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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To think school receptionists are much the same as doctors receptionists?

70 replies

saltnpepa · 13/05/2015 17:02

In terms of attitude I mean. Apologies to anyone who is a lovely receptionist at either docs or schools and I have known a few of each. But, as a fairly new parent at a school I notice a few of the receptionists have the similar sort of bad attitude as is normally found at the doctors - power crazed, snotty atmosphere, unfriendly and nosy. Is it just me or are most schools beset by such unpleasant women at the front desk?

OP posts:

MidniteScribbler · 13/05/2015 22:47

When I did my student teaching placement the principal made us spend a day working as the school receptionist, or "excuse receivers" as I prefer to call them.

"Johnny can't come in today, he watched X-Men last night and didn't sleep."

"Tarquin lost his jumper in the playground yesterday, you have to find it." "Did it have his name on it?" "No, but you should know it is his".

"Betsy didn't bring her homework this morning. The dog ate it. You have to tell her teacher" (Yes, people are still trying to use that one.)

"Jessie can't wear her uniform today, she stepped in a puddle on the way home yesterday."

"I didn't bring the permission slip for today's excursion, print me a new one."

"Tell the teacher I'll be picking Sophie up at lunchtime because it's going to be sunny today and we want to go to the beach."

This is just a sample of what happens before the bell. Then after the bell it starts with:

"Lola is late because she stopped to play with a cat on the way."

"I couldn't find Bobby's skateboard."

"I was waiting for the washing to finish so I could hang it out."

"Allie wanted to finish watching Peppa Pig before we left."

By 10am I was ready to tear my hair out. I couldn't imagine having to deal with it every single morning and still be smiling. I always offer the office staff first pick of any cakes or biscuits I take in lol.

mindthegap79 · 13/05/2015 22:53

When I called my new dentist to make an appointment I sheepishly explained that I hadn't been to them before, and in fact hadn't been to a dentist for 6 years. The receptionist boomed out "BLOODY HELLO! Have you got any teeth left?!"

a2011x · 13/05/2015 22:54

My doctors receptionists are all awful, I am a Health care assistant but sometimes provide emergency reception cover and I must say I do understand why! Patients are rude and treat you like your stupid, patients are quite often unreasonable and expect way too much. I have had a walking stick thrown at me, been told that someone will be waiting for me at the end of clinic to rape and beat me and called every name imaginable . Oh, and I'm not the receptionist. So god knows what they put up on a daily basis. Let's not forget when they complain our managers say and do whatever they can to make the customer happy even if it means saying that the staff did wrong when we obviously haven't. On the other hand I can be the first caller of the day, all sweetness and light and my doctors ones still grunt and huff at me everytime I speak, I can basically hear her eyes rolling through the phone, and they are the people who ruin it for everyone else. I totally admit I have no patience for rude people which is why I stay away from reception whenever I can

sleeponeday · 13/05/2015 23:16

I bloody love our school's admin. It's a village school so she pretty well does everything, and she is just amazing. DS is a really bright kid with special needs, and in the past at his old school the teachers couldn't see his issues as he is also bright and polite... she not only understands them, she applies SEN training to handling him, and ensuring he feels safe and happy there. And I am certain he's not the only one. I give her the exact same present I get his class teacher, TA and the head at Xmas/Easter/summer because she is so wonderful.

Receptionists are people. They'll run the gamut, like any other profession.

SpottyTeacakes · 14/05/2015 06:20

"Little hitlers on power trips"?! How fucking offensive!! I wish I actually had any power in my minimum wage job where, more often than not, I work a 6:45-1:30 shift without getting the chance to even have a wee let alone the 15 minute break that I'm entitled too (which I have never got to take the whole time I've worked there). Bloody hell people are so ignorant. Yes I am sure there are miserable receptionists but only as much as there are miserable teachers, bus drivers, cleaners, doctors, builders etc etc.

mkz10 · 14/05/2015 06:32

Our school receptionist is so grumpy.

We need to get a sign out slip from her if we are taking the kids out of school early for any reason, or an excuse slip if they are late and Dear Lord, she huffs and puffs and doesn't even raise her head.

I am sure it is annoying for her, but the parents didn't make the rule, and neither are the parents forcing her to sit at that desk and having to deal with them.

