To ask you how to impress in an NHS job?

[FreshStartTomorrow]

I’m starting my new job tomorrow. Non-clinical, admin work. I’ve got my notebook and pens ready to go to write everything down, but how do I go about impressing everyone, and also making the best impression I can and make friends?

Honestly don't try tooo hard. Be really smiley and friendly but don't go over the top. Each department is different so it's just a case of fitting in a bit. Ask questions and write stuff down. Good luck.

I work in the NHS and have done for 20+ years… it can be very cliquey! Especially if a predominantly female department.
I would say be friendly to everyone and keep an eye out, you’ll quickly see the dynamics, who to avoid etc.
Don’t get drawn into drama, it’s easy to do.

Surely the same as any other job? 🤷🏻‍♀️

Just being reasonably competent would raise you above the level of average…

And if you show good (and increasing) knowledge of systems and processes that’s even better.

And if you can be proactive and do something beyond the standard routine that makes a big difference, then the people that matter will notice you.

Listen more than you talk. Smile. Above all, learn how to pick up and transfer phone calls (for the patients’ sake).

Take notes on the coffee ritual - there will be something weird about it. (It is typical for everyone to have their Own Mug and for using other people’s mugs to be frowned on, so in case it’s like that you could put a mug you don’t mind losing in your bag). There may be a coffee kitty so take a fiver in case the Tea Person will only accept cash, but it’s just as likely that after the Great Decaf Row of 2008, everybody takes their own and there will be a cupboard rammed with individual small jars of teabags and coffee and a fridge full of single pints of milk with names on. However, if everyone dips from the same big catering tin of Maxwell House, I would wait a few weeks before introducing your own nicer variety.

Good luck! All whinging aside, I still like working for the NHS and trying my best to offer a good service.

Thanks everyone!

noted re coffee - I’ll take some cash and a mug, and also a couple sachets just in case that’s the done thing!

You can't impress in the nhs. Either your face fits, or it doesn't.

Engaging in the coffee rituals will help though. And take your own pens.

Bookmarking for same situation in two weeks! Already NHS but moving from commissioning to clinical side in a non-clinical role. Bit nervous!

Be prepared for your log ins, security passes, etc not to work and to do hours of unnecessary stat and mand.
And you will never get out on time or know what time you will get a break ( or is that just clinical)

Good luck!

Just an update - today went really well! Everyone is friendly and it was mainly just getting bedded in with the systems. There’s an issue their end about my email but I’m hoping it’ll be fixed tomorrow! My new manager is lovely and is very much pushing towards me getting promoted as soon as possible

Just an update - today went really well! Everyone is friendly and it was mainly just getting bedded in with the systems. There’s an issue their end about my email but I’m hoping it’ll be fixed tomorrow! My new manager is lovely and is very much pushing towards me getting promoted as soon as possible