It's being an agency staff member for care homes but luckily it's only my 'bank' job that I do to earn extra money.
I'd say 70% of staff in the homes have been great but I can count several rude encounters I've had in the 7 months I've done this work.
Care work can be very stressful and short staffed, the atmosphere can be very tense as a result which I do understand, but it's also very cliquey and bitchy.
I also know it can be frustrating for permanent staff having to work with different agency staff each time.
However I've been to places where I'll smile and say hi to the staff and they'll just look at me like I'm something on their shoe.
Referred to as 'she' or 'her' or 'that young girl' is quite a common one.
Had some staff raise their voices at me, tut, roll their eyes and sigh if I did something that wasn't right.
Heard myself being whispered about a couple of times.
Excluded from takeaway orders.
Anyway I've decided enough is enough so I won't be completing any more shifts. I know this is part of life getting people like that but when you have to work with them directly on a 12 hour shift it's hard.
I have sometimes asked them not to speak to me like that or just reported to my agency sometimes.
I'm considering completing an NVQ so that I can apply to be a senior carer.
Has anyone else had this at work, in care or otherwise?
There have been a lot of really nice staff, but I'm not going to put up with being treated like dirt anymore.