Rant, Work Drama Never Ends

Where do I begin?

Last Friday:

Last week me and Crystal hadn't had our breaks in the morning so we were going to take our 15 minute breaks. Stacey (the lead) said that it was ok if we wanted to start our breaks but she needed us to only take a 10 minute break. Long story short it turned into a HUGE deal because I said we didn't get one in the morning so instead of 2 10 minute breaks we should get a 15 minute break. Our supervisor and the Director and Stacey were all calling HR trying to find out what the policy stated then we were called into a meeting! (Crazy right?!) I finally got my point across, that I understood that if we were busy that maybe we would need to take just a 10 minute break, but we weren't and the only reason she wanted us to take a shorter break was so she could put up the mail in the Doctor's mail boxes (she hates answering the phones).

Monday:

Monday afternoon (after Sandra had left) one of us in the call center picked up a call without knowing, the gentleman on the line heard everything that Stacey had said to Maria about her Silpada Jewelry party, and alcohol. Stacey was asking if Maria was going to make Mexican Margaritas, talking about how she could drink some wine, and trying to find out if Friday nights would work. The gentleman hung up and called back to complain, Stacey got the call. She said that she was the supervisor and took his complaint, then turned to me and Crystal and kind of snapped at us asking who hung up on this man, that he heard her whole conversation with Maria and that we should make sure we take care of the patient calls. She did not acknowledge anything about her conversation with Maria that he had heard.

Wednesday:

The last blog I posted discusses this about the letter I wrote to Stacey after she got chewed out for over an hour.

Thursday:

After Lunch Sandra had some Diabetes Education papers on her desk, and while she was up Stacey had asked me and Crystal what she was doing with them. We both said we didn't know and that she would have to just ask Sandra. When Sandra came back she asked her about it, and it became a HUGE deal. Stacey was saying that it was her job to delegate it to one person and that was Crystal, that Sandra shouldnt be doing it. Sandra kinda had an attitude back about it was told to us that we would all learn how to schedule for Kim (the diabetes educator) and Stacey said she never said that, and Sandra said yes you did say that. (It is just a power struggle). Then you could hear them both typing emails to Renee and Linda. Stacey went to talk with Linda for like an hour, then Linda asked both of them to come into the office. Just Drama.

Friday:

So today Sandra hasn't said more than 2 words, Crystal (my buddy in this whole Drama work world) has the day off so I am alone with Stacey (since Sandra left at 1:45)....Well this morning Stacey decided that she wanted to listen to some music so she went and got a radio and blasted it and was dancing in her chair, while me and Sandra were on patient calls. After I got off I asked her to turn it down. After I had gotten back from lunch I swear she had turned it up, and after an hour I finally politely asked her to turn it off, and she snapped back and said well why? I just said because it is a distraction for me and I am trying to answer patient calls, plus that I had always been told that we were supposed to be quite and answer the patient calls as if we were in a library. She had even put signs up that said to be quite when going through here because our phones pick up noise. She just jumped back and said that Linda said we could listen to it, but that it was fine she would turn it off and let Linda know that it bothers me. (by the way Linda is the Director of the Clinic, and Stacey is dating her son; they just bought a house together and she isn't even dicorced from her husband number 3) I could just hear her typing away I am sure sending Linda or Renee an email that I was being rude, when she didn't even ask if it was ok or if any of us minded if she turned some music on.

About an hour later I started taking all the information I had made off the walls and decided to put it all into a binder, well that apparently got the attention of some people and I got pulled into the office with Gina and Renee asking me if I was going to quit. (DRAMA) I said no I wasn't planning on quitting. Gina told me that I am a very good worker and am a valuable asset to the team and they don't want to loose me. Then they asked how everything was going, I said umm ok. They of course didn't believe me. So I brought up Mondays incident, and todays incident and told them that it just feels like I am on pins and needles and that I can't do anything without her knowing, it's frustrating. They told me that a nurse had overheard what happened monday and told Gina that we were getting jumped on for no reason. They told me to send them an email about what happened and they will write Stacey up for it. Plus there is another person having trouble with her. They gave me advice to talk with Linda about what is going on that way she knows it is not just one person having trouble its more. I am meeting with Linda on monday to discuss my school situation and work, so I guess I will talk about it with her then. I hate Drama. I wish I could just avoid it all. So pray monday goes over well.

