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    Seriously hilarious (or hilariously serious) advice on working in hospitals

    May 29th, 2006

    Last week, I asked for advice on working in a hospital. I just got this from an anonymous source, and it was just too politically incorrect not to post:

    Working in a hospital is NOT like college. It's like high school. In fact, most of the time, it's like junior high school.

    Some of the physicians are socially challenged. They are locked up for 12 or more years in college, medical school, residencies or fellowships where they are completely removed from the real world. Unbelievable pressure is placed on them, and then they are set free and told to "Be normal." Hah.

    Over the years several of them actually start to believe that they are truly responsible for all human life. They forget about the merits of good drugs, good technology, good nurses and good luck, and think that they did it. Add on top of that they they can make tons of money and BINGO . . . "How many (fill in the blank) surgeons does it take to change a light bulb? One. They hold their hand in the air and the world revolves around it."

    Some of the administrators need drugs for mental problems, too. In fact, the truth is more do than don't. I worked for five CEO's who had one thing in common. They were all on mood altering drugs: anti-depressants, lithium, you name it. One of them drank 32 cups of coffee between 9AM and 2PM everyday.

    At least ten percent of the employees act like BABIES: bitchy, immature, gossips. They are just MEAN. Watch your back.

    In summary, enjoy. It's the worst job I've ever had.

    Comments:

    Comment from: Hoodia [Visitor] · http://www.planthoodia.com
    To a point I have to agree. I went to college specifically for a medical career, did it for about 4 years and went back to school to do something else. There is so much politics in working in that type of environment that most would never guess. Even down to the day to day interactions with co-workers, their "territories", the insecurities of seasoned medical staff. It's not always a pleasant working environment. If you are in a unit or office that you enjoy, stick with it. If you are not, keep working at it. I think the newer generation will be better with this.
    Permalink 06/01/06 @ 09:20
    Comment from: Kim [Visitor] · http://www.emergiblog.com
    I agree with the "watch your back" statement.

    Do not discuss your homelife at work unless it is something positive.

    People will talk about you behind your back. I might be positive OR negative, but they will talk. Expect it. It will get back to you.

    Do not talk about your other coworkers in a bad way, EVER, see above - it will get back to them.

    Hospitals are interesting places. No matter what job you have, remember that it is JUST your job. Come in, do what you can to the best of your ability, cultivate good will when you can and then go home to "real life".

    Keep your perspective.....

    Permalink 06/02/06 @ 18:05
    Comment from: hospitaltony [Member]
    is politics *especially* bad in healthcare or is it just a function of being a part of large organizations where small groups work together very closely?
    Permalink 06/05/06 @ 10:27
    Comment from: Joe [Visitor]
    Jail is an institution too.

    As a patient - you can loose your life and dignity at either a jail or hospital.

    As an employee, well, just don't drop the soap...
    Permalink 06/05/06 @ 22:22
    Comment from: Anon [Visitor]
    So far, everything I have read about hospital environments could be true of any industry. Every job I have ever held - from auto glass sales to training nurses to marketing to hospital CFOs - all carries with it the same thing as described above: your co-workers will gossip about anyone and anything, and most people in the industry are on the verge of a mental breakdown. I think these characteristics are more inherent to human nature in general than to hospitals specifically. Get over it - you'll have that kind of BS everywhere you go.
    Permalink 09/21/06 @ 14:03
    Comment from: d [Visitor]
    I have relatives that work in hospitals and the stories they tell me resemble grade school or middle school. The behavior of hospital staff in a corporation would lead you straight to HR and terminated but in a hospital it doesn't seem to apply. Hospitals need to teach ALL their employees sensitivity training, civil training, and social training. Believe me it is not like that everywhere. There are people who realize that we spend more time at work than home so why not make it a pleasant working environment. If there are any HR people from hospitals please teach civil treatment courses before hospital employees start realizing that they can sue and then you have no protection because it was not addressed.
    Permalink 07/13/07 @ 11:28
    Comment from: anti depression [Visitor] · http://www.depressionfighters.com
    Depression is a commonplace event in modern times, taking on many different forms, including physical, sexual, emotional, and verbal abuse, occurring in many different contexts.
    Permalink 10/07/08 @ 03:12

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