I can't take anymore; FRUSTRATED and DEPRESSED

[eightdozenroses 0]

I've heard some here complain about their assistants; my problem is the AD!

 

I can't take much more of her laziness and goofing off and doing nothing after the morning meeting but entering information in CareTracker and making a few phone calls. I'm sick of listening to her conversations about her boyfriends as well. Fortunately, I run all day but for the 45 minutes I get to do my notes, I have to listen to her drone on and on. PLUS she's rude to me, demeaning, and I'm actually getting upset at the thought of having to be around her any more. I was crying last night - and I'm too old for tears. ARE ALL ADs LIKE THIS????? Because I'll just call my former employer and get another store if this is the stuff I have to take for the next 2 years until I have enough experience to be an AD. I'd rather work 70 hours per week on salary than what I"m doing now. I am constantly reminded of my lowly status by my boss as well. I'm 'just an assistant". I NEVER ever put my team members down like that when I was a manager - never. Even if they messed up big time, I never made them feel lowly.

 

When I was hired, the stated plan (by the administrator) was that the AD was to work with the lower functioning residents, and I with the higher ones. I work with ALL of them because in three months she has only done this twice. Oh, she does the newsletter and the calendar BUT she makes myriad mistakes in both. It's embarassing, actually. PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND ABOUT HOW I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH WORK IT IS TO BE AN AD - it may be a lot of work, but SHE AIN'T DOING IT!!!!! I have been an executive assistant and I could bang out that stuff in no time.

 

I have found volunteers for her but she never acted on them. I do a lot of work from home as well - no thanks, no appreciation - NOTHING.

 

I'm really disheartened because I find the job extremely intellectually stultifying; all I do is call Bingo and play games all day and attempt to draw into the lame activities persons who DO NOT WANT TO PLAY bean bag toss. Our calendar needs to be seriously adjusted but she just puts the same stuff on it save for the few things she's allowed me to put in. There are not enough activities for those residents who are still bright and with it. They may be few, but they need to be considered.

 

I never a chance to do anything remotely challenging. I'm not going to last much longer at this rate, because I've fallen into a deep depression. Perhaps this field is not right for me and I should go back to retail, but if/when I leave, the same thing is going to happen to the next assistant (she has never been able to hold onto one, because she spends NO TIME with her assistants and gives them no instruction/praise/thanks - from what I understand from residents and some staff members.

 

SHE WILL CONTINUE TO BE LIKE THIS whether I stay or leave - I want it to STOP for the sake of the persons who follow me, because I'm definitely not going to stay and take this abuse.

 

Is the ADMIN really this OBTUSE ??? She HAS to notice that the sessions with the lower functioning residents are not happening, right? She has to notice the calendar is always late, right? She has to know that everything my boss is supposed to do is late and or mistake-laden, right?

 

I'm not going to delete this rant because I no longer care. I always get angry at laziness, lack of appreciation, rudeness and general disregard for the feelings of others. That's my boss - and the facility at which I work - in a nutshell. If all facilities are like this, I'd rather be in retail management again. And that's saying something. I am definitely out the door at this place, because the facility zeitgeist IS one of lack of appreciation and its absolutely not a team - more like warring factions. Are all facilities this poorly run?

Edited November 27, 2007 by eightdozenroses

[Pennie 26]

Hi

First off you should not have to deleted your topic as this is what the board is for. Second it truly ashame that your AD is lazy & so rude to you. I would say go to the Admin about this but it seems that it would do no good. But I do think that if you quit you should go to the Admin & explain why you are quitting. It may not be heard but it would be fair for the resident's. They are the ones who are really paying the price from such a bad facility. In answer to your question, are all facilities this way "NO". Yes you do get the lazy folks no matter where you work, the no team palyers but they are usually few. If you love the job other than the AD have you thought about going to a different facility to work? You should try to so that you can see what it is like to work at a normal place. I can't really say anything else I do think you should look for another job & get out of there life is to short to let a job do this to you. Give yourself a Xmas gift & start looking for another facility to work in by the first of the year.

