Sana
In our daily lives, we often encounter situations that blur the boundaries between our professional and personal worlds.
One such instance is when healthcare professionals come face-to-face with patients outside of their workplace. These encounters can lead to interesting interactions, testing the balance between professional obligations and personal boundaries. Today, we delve into the story of a medical receptionist, whom we’ll refer to as OP, who experienced a peculiar encounter while going about their routine errands.
OP was strolling through their local supermarket with their children, simply trying to complete their grocery shopping. Unexpectedly, they come across a regular patient, accompanied by their elderly mother. What unfolds is a series of interactions that highlight the complexities of maintaining professionalism while off-duty. From casual greetings to appointment requests, OP finds themselves juggling the roles of a medical professional and an individual trying to navigate their personal life.
To read the complete story, please scroll down.
OP works as a medical receptionist at a local doctor’s office. The office consists of 12 general practitioners (GPs) as well as audiologists, physiotherapists, and psychologists.
OP, not wearing their work uniform, was shopping at Woolworths with their two children. They were simply trying to buy groceries and not working at that moment. OP often encounters patients from their area since they both live and work in the same suburb. 
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OP was walking down an aisle when they encountered a regular patient and her son. The son greeted OP with a friendly hello. The son mentioned that it was a lovely day and explained that they were doing their shopping with his mother.
OP tried to gently conclude the conversation and continue with their errands. However, the son continued the conversation, informing OP that he and his mother wanted to schedule an appointment with Dr. XYZ on Monday around 3 pm. OP mentioned that they were not currently working.
The son persisted, asking if OP could simply book the appointment when they arrived at the clinic. OP explained that they were unaware of the availability and advised the son to make the call themselves.
OP continued their shopping and proceeded to the self-service checkout and the son happened to be there as well. The son once again requested OP’s assistance in booking the appointment. OP suggested that the son should call them during their work hours:
Encounters like the one OP experienced are not uncommon for healthcare professionals who live and work in the same community. As they go about their daily lives, they may bump into patients, blurring the line between the professional realm of the clinic and their personal space. Balancing the desire for privacy and the need to provide appropriate care can be a challenging task.
Remember, in a world where personal and professional lives often intersect, it is crucial to deal with such encounters with respect, empathy, and a keen understanding of the boundaries that must be maintained.
OP found it challenging to maintain politeness and courtesy while inwardly wanting to express frustration. Even OP’s 10-year-old child questioned how one could expect to book an appointment for someone at that moment.
ETA:
“I don’t work HERE lady”
That is so unprofessional of you, OP:
That’s how one can describe such people:
OP has once booked an appointment for a patient off-duty but she was elderly and deaf:
Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation? How did you handle it? Share your comments below.
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