Toxic workplace

[sofia543]

I left my old workplace as it was toxic, and I seem to have walked into another toxic workplace. I’m also autistic.

I work in healthcare, I have to work 8 hours a day with a doctor. I’m like their assistant.

I’m a trainee assistant, so still learning, it’s a 2 year course and I’m a month in.

They are belittling me, not supporting me, making me feel rubbish (when I have been told by my head assistant, I’m very good)

Other members of staff have noticed too

My manager is lovely knows about the issues, but she isn’t clinical, so unsure how to help me.

What do I do?

Anyone?

Manager is first port of call. Who do they report to? It needs escalating up the chain.

@MaryTwerps they report to area manager (I have never met)

Your manager should be dealing with this really. Maybe write it down so there's a record of your issues and email it to manager. There should be a policy somewhere. Is it private sector?

Yes it's private sector

I'm currently off work today as I'm poorly, but I think it's actually stress of it all.

Hi
It's horrible that you feel this way already.
You are only a month in, and so perhaps it is teething problems for you and for the Doctor you are assisting. Sorting it out early will be great for the remaining 23 months ... so think positively about that. Can you have a private 1-2-1 with the Doctor you are assisting to sort out

• what they want you to do in an ideal world
• what you need help learning so you can do that
• explaining what your skills are RIGHT NOW so they aren't expecting too much or too little of you

and then setting a time eg 6 weeks to see how this is working or to adjust it. Healthcare is under a lot of pressure and medics (Doctors) who have had 6 years training and then experience on the job will forget that someone in month 1 of a 24 month training isn't as skilled as them from the get-go. But I bet you have other skills they might lack so it should become a great partnership, Good luck.

Hi, what a horrible situation for you.
You mention you are autistic. Is this significant in this issue? It seems as though the issue is coming from others rather than your autism? If you need assistance because of the autism then you should seek help, your manager will know the appropriate channels.
If you feel you are being discriminated against because of the autism you must report to your manager.
If another team member is bullying you that again is your managers issue.

You mention you are not receiving clinical support. How are you doing the two year training? Is it an apprenticeship or other programme? You should have a tutor you can approach and hopefully also a work place mentor.

As there is disparity in the opinion of your progress between team members it would be useful to have a meeting, all present to discuss your learning outcomes, make sure they are smart and that you review your progress against these on a regular basis.

Good luck