Work

I still have not spoken with my supervisor about what I am going to do about school. Yesterday was registration day. They have started a new website for everything and because of the difficulties I just got my last class registered this morning. I got all the classes I want too so I am excited. I don't know how it will work out with school and work but we will see. Yesterday the Lead got chewed out by 4 of the administrators/director then she had asked us to write down one thing that would make her a better lead, and to be honest. Everyone else had turned theres in to her and she asked to have mine by the end of the day. I asked her if it was ok if I took mine home and gave it to her the next morning, she asked why I would need to take it home and I told her because I want to go through the employee handbook, and she said it wasn't something that was formal just to write something down. She said it wasn't herself that asked us to do this, but the director she had to turn them in to. So I took a break and got my employee hand book out of the car and wrote about half a page of things, (spent about 2 hours to get it the way I wanted it to sound)and typed it up as a letter to her. Today she was very nice about things, and praised me on how well my letter sounded and about how honest I was. Her and the director said that my letter was written really well and that I am well beyond my years! Finally it made me feel good like someone appreciated me and knew that I am not just here to answer calls. Hopefully things will get better!... maybe

My letter:

----------, 04/21/2009



Since we found information about the breaks in the Employee handbook, I have been reading through it to learn more about the health system. I have found a commitment to co-workers with some very valuable information. For instance, “Our relationships with each other are to be equally respectful, regardless of job titles or levels or education preparation.” “Be sensitive to the feelings of co-workers” “Each co-worker is to be valued, recognizing that each of us has an area of expertise”. I have been a trainer at 3 of my last jobs and one thing I had learned that I think would help is the Oreo effect. As an alternative to “don’t say that,” when you feel we are saying something the wrong way, you say something that the person is doing well at, then politely say what they should work on, and end with another compliment. Instead of making it known that you are a lead or our superior, respect us more, act like we are a team and help us grow when we have questions and want to learn. We are all women who have previous medical experience, and to me it seems like you belittle me like this is my first job and I don’t know anything, especially when you say “my girls in the call center.” I am confused if you are a leader or are our supervisor. I don’t feel like it is necessary for you to tell us when we can take lunches or to make sure to tell you that we are going to the bathroom we all know when we normally take lunches (unless there is a change) and that bathroom breaks are 5 minute breaks and back. I hope this will help you to grow as our lead.

Respectfully,
Kayla Crawford

Date night

Last night My dad took me and mom to dinner then to two movies! It was so much fun. We saw Fast and the Furious 3 and 17 again. I felt like the old person because the last movie didnt get out until 11:30 PM and I thought that was just way too late. But it was so much fun, and it doesnt hardly ever happen because dad is always working. The fast and furious was much better than I expected and 17 again was also a good teen chick flick which made everything even better!

Jimmy Buffet Tailgating

This past weekend me and mom went to see LC and Melissa, it just so happened to be the same weekend as the Jimmy Buffet concert! While mom stayed home with Lucien while me and Melissa headed out to the festivities! There were so many decorated RV's, margarita machines, beer pong, karioke, and lots of fun. I still don't have a camera so I stole these pictures from Melissa's page...


Me and Mo!


The Girls


Me and Mo


Candie and I


Candie and Melissa


Candies Husband Lance!

Thanks again Mo for inviting us up! I have a few pics from my phone of you and LC that I still need to post! See you in two weeks =)

Talked to the Doctor ...

And they said all of my blood work and Urine came back normal, the X-ray showed arthritis (which I already knew) and the MRI that I had Friday confirmed the Arthritis and showed a small meniscus tear. The doctor does not recommend surgery yet, she wants me to see a Rheumatologist and see what they suggest or how they can help. The nurse is going to call me back this afternoon and tell me what time they have set it up for.

Meniscus Tear information:



http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00358

Knee Arthritis information:
Normal Knee

Arthritis Knee


http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/guide/knee-ra-rheumatoid-arthritis-of-the-knee

Knee RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Knee)
Rheumatoid arthritis is a serious type of inflammatory arthritis that affects 1.3 million Americans. In 75% of cases, RA affects women. RA can affect people of any age, even very young children.

