Is GP's Receptionist a minimum wage job?

[AwkwardMoose]

Just that really. Am currently job hunting. Have seen a few GP's reception jobs that sound interesting (and, of course, challenging!) but have no salary details on the job ads (am applying via the NHS Jobs website).

After a bad experience last week with an interview for a job that also didn't have this information which turned out to pay the national minimum wage, I'm a bit wary.

I have never worked in a surgery before but have a lot of relevant experience (reception, switchboard, secretarial) and transferrable skills.

Have googled but the results are very inconclusive.

Does anyone know what kind of wage is the standard for this type of job?

The surgery I work in, receptionists start at minimum wage and increase from there with experience.

My mum has worked in two and yes it was minimum wage.

In my experience, GP receptionists earn a little more than minimum wage, but it's not a well-paid job. It's tricky to get the salary right. IMHO it's the kind of job that most people could do, but actually it does take considerable skill and experience to do well. A beginner receptionist doesn't necessarily do anything skilled that justifies a high wage, but a senior receptionist who diffuses potential complaints, recognises a sick patient and flags them up to the duty doctor, etc etc, is worth their weight in gold and probably should be paid better than they are.

I would think it's a low paid wage, like any receptionist job. But possibly a bit more interesting than most.

Namechanged especially. I started at £8 per hour and it has just gone up to £8.45. I work in a small surgery so we all muck in with a load of other admin work as well as spend time on the desk and answering the phone.
It's not without its challenges understatement but contrary to popular opinion, we're all compassionate, caring and reasonably bright. It helps that we have some lovely and approachable GPs at the practice, who appreciate the pressures we're all under.
Every surgery is completely different though so it's wise to get a feel of the place if it's something that interests you.
Be mindful of the fact that although the pay is low, it's worth considering the pension contributions compared to the usual private sector minimum wage job. I think my employer pays 14% to my 6%, which is incredibly good - I think the standard is matched 3%/3% for the average retail job for example.
I love it but it's bloody hard work and can be emotionally draining sometimes. It certainly isn't for everyone. Being the target of abuse from angry patients is shocking when it first happens but soon becomes like water off a duck's back. I did years of bar work before doing this job and dealing with angry drunks has been brilliant preparation.

Yes, at the surgery where I work receptionists start on minimum wage.

I saw a vacancy at my local surgery this week £8.16 per hour.

Thanks everyone. Really useful info. I actually have two interviews this week for this type of job so will now adjust my expectations about the money.

I suppose I find the minimum wage revelation surprising because it seems to be a job that requires quite a lot of emotional intelligence, in dealing with people tactfully and assessing situations not to mention dealing with awkward and potentially abusive people as well. It seems like someone who is doing all that should be paid more than someone who stacks shelves in a supermarket.

WickedWitch - thank you for your detailed post. I actually have experience of pub work at a supervisory level and was planning on using that experience as an example of how I would cope with tricky customers.

I do think I'd be good at the job and I would definitely find it interesting. Will see how it all pans out 🙂. Wish me luck!

Judging from the NHS receptionists I’ve come across it must be.

Doctors receptionists are the pits in my experience.

Arrogant and full of disrespect. They think they are qualified medical professionals and are able to be the decider in whether to dole
out a medical appointment.

Please don't be like the ones in my surgery.

Good luck!

I know a doctor’s receptionist and it seems very stressful for not a lot of reward.

Just back from my interview. It went really well (I think) but the interviewers mentioned how high the number of applicants had been so am keeping my expectations low in check. The hourly rate is £8.45 which is a bit better than I was anticipating.

Will update if I hear anything. Thanks for the input.

Good luck .

Had to put that as your post ended the thread at 13 posts. I wanted to make it luckier for you. (batshit I know).

They think they are qualified medical professionals and are able to be the decider in whether to dole out a medical appointment.

They work from a script/ computer program. They don't decide who gets appointments, they ask questions and a decision is made according to an algorithm. There's no personal discretion there.

Good luck OP, and if you do get the job very best of luck dealing with people like the above!

Just a late update. I got the job!

Have been there two weeks now and am genuinely loving it. Colleagues and patients are lovely and the job itself is perfect for me 😊.

Congrats op 💐.
Are you classed as working for the NHS?

Yay, well done

Thanks for the update. I'm glad you're loving it.