Summary

The narrative describes a dispute between the author and a new dialysis center administrator, Boss B, over the scheduling of the author's partner's dialysis chair time, which was eventually resolved in the author's favor.

Abstract

The author recounts a conflict with the new administrator at her partner Ben's dialysis center, where despite previous agreements on a suitable chair time, the administrator, Boss B, incorrectly accused Ben of being late for his appointments due to a mix-up in the schedule. The author had to assertively remind Boss B of the agreed-upon time of 11:30 am, which had been changed from the original 10:30 am to accommodate the author's work schedule. The situation was exacerbated by Boss B's insistence on the incorrect time and her presentation of a report as evidence of Ben's tardiness. The conflict was resolved only after Boss B checked the official records, confirming the author's account, and acknowledging the mistake. The incident highlights the importance of clear communication and the impact of administrative errors on patients and their families.

Opinions

The author is firm and confident in her knowledge of the agreed-upon schedule, showing no hesitation in challenging the administrator's incorrect claims.
The author expresses frustration with Boss B's approach and the unnecessary stress caused by the scheduling conflict.
Nurse K and Receptionist L seem to empathize with the author and are relieved that they are not the target of Boss B's scrutiny.
Boss B is perceived as disorganized or negligent in her record-keeping, leading to the scheduling error and conflict.
The author's successful resolution of the issue and her meticulous scheduling skills are acknowledged by the staff, indicating respect for her ability to manage complex arrangements.
The author's partner, Ben, shows support and readiness to get involved in resolving the scheduling issue, demonstrating a united front in dealing with the center's administration.

I Don’t Care What’s on Your Clipboard

Our dialysis story — chapter 36

The dialysis center has a new administrator — let’s call her Boss B.

In late November, she approached me about changing Ben’s chair time to the newly formed evening shift. I told her that wouldn’t work for us because I work two to three evenings a week, and we go to bed early and get up early. Since starting at the center, his chair time has been 11:45, meaning we had to be there by 11:30, and that schedule worked well for us.

The next time I took Ben to dialysis, Boss B was waiting for me. She wanted to change Ben’s chair time to 10:00 am. I told her that wasn’t possible because I have a client at noon on Fridays while he’s at the center, and she can’t have me working at any other time. I finally agreed to change Ben’s chair time to 11:30, meaning we’d have to be at the center by 11:15. I knew my client wouldn’t object to a 15-minute change in my work schedule. So, the issue was settled.

Ever since the change, we arrive between 11 am and 11:10 am.

When I went to pick up Ben on January 1st, Boss B was in the reception office, along with Nurse K and the new receptionist, L. Boss B leaned through the sliding window and held up a report attached to a clipboard.

Tersely, she said to me:

Are you aware that Ben has been late for every appointment in December?

I noticed that Nurse K and Receptionist L were avoiding looking at me or Boss B. I replied:

No, he hasn’t.

She pushed the clipboard closer to my face.

See, right here. His chair time is 10:30, and he’s been arriving around 11:15. One hour later than he’s supposed to be here.

I backed away from the encroaching clipboard.

His chair time is 11:30, and we always arrive between 11:00 and 11:10. In the six months he’s been coming here, he’s never been late for his chair time.

She shook her head.

No, his chair time is 10:30. Maybe you’re confused with the holiday schedule.

I replied:

The holiday schedule was one day — Christmas. The day changed but not the time.

Her hair flew from side to side as she shook her head vigorously.

His chair time is 10:30. It was changed. Or maybe you don’t recall.

I started to lose my cool.

Yes, I do remember. You wanted to put him on the evening shift and I said no because I work evenings. Then, you wanted to change him to 10 am, and I said that wouldn’t work because I have a client at noon on Fridays. Then, we agreed on an 11:30 chair time.

Nurse K was seated to the right of Boss B, looking down at some papers on the desk. She was smiling.

Boss B waved the clipboard.

It’s right here. The reports show he has a chair time of 10:30 and he’s always an hour late.

I straightened my back and leaned forward, speaking slowly and firmly.

I don’t care what’s on your clipboard. I know what I agreed to. His chair time is 11:30.

Boss B stepped back and said:

I can prove it to you. When we change a chair time all the nurses have to sign a form acknowledging the change. I’m going to go get that form.

She turned to walk into the clinic area as I called out:

I don’t care what’s on that form either. I agreed to 11:30.

Once Boss B was gone, Receptionist L said:

For once, I’m not in trouble for something!

Nurse K winked at me:

I knew she was messing with the wrong person when she started in on you.

A few minutes later, Boss B returned but stayed in the back of the reception area as she quietly said:

My mistake. You’re correct. His chair time was changed to 11:30. We’ll keep it there for now.

As she walked out of the office, Nurse K and Receptionist L chuckled, and I said:

If there is one thing I do well, it’s scheduling. I have to juggle clients, medical appointments, and this place. We live by my phone calendar. You’re right, she messed with the wrong person!