ComposHatComesBack · 14/05/2015 12:05

spotty I'm not disputing being a receptionist in a school or gp's surgery has its moments and is neither vocationally nor financially the most rewarding career. But that doesn't give said receptionist the right to take it out on everyone who crosses her path, especially when they've been nothing but polite and reasonable.

SpottyTeacakes · 14/05/2015 12:12

It wasn't really aimed at you cosmos it is hard though when you've been slowly beaten down all morning too keep up the cheery front! I don't appreciate being called a little hitler though (I know that wasn't you).

RosaGertrudeJekyll · 14/05/2015 12:26

yep.

I have often remarked to dh a simple " hello, just a monent please" rather than leaving one waiting wondering if anyone knows we are there wld be nice. hello anyway would be nice

LikeASoulWithoutAMind · 14/05/2015 12:27

My dcs have attended 4 different schools over the years and all the school office staff have been really lovely. So I think YABU.

RosaGertrudeJekyll · 14/05/2015 12:29

spotty the difference is its a specific people facing role representing school.

lampygirl · 14/05/2015 12:30

Genuine question for the GP staff here. Is there actually a system that allows for what you tell the receptionist to be relayed to the doctor you are here to see, and then vice versa.

I'm at a new practice having recently moved and I must say my experiences have all involved receptionists getting something wrong and it causing me problems, to the point I have sent in a written complaint, and will probably be moving again, which isn't ideal for continual care.

I accept that it could be because there is no system, but continually having appointments cancelled after time off etc has been booked because it isnt a suitable appointment is very frustrating. I'd much rather wait while thye check with the doctor if they are unsure than go ahead and tell you something is fine and it be wrong.

Allinson2014 · 14/05/2015 12:32

We have a fantastic receptionist at the DC school. We had an accident earlier in the week which required an a&e visit for myself and DC3. This meant I would need to collect the other DC from school early as I don't have anyone else to collect them (obviously I need to sort this out for the future). I was really dreading asking them because I know what pressure they're under regarding attendance etc but she was absolutely brilliant. I really can't fault her. DC1 moves school in sept, I'm hoping they're just as lovely there too.

lynniep · 14/05/2015 12:33

I think we're pretty lucky. Ours is awesome. She knows all the children (220 of them) and which class they are in, and seems to organise everything in school. She doesn't get phased by the scattiness of parents (i.e. me) or exasperated when the forms aren't filled in correctly (me, again)
Also, our GP receptionists are also super nice. If you don't wish to disclose your 'illness' over the phone, they don't push. They try to accommodate your needs. I have no issue with them.

( I did have a particularly unpleasant one in London once who couldn't help me as her computer kept saying 'no')

WeAllHaveWings · 14/05/2015 12:58

Yes, to me school and doctors receptionists are the same, have never had a problem with either. Always find them polite and helpful (so far!)

maninawomansworld · 14/05/2015 17:00

YANBU at all.
There do seem to be an unusually high number of stroppy, snooty receptionists at schools / doctors.
Yes I know it's a busy stressful job and all the rest of it but being polite to your customers is not too much to ask , it's called being PROFESSIONAL.

I bet the secretary / receptionist doesn't give the headteacher attitude when they want something done, so there is no excuse for giving parents a hard time either.

SpottyTeacakes · 14/05/2015 17:19

lampy if the patient tells me what it's regarding I put a note into the appt slot to say. If it's more complex I will send them an internal message.

Sparklingbrook · 14/05/2015 18:30

I do sometimes wonder how Receptionists in all fields got the job sometimes. I guess they saved their last ever smile for the interview.

The80sweregreat · 14/05/2015 20:36

Sparkling, the dentist ladies where i go are just so horrible. I went in crying with an infection once, not even a smile. Even dh remarked on it, and things like that go over his head normally! We are not all rude, i always say please n thank you and give the benefit of the doubt. Luckily the nurse / dentist were lovely, made me feel less of a wimp.

Sparklingbrook · 14/05/2015 20:40

Once a particularly grumpy Receptionist asked me if 'there's anything else you want' I said 'A smile wouldn't go amiss'.

If you have a customer/patient facing role I think being at least pleasant should be a given. Call me old fashioned.

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