Tired of Being a Receptionist

Post Reply New Topic

I normally do clerical work at a clinic, but part of my job is working at a reception desk for one hour a day, two days a week. I found it okay at first, but now I'm starting to become overwhelmed.

Take today, for example. A woman walked up to the reception desk where I'm working, demanding her money back from one of the clinic's vending machines. She was impatient and raised her voice at me. I thought I had to give back the money, but it turned out I had to give her a form to give out so she can get her money back. When I was trained in the reception area, I was never shown these forms!

Also, there were a lot of meetings today. It should be as easy as directing guests and making phone calls, but on some parts, I didn't know what to say or do. It was so complicated.

I had to call my supervisor for help on both occasions. I wish I hadn't though, because it made me feel less independent, and more of a failure.

I'm starting to think I don't really want to play receptionist anymore. I'll try to keep my job without the receptionist part, but if I can't, I may have to leave the clinic altogether. If I do, in the next week or so, maybe I'll find another job opportunity that is less stressful and closer to where I live.

What do you guys think?

You should tell this to your supervisor. Hopefully he will understand your situation and you don't have to do it anymore.

If not.. well.. you could always try finding another job. But if you're going to look around for clerical work there is a good chance that you will have to partially work as a receptionist again. It's a part of clerical work after all.

Hopefully you can arrange something with less receptionist work. But if you can't, is there anyone who could answer some of your questions beforehand, or teach you more about handling certain situations, or something like that? Being and feeling prepared could make you less anxious about the work, and better able to avoid unnecessary conflict or stress.

_________________
Questions are my favourite form of communication