As of yesterday, I have been on the job for 13 days. I work at a speciality clinic, with 37 rotating doctors, in Central Registration. We answer the hospital switchboard, the outpatient clinic phones, admit patients (both to hospital, ER, and speciality clinic). And schedule appointments.

Wednesday I finally got my scheduling passwords, and started learning that system.

My supervisor is on vacation.

So yesterday, I go in to work, and only one co-worker is there. (there are always two, plus supervisor-who is on vacation). This co-worker told me she is leaving at 2:45-as scheduled. the other co-worker is taking a CPR class and won't be there that afternoon-so I was on my own! A roomful of patients, 3 doctors. And me just being on scheduling the first time the day before. She told me they would switch the hospital phones to the nurses station and have the nurse handle any ER's that come in. But the rest was up to me!

It was very upsetting. I have a little clue about the scheduling, but not much. I am just learning all the extension on the phones. I am just learning the admit screens.

Then the pilot called and one of the drs. had to leave immediately, which meant rescheduling his patients (some already in the waiting room). So about 45 minutes of hectic chaos ensued. and the first co-worker was just getting ready to leave when the one who was in the CPR class showed up.

I waited about an hour, until things calmed down, and asked this co-worker if ANYONE is ever scheduled to work alone. She said No. Even around the holidays, when things are slower, they always schedule two per shift.

I am steaming. I'm sure my supervisor would not have let this happen-I don't think she knows what these girls did/were planning to do. And I also think them scheming to have me work a busy shift like that alone was pretty crappy of them.

I am debating talking to my supervisor about this when she returns. I hate rocking any boats as I've been there less than 3 weeks, but I don't appreciate the position they were trying to force me into. Is this common? I havent even been there long enough to know what each Dr. wants as far as patient sheets, ins., etc and feel really really panicy about this job now.

What would you do?