Being bossed around by junior colleague..

[fanjoforthemammaries7850]

Just looking for advie on how to handle this..

Am a dental receptionist, and have worked with current employer for 4 years.

New trainee nurse has just started. She is just turned 18 (half my age) and is very loud and full of herself!

The waiting room has to be tidied at the end of the evening, and is supposed to be done by whoever is free. However there has been a bit of bad feeling and bitching from the nurses as they think the receptionists should do it (it's like school!) I don't even have any objections to doing it.

Last week this junior nurse came out to me and said "Before you go home will you tidy the waiting room as the magazines are messy", like she is my boss.

When I went through there was 1 slightly out of place, which would have taken her literally 1 second to move. I just did it as I am a peace loving type and shy and didn't want to cause a scene.

But it has been annoying me ever since. I don't feel like I want to work there if I am going to be pushed around every week by a trainee. My manager agrees it is outrageous that she was ordering me around, but is not going to say anything as I agreed its a very small team and would prefer to handle it in a less confrontational manner.

I have also heard this girl telling people in staff room that I just sit around at end of night and do nothing, which is not true.

Feels like being bullied at school, except I am way too old for it (and i was bullied, badly)

Does anyone have any suggestions?

TIA

I must also point out she ordered me to do this in front of everyone, which was most embarrassing.

Suggest that she could do it herself in passing if she is there, that way it's done. Sounds a tad too mouthy for her own good. Have a word with your boss or the practice manager to clarify your statement that "and is supposed to be done by whoever is free"...
You need to nip this in the bud if it is worrying you.

BTW >> have also heard this girl telling people in staff room that I just sit around at end of night and do nothing, which is not true.

Thanks. My Practice Manager was great about it. Unfortunately I think it is going to be brought up at meeting tomorrow that receptionists will do it now, just because we are sick of the nurses going on about it and bringing it up at every staff meeting. This was something I discussed with the manager and agreed with.

It is a 2 minute job, and we don't mind doing it!

Am just a bit worried that this will make this stroppy girl order me about even more.

I know I sound really wimpy though, just can imagine a huge confrontation and that is just not me.

There is also only ever me and 4 nurses working together at any time, so i am a bit outnumbered if I annoy any of them (they are young, a unit, and ALL bolshy).

TBH I do have to nip it in the bud though, or leave, I go to work for a bit of company and relaxation, not bitching and school type bullying!

Kerry - I sort of agree with you..but see my last post about not pissing off the nurses as they are the only people I work with and can be dead bitchy, and would prefer to have pleasant conversations at work rather than little girls bitching about me. Thanks.

Actually, the girl might shoot herself in foot as she is about to bring up some stuff at the staff meeting about one of the dentists, who will not take very kindly to it AT all.

dittany, I would love to say stuff like that, have practised the salutes and retorts in my head!

Don't let her order you about. Stand firm about any further unreasonable requests. You may find it helps to patronbise her gently. She should be respecting you as an older and longer standing colleague, with more experience, both of life and of this establishment. Stand up for yourself and don't let some (probably dippy) teen worry you. Easier said than done when outnumbered I know, but you have the weight of MN behind you! Good luck.

I did think of the time honoured Scottish retort "Stick a broom up my arse and I'll sweep the floor for you while I'm at it" ..maybe I will be brave enough to say that tomorrow!

I salute Dittany's inspired and wise advice. Practice and repeat Fanjo!!!

Also Fanjo, if they are going to be bitchy, in my book, you may as well give them something to bitch about!!!

True..

Oh, I DO hope she is squashed firmly by the dentists! Sounds far too big for her boots.

Don't put up with any more patronising comments. Good idea to practice retorts in your head. Make them grown up and firm.

If you dont stand up to them though, you wont be having pleasant coversations at work, you'll be seething because they are bossing you about.
Stand up for yourself, firmly but politely and hopefully you'll nip it in the bud.

Have an answer prepared for next time. Something like 'actually do you mind doing it if you are free now? I'm still finishing up. Thanks'
If she says no or makes an excuse just say 'Ok thats fine. Lets just leave it and whoever is free at the end of the day does it as agreed then shall we?'

dittany - that is excellent advice too, but I literally don't think she would understand what I was saying if I said that..!

That says it all Fanjo! Outwit her with words. Smirk at her ignorance. Gawd, I am being a bitch myself tonight. This sort of thing does annoy me though. Who does she think she is eh?

I will probably work myself about it all day tomorrow and she won't say it

work myself up I mean..keyboard battery going flat!

What happened then?!?!