Stressed from work

Not anxious or depressed--at least not from work, so I didn't know where to put this. I guess I just need to vent. I love my job. I am a clinical research administrator for a cardiology group in Michigan. I also am the EMR administrator for the same group (EMR=electronic medical records, I do the computer programming). I have also become the ipso facto assistant manager/front desk manager/in house IT person/do month end financial reports, etc etc. Many hats I wear, but who doesn't?! Anyway, last year the "title" of assistant manager was taken away (oh, darn) because someone at one of our satellite offices didn't think it was right, and because the doctors wanted my manager (who is also the practice manager) to be more hands-on. Fine with me, my plate was overflowing. Over the past 6 months or so, though, more and more has been coming back to me. I spend days and days doing reports for the doctors and then they complain that patient enrollment in studies is down, or their form they requested two days ago isn't in EMR. Now I can time manage with the best of them, but this is a no win. They want reports done ASAP, I do them. Anyway, sorry, off track. My complain today and what is stressing me out is the little things: the printer won't work, we need more postage added, let so-and-so know we need to move Dr. H's appointments for next week. My thought on that is--in the time it took for you to tell me to tell someone to do it, you could have told them yourself. Example--yesterday three people came to me to say there was a problem with the postage meter. I asked my manager if I could have one of our techs, who do 100% nothing if they don't have a test scheduled, call PB on it because I didn't have time. Her response made me feel good, but pissed me off, too. She said, "no, if you do it I won't have to think about it again. I know it'll get done." Great, but I can't even see my desk and now can't concentrate and I'm just really stressed and frustrated and sore and don't know why I even posted this. Just to complain, I guess. One of my lovely features! Grrrr.

(((((((((( cantstopcrying ))))))))))))))) It sounds like you have a very stressful job, please remember to take good self care on your time off.

Thank you. But "time off", I think I need clarification on what that is. Though I'm not, people here seem to think I'm on call 24/7; the few times I've argued the point, it's said that "I just can't tell the doctor that you aren't available!" WHY NOT???!!! Thank you for caring!

(((((((((((((( cantstopcrying )))))))))))))))

Can't Stop..., it sounds like there is so much on your plate you can't stop anything because you are so busy.

There is nothing wrong with venting as you did on this thread. It sounds extremely hard to keep up with everything and it is getting to you.

It sounds like they are taking advantage of you. They want you to do the stuff, but they don't seem to give the title or the pay that goes with it? Is that how it is?

Saying no is a really hard skill to develop, but it can bring a world of relief. Most jobs take all they can and give only what they have to.

Please take care of yourself, YOU DO DESERVE THAT. YOU MATTER!

Leslie

Thank you very much for your kind words. Yes, they take horrible advantage of me, no title, and goodness knows no where near the pay for everything I do! It's so frustrating. Today my manager had the nerve to tell me that she took credit for all the reports I put together over the last three weeks. Not only did she take credit for them, she told the doctors, "It's nice to be recognized." It took everything I had not to jump across the desk. I've known her for 5 years, her and I are as close as you can be being manager/employee so that hurt even worse. If she's going to take credit for my work, don't tell me!!!

(((((((((((((( cantstopcrying )))))))))))))))

No sense starting a new thread when I'm basically stressed about the same stuff. All blessed day I've been doing good. I am sooooo stressed, however, about these reports that were dropped in my lap. I got one all done and was asked to do it a different way now--the way I initially asked if they wanted it done!!!!!!! They like how it looks, they'd just like to see the data the other way, too. Soon. Along with the three other reports. So what's may manager say, "You'll be in tomorrow, right?" Friday's are my work-from-home day, so I said that and she said she'd be more comfortable with me there so I could explain the reports to her when I get them done so she doesn't look like an idiot when presenting them!!! Oh just need to vent--no replies needed. Thank you all for your unending support.

Ahh, office work. You have my sympathies. Especially in the medical industry, it seems to be tough...people just dump on research admins and other folks like you without a thought of how it will affect your life.

For about 15 years my Mom was an admin assistant for an anathesiologist (sp?). This job became increasingly ridiculous and she prepared presentations, drew up graphics, and basically took on more and more computer-related work for her boss and other colleagues. And her boss was a nice guy...that's just the doctor mindset.

Without knowing all the details of your situation, I'd say draw lines where you can, and remember that you're not alone. The medical industry can be seriously dysfunctional. Vent whenever you feel the need.