Unlike osteoarthritis (OA), the "wear-and-tear" arthritis, RA is a chronic autoimmune disease. RA usually occurs in a symmetrical pattern, affecting both hands, knees, ankles, feet, hips, elbows, and shoulders.

RA causes severe joint swelling, joint pain, stiffness, and deformity. It also affects other tissues and organs such as the heart, skin, and lungs. RA can also cause fever, fatigue, weight loss, and flu-like symptoms.

Getting dressed, tying shoelaces, or walking to the car may be painful with knee arthritis. But with early and aggressive medical treatment, most cases of knee RA can be managed.

What Is Knee RA?
Rheumatoid arthritis of the knee causes the joints to become tender, warm, and swollen. Although knee osteoarthritis causes pain and stiffness, joint pain with knee RA is more severe.

Normally, a small pouch covered with a thin tissue called synovium lies between the two pieces of joint cartilage. Cartilage is a material that covers the ends of joint bones. Cartilage helps to keep bones from rubbing against each other during movement.

The synovium secretes a liquid. This liquid helps keep joints lubricated. When joints are well lubricated, they move smoothly and painlessly. Inflammation of the synovium leads to damage and permanent destruction of the joint.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Knee RA?
With knee RA, you may feel the following:

Pain
Swelling, inflammation
Stiffness
Warmth around the knee joints
Fever
Flu-like symptoms
Fatigue


What Causes Knee RA?
The actual causes of RA are not understood. We know that RA occurs when the body's own immune system doesn't function properly.

RA may be linked to genetics. Environmental factors also may be involved. But, experts are unsure of the exact cause.

How Is Knee RA Diagnosed?
Your doctor can diagnose knee RA. He or she will do a physical exam, talk with you about your personal and family medical history, and perform blood tests.

Blood tests for RA may be positive for the following:
Anemia (low red blood cell count)
Rheumatoid factor (RF), found in about 70% to 80% of those with RA
High erythrocyte sedimentation rate (sed rate), which indicates inflammation
Antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptides (CCP)
High levels of C-reactive protein (CRP)
Your doctor may order an X-ray of the joints. An MRI may also be used to detect evidence of joint damage or destruction.

Your doctor may withdraw a sample of joint fluid (synovial fluid) to analyze. People with RA usually have joint fluid that's filled with inflammatory material.

What's the Treatment for Knee RA?
The best treatment for knee RA is early and aggressive medical care. Medical treatments include the use of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), which are used with NSAIDs (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and or steroids in low doses.

DMARDs include:

methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Folex)
leflunomide (Arava)
hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)
sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)
gold (Myochrisine injected into muscles; Auranofin -- given orally)
minocycline (Minocin, Vectrin, Dynacin)
azathiaprine (Imuran)
cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)
Another category of DMARDs are biologic modifiers -- usually used with methotrexate. Biologic agents include:

adalimumab (Humira)
anakinra (Kineret)
etanercept (Enbrel)
infliximab (Remicade)
abatacept (Orencia)
rituximab (Rituxan)
Other treatments are:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) -- over-the-counter and prescription strength
Steroids
Along with early and aggressive medical therapy, regular exercise is important. Exercise helps strengthen the muscles around the knee and helps support the joint. Sometimes physical therapy and occupational therapy are recommended.

Is Surgery Necessary for Knee RA?
At some point, total joint replacement may be performed. This surgery is usually a "last resort" instead of the first treatment option for knee RA. Today's advances in total joint replacement give a successful outcome in most cases.

Synovectomy is another procedure that's performed in rheumatoid arthritis. With synovectomy, the surgeon removes the inflamed synovium or joint lining. Synovectomy can be done as an open procedure or by arthroscopy. In general, arthroscopic procedures are associated with fewer complications and faster recovery than a more invasive surgery. The relief in knee pain with synovectomy in RA may last up to five years.

Transfering Jobs again already???

I have been having trouble figuring out my classes for the Fall and if work will deal with my school schedule. My classes are on nights and one on internet the only 2 that are during the day are my core classes that they only offer once time for. My school Schedule would only take up 3 hours on thursday (at which if I don't take a lunch mon, wed, fri that will make up that time. And on Tuesdays from 9-3 (yeah thats a long time)Which is 5 hours because I get an hours lunch too. So it just all around sucks.