Happy Holidays

Pennie

[Kellbell68 0]

Hi! I'm sorry you are going through this... I have been through it, too, and live to tell about it:)

At the last facility I worked for, I was the Life Enrichment Coordinator, as well as the Administrator's Assistant.

The Administrator was very, very young (23 to be exact) and was terrible with me (which got to me even more because I was older than her;). I worked so hard to turn the activity department into a wonderful program for the residents, and received absolutely no credit. It was very hard working so closely with her, knowing that she was being very unethical and terrible to her employees.

 

If you are feeling this way now, I'd start looking. Once you are at the point you are at (I was at the exact same point... upset & angry constantly), there is really no going back. The AD probably isn't going to change and although I know you love the residents and they love you, you have to do this for yourself. It is one thing to be burned out on the AD or the facility, but don't let her burn you out on the entire profession.

 

All directors aren't like yours (trust me!) and although activities seem to be very under-rated everywhere, you being treated the way you are is unacceptable. I would definitely talk to your administrator about this. The AD is just going to keep running people off if they keep her.

 

Feel free to send me a message anytime. I have been in the boat you are in and understand the frustration you are feeling.

 

Take care!

Kelly:)

[trixiedg 0]

My heart goes out to you. As some of the others have already said, not all care centers or activity directors are like that. The burn out rate in our profession is one of the highest. I have a lot of the same problems that you are having but I am the director and it is my assistant that is giving me the headaches. She will be returning to the floor as a CNA soon so at least I do have that to look forward to. My administrator keeps telling me to just hang in there, so that is what I'm trying to do although I feel as though I am at the end of my rope hanging onto the threads. Mostly all she is doing now is the minimum to get by, complaining about what she has to do, and telling the residents that most of the activities are a waste of her time. I wish I could find someone similar to you who is motivated to make things the best they can be and is not afraid of a little hard work to make things the top of the line. I would love to have someone to add input on the programs that are scheduled. There are so many times when I run out of new ideas or just don't have the time to really think it all through when I plan the calendar. I find myself scheduling events that, when the time comes to actually do them, I don't have time to do them. My time is stretched so thin that when I'm talking to someone I am walking away at the same time I'm talking to them. If I'm sitting still just taking a breather, I feel guilty because there is so much to do. I have not been able to do the decorating at the care center this year mostly because of having to do paperwork and about a million other things. Being able to decorate the nursing home is one of the things I have always taken pride in, but not this year. The decorating has already been done by someone else. I'm glad they did get it done because without them, it would not have been done at all. Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year because of the decorating and the spirit of the season, but I just have not been able to get into it this year, at least not yet. Sorry about the long, drawn out post. I really do hope that you can find a little peace in your life.

[pklashley83 0]

Hello I really feel bad for you. I agree with some of the others. There is no hope here and what is so disheartning if they are treating you like this how are they treating the residents? Do you have a hotline to your office it sounds like it might be to take a stand or go somewhere alse. It is very difficult to give your all when your all isnt good enough.. and yes not all people are like that

so hold on to your kool and go where youll be respected and you can the residents all you have to give and good luck

[Miguel 4]

Hey Frustrated and Depressed!

KEEP YOUR HEAD UP LITTLE LADY!

 

It can be frustrating working for someone who does not have the passion that you have and can be a thorn in the behind..

 

I strongly suggest you do the following:

1) Look for another facility activity director looking for an Assistant

 

or

 

2) out Educate your boss... It's something I had to do and it really worked... Develop your skills and do more for your residents. Obtain National Certification (something I bet she doesnt even have or even takes seriously) By doing this it really shows that you are not less of a person and actually are more of a person that she may be

 

Dont EVER, Let someone else make you hate your job, especially Activities as its a job that is soooo rewarding.

