Thanks for the advice!



Taking advantage of my schedule is disgusting especially since I made it clear since day 1 that I was studying for the MCAT. I'm all for taking initiative but he's been completely dismissive of other scribe's scedules in the past; so, I'm not the only one to raise the alarm. If he's mentally checked out then leave! Also, being a scribe is no where near being a physician. Stop acting like $10/hr is worth the hassle.

Cut down on the dramatics, the first time you showed up for an extra shift you showed it was ok to book you extra shifts.

Be firm about your availability and be ready to lose your job over it, that’s how the world works

 

[Michou]

Agree with the above post. If you didn’t tell him exactly how many shifts you were comfortable with in the first place, he may have misunderstood how many shifts you were willing to work. Are you part time or full time? If PT you can say you’re only available to work 2 shifts a week, which is the minimum shifts required per SA’s contract. If FT then you don’t really have as much of a say.

Belive me, I tried but throughout training he would pushed me to open up my availability or texted me to take on extra shifts. Even though I constantly refused, he kept on persisting which leads me to want to contact upper management. He never once brought up the option to work a less than PT schedule until recently. During my interview, I made it clear that my schedule was geared toward studying so I wasn't made to claim FT or PT but I'm considered PT for contract purposes. With the intention to transition to FT in August. They didn't mind at all which surprised me. I'm just baffled by this guy.

Looking at the scheduling system, there are other people who are scheduled for 3-4 shifts per month. So, it's not unheard of.

 

[Jdp00921]

Belive me, I tried but throughout training he would pushed me to open up my availability or texted me to take on extra shifts. Even though I constantly refused, he kept on persisting which leads me to want to contact upper management. He never once brought up the option to work a less than PT schedule until recently. During my interview, I made it clear that my schedule was geared toward studying so I wasn't made to claim FT or PT but I'm considered PT for contract purposes. With the intention to transition to FT in August. They didn't mind at all which surprised me. I'm just baffled by this guy.

Looking at the scheduling system, there are other people who are scheduled for 3-4 shifts per month. So, it's not unheard of.

I think being called to take on extra shifts is pretty common-place in the scribe world. Honestly, I wouldn't think much of it. If you can't do it, say no and go on. I wouldn't think that warrants a report to upper mgmt.

It sounds like you were very clear with how often you were going to be available when you were hired so I would just select a few shifts each week and not worry about it.

 

[Michou]

Cut down on the dramatics, the first time you showed up for an extra shift you showed it was ok to book you extra shifts.

Be firm about your availability and be ready to lose your job over it, that’s how the world works

What are you talking about? I never worked extra shifts and always declined them. I only worked 6 shifts during and post training as scheduled. Also, I doubt that I'll lose this position. The new chief scribe isn't this idiotic.

 

[Phiona]

I will try to not be harsh in my response here so I apologize if it comes off that way. I have been "chief scribe" of a non-Scribe America group in the past, so I had similar responsibilities. Honestly, I would not have wasted my time hiring and training someone who only wanted to work a bare minimum of shifts (3-4 per month is ridiculously low and gives the appearance that you do not take the job seriously). MCAT studying is important for sure, but this job is not something that you can work only when it's convenient for you. Try getting any other part time job with those requests and see what they say. If I were the chief in this situation I would have had you re-apply when you were in a position to work, at the very least, two shifts per week reliably. We also routinely text/email/call scribes to pick up shifts to cover for call-ins, add-ons, etc., so that's not abnormal. Changing your availability may work, but I would advise keeping it open enough to allow for flexibility (such as being available only Monday, Wednesday, Friday, but able to work any shift on these days).

 

[deleted480308]

What are you talking about? I never worked extra shifts and always declined them. I only worked 6 shifts during and post training as scheduled. Also, I doubt that I'll lose this position. The new chief scribe isn't this idiotic.

You said you have been overloaded with shifts for two months....

Are you making this up or bad at relaying details?

 

[Michou]

I will try to not be harsh in my response here so I apologize if it comes off that way. I have been "chief scribe" of a non-Scribe America group in the past, so I had similar responsibilities. Honestly, I would not have wasted my time hiring and training someone who only wanted to work a bare minimum of shifts (3-4 per month is ridiculously low and gives the appearance that you do not take the job seriously). MCAT studying is important for sure, but this job is not something that you can work only when it's convenient for you. Try getting any other part time job with those requests and see what they say. If I were the chief in this situation I would have had you re-apply when you were in a position to work, at the very least, two shifts per week reliably. We also routinely text/email/call scribes to pick up shifts to cover for call-ins, add-ons, etc., so that's not abnormal. Changing your availability may work, but I would advise keeping it open enough to allow for flexibility (such as being available only Monday, Wednesday, Friday, but able to work any shift on these days).

I understand and appreciate your insight! There are other scribes working 3-4 shifts per month without any hassle on his end and they're in a similar predicament as me. I understand the need to contact me for more shifts but I constantly made it clear that I couldn't take on more shifts in person and via email until August. In addition, I made it clear during my initial interview so I'm not sure why I was even hired??

You said you have been overloaded with shifts for two months....

Are you making this up or bad at relaying details?

Ahh, I see. It was an error in editing. I copied that first listing down to the second paragraph without removing it but the overloading happened this month. He's been pressuring me for two months to take on more shifts, open up my availability, and whatever else was stated. Thanks for remaining passionate bro.

 

[AllBleedingStops]

Recently, he's taken advantage of my open schedule and completely overloaded me with shifts. In response to this, I emailed him detailing my concerns to which he notified me that I could've taken a less aggressive 1 shift per week approach this entire time! I feel taken advantage of.

Grab whatever assembly of genitalia you have, get tough, and defend your time. Schedule yourself off/unavailable/do not offer availability during the time you need. Scribe experiences can be great but the overall structure of the job is usually bad. Be proactive in getting the time you need. And don't go to a higher level, this is not one of those hills to die on.

 

[LebronManning]

I don't see that he did anything wrong at all.

"Overloading" shifts is very subjective. I worked 3 scribe shifts a week along with school during my intensive MCAT studying. How is your chief scribe supposed to know how many shifts he can give you when you were so vague - "don't schedule me often." Futhermore, as soon as you brought up the concern he told you that you could've been working 1 shift per week the entire time. I work for ScribeAmerica too and I can guarantee you if you bring this up with upper management you will look like a fool.

In regards to the scheduling system, again I don't see that he did anything wrong. No offense but how can you not figure out a scheduling system? Yes it takes time and effort but its not brain surgery. To be honest, if I were him I would find it offending that you don't value his time enough to learn it rather than bother his busy schedule with another request you can handle.

Lastly, I've found that very often when people say "I don't understand how people like this end up in medical school," they are the ones that are often wrong or being drama queens like in this situation.