So I talked with my boss this morning. There are so many things going wrong where I work and now I am being told they can not work with my school schedule. I emailed my supervisor about 2 or 3 weeks ago with my schedule to see if it would work with my current job. She said they could drop me down to 32 hours and that would still give me benefits. Then yesterday I got an email stating that she can not work with my school (now with registration being less than a week away). I don't really know what to do. I have made a application to ETMC that I typed up all neat and sent it yesterday. For some reason it is really hard for me to find jobs, so I am not looking foward to figuring out what I will do. School is important to me and I will go to school this fall. So this morning I didn't want to wonder about why the sudden change that they won't work with my school. So I met with my supervisor this morning and told her if they can't work with my school I would like to transfer (She is going to talk to Linda (the Director) about it.) My supervisor saw the ETMC Application and said that She didn't want to lose me and she knows they aren't utilizing me in the Call Center. My supervisor and the Lead Stacey (who is dating/living with the directors son) are changing some things in the clinic and are going to split the floors where each of them are over a certain floor. She said even when her and Stacey get there own floors they aren't going to hire anyone else for the call center there will just be the 3 of us, and then Sherrie and Pat (that both do medical recorsd)when they can help.

Since I worked at the main hospital in there "Call Center," They had 4 people consistantly with no lunch just a straight 8 hour shift. Linda (the director) said we are taking more calls than them, and yet we only have 3 people answering calls with all of us taking lunches so we go 3 hours with only 2 people. That just doesn't make any sense to me that we are busier but with less people and they aren't hiring. Agh the ecomomy. And yes I did tell my boss I didn't think it was fair that they could let One employee get away with eating lunch at her desk and not clocking out or going to the breakroom, then getting friday after noons off at 12 because she has overtime for not taking a lunch. But yet they can not work with my School Schedule.

Easter and monday work

Sorry no pictures, still don't have a camera.

I didn't do much on Easter, went and ate lunch at 1:30 with Aunt Laurie, Uncle Mike, Mom, Papa Jim, Bill, Bliss, Peter and his wife. After getting WAY to full on lunch we watched the tape of Uncle Mikes Petty Experience. I was exhausted after that and I guess the Parks syndrome hit me and I slept about 4 or 5 hours! Then got up just in time to go to Sunday night church service. We finally got home and dad had cooked roast and potatoes that were waiting on us! Yum!

Yesterday at work Stacey was still not in because she was helping her mom with her surgery. It was mostly nice and peaceful except for one person that was constantly up and picking her hours, she decided she wasnt going to take a lunch and just leave an hour early... if only we could all do that! Any who since I am such a multi-tasker, I decided to fill out a couple of applications to ETMC. (At which when the other person that picked her hours saw that I was doing something, she asked me and I said I was just messing around, she got up and looked and said are you apllying to ETMC?? Then ran into our bosses office and shut the door so I am sure my boss knows) They don't have it where you can fill out online and submit it, they email you if you are interested the application and you have to fax it or mail it in. I have pretty good handwriting but I am kind of OCD about things being neat and perfect, so I typed everything out cut it and taped it where it was supposed to go then made a copy of it and I had a very neatly typed application! I faxed it yesterday around 5 so today I need to call to make sure they recieved it.

Last night I got to hang out with Will. It was so nice that it was just us, I love all his friends but its nice to just get to hang out with him alone. We talked about my birthday coming up, that he will be 30 in 2 years and I will be 25 when he is 30, my degree when I'll graduate, what I'll get my Masters in, and that I found a store for Teachers that is so cool! (Adventures in Learning in the French Quarter behind Smoothing King) It was so nice to just talk all night. I Love him so much and can't wait to see what is in store for our future!

Hopefully sometime this week I will get a call back about my MRI results, Lab work, and X-rays. Maybe I will get a diagnosis that will fix my knee for good, that would be wonderful!

MRI

This morning I had an MRI on left knee. Last week I had X-ray's and blood lab work done. I haven not heard any results yet, they said I won't hear anything back until next week sometime. My knee is swollen again! It had swelled up March 6, then 3 weeks later March 19, then 2 weeks later, today. Please pray that they find a result to my knee problem and that even if it is surgery that it will fix it.