 

-Miguel

 

 

I've heard some here complain about their assistants; my problem is the AD!

 

I can't take much more of her laziness and goofing off and doing nothing after the morning meeting but entering information in CareTracker and making a few phone calls. I'm sick of listening to her conversations about her boyfriends as well. Fortunately, I run all day but for the 45 minutes I get to do my notes, I have to listen to her drone on and on. PLUS she's rude to me, demeaning, and I'm actually getting upset at the thought of having to be around her any more. I was crying last night - and I'm too old for tears. ARE ALL ADs LIKE THIS????? Because I'll just call my former employer and get another store if this is the stuff I have to take for the next 2 years until I have enough experience to be an AD. I'd rather work 70 hours per week on salary than what I"m doing now. I am constantly reminded of my lowly status by my boss as well. I'm 'just an assistant". I NEVER ever put my team members down like that when I was a manager - never. Even if they messed up big time, I never made them feel lowly.

 

When I was hired, the stated plan (by the administrator) was that the AD was to work with the lower functioning residents, and I with the higher ones. I work with ALL of them because in three months she has only done this twice. Oh, she does the newsletter and the calendar BUT she makes myriad mistakes in both. It's embarassing, actually. PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND ABOUT HOW I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH WORK IT IS TO BE AN AD - it may be a lot of work, but SHE AIN'T DOING IT!!!!! I have been an executive assistant and I could bang out that stuff in no time.

 

I have found volunteers for her but she never acted on them. I do a lot of work from home as well - no thanks, no appreciation - NOTHING.

 

I'm really disheartened because I find the job extremely intellectually stultifying; all I do is call Bingo and play games all day and attempt to draw into the lame activities persons who DO NOT WANT TO PLAY bean bag toss. Our calendar needs to be seriously adjusted but she just puts the same stuff on it save for the few things she's allowed me to put in. There are not enough activities for those residents who are still bright and with it. They may be few, but they need to be considered.

 

I never a chance to do anything remotely challenging. I'm not going to last much longer at this rate, because I've fallen into a deep depression. Perhaps this field is not right for me and I should go back to retail, but if/when I leave, the same thing is going to happen to the next assistant (she has never been able to hold onto one, because she spends NO TIME with her assistants and gives them no instruction/praise/thanks - from what I understand from residents and some staff members.

 

SHE WILL CONTINUE TO BE LIKE THIS whether I stay or leave - I want it to STOP for the sake of the persons who follow me, because I'm definitely not going to stay and take this abuse.

 

Is the ADMIN really this OBTUSE ??? She HAS to notice that the sessions with the lower functioning residents are not happening, right? She has to notice the calendar is always late, right? She has to know that everything my boss is supposed to do is late and or mistake-laden, right?

 

I'm not going to delete this rant because I no longer care. I always get angry at laziness, lack of appreciation, rudeness and general disregard for the feelings of others. That's my boss - and the facility at which I work - in a nutshell. If all facilities are like this, I'd rather be in retail management again. And that's saying something. I am definitely out the door at this place, because the facility zeitgeist IS one of lack of appreciation and its absolutely not a team - more like warring factions. Are all facilities this poorly run?

[BartMan 0]

Holy Guacamoly dear !!!! I know what I would do if I was you Fo' Sho' !! But I can't say how I really feel on this message board , if ya know what I mean ?? I totally agree with everyone else and their comments on this matter. You are the better person here indeed. Please let us know the outcome of this situation you're going thru. And please do KEEP YO HEAD HELD HIGH !!!! BartMan in Tally.... ;o)

[bauerforall 0]

 

Hi- I know how you feel.... I started out as an asst. & my AD treated me the same way..She used to take a smoke break all day while I worked my a** off. I swore that I would never treat my fellow co-workers that way if I became an AD . Once I was promoted ,I worked together with the asst. We worked as a team. I was not any better then them. We were equal. I would never ask them to do something I could not do myself. Keep your head high. If it does not get better ... I would look to another facility. There are AD 's out there that are caring to fellow staff.

[Jicenogle 0]

I've heard some here complain about their assistants; my problem is the AD!

 

I can't take much more of her laziness and goofing off and doing nothing after the morning meeting but entering information in CareTracker and making a few phone calls. I'm sick of listening to her conversations about her boyfriends as well. Fortunately, I run all day but for the 45 minutes I get to do my notes, I have to listen to her drone on and on. PLUS she's rude to me, demeaning, and I'm actually getting upset at the thought of having to be around her any more. I was crying last night - and I'm too old for tears. ARE ALL ADs LIKE THIS????? Because I'll just call my former employer and get another store if this is the stuff I have to take for the next 2 years until I have enough experience to be an AD. I'd rather work 70 hours per week on salary than what I"m doing now. I am constantly reminded of my lowly status by my boss as well. I'm 'just an assistant". I NEVER ever put my team members down like that when I was a manager - never. Even if they messed up big time, I never made them feel lowly.

 

When I was hired, the stated plan (by the administrator) was that the AD was to work with the lower functioning residents, and I with the higher ones. I work with ALL of them because in three months she has only done this twice. Oh, she does the newsletter and the calendar BUT she makes myriad mistakes in both. It's embarassing, actually. PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND ABOUT HOW I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH WORK IT IS TO BE AN AD - it may be a lot of work, but SHE AIN'T DOING IT!!!!! I have been an executive assistant and I could bang out that stuff in no time.

 

I have found volunteers for her but she never acted on them. I do a lot of work from home as well - no thanks, no appreciation - NOTHING.

 

I'm really disheartened because I find the job extremely intellectually stultifying; all I do is call Bingo and play games all day and attempt to draw into the lame activities persons who DO NOT WANT TO PLAY bean bag toss. Our calendar needs to be seriously adjusted but she just puts the same stuff on it save for the few things she's allowed me to put in. There are not enough activities for those residents who are still bright and with it. They may be few, but they need to be considered.

 

I never a chance to do anything remotely challenging. I'm not going to last much longer at this rate, because I've fallen into a deep depression. Perhaps this field is not right for me and I should go back to retail, but if/when I leave, the same thing is going to happen to the next assistant (she has never been able to hold onto one, because she spends NO TIME with her assistants and gives them no instruction/praise/thanks - from what I understand from residents and some staff members.

 

SHE WILL CONTINUE TO BE LIKE THIS whether I stay or leave - I want it to STOP for the sake of the persons who follow me, because I'm definitely not going to stay and take this abuse.

 

Is the ADMIN really this OBTUSE ??? She HAS to notice that the sessions with the lower functioning residents are not happening, right? She has to notice the calendar is always late, right? She has to know that everything my boss is supposed to do is late and or mistake-laden, right?

 

I'm not going to delete this rant because I no longer care. I always get angry at laziness, lack of appreciation, rudeness and general disregard for the feelings of others. That's my boss - and the facility at which I work - in a nutshell. If all facilities are like this, I'd rather be in retail management again. And that's saying something. I am definitely out the door at this place, because the facility zeitgeist IS one of lack of appreciation and its absolutely not a team - more like warring factions. Are all facilities this poorly run?

Thank You for voicing your concerns and frustrations. Ive only been in this field about 6 months and i have had some serious soul searching about if this is really what i have to put up with. I just want to let you know you are no the only one and by reading the advice given by others i totally agree. My situation is a little different the PA'S do the calendar and the Program Manager does the Calendar, we do create, modify, and attend care plan meetings. We have a coordinator and i just don't get her role right now. Since im new i don't want to cause ripples in the organizational plan of the facility but im a almost at my wits end. Thank God for the resident or i would have given up a while ago but they truly deserve better.

[eightdozenroses 0]

Thank You for voicing your concerns and frustrations. Ive only been in this field about 6 months and i have had some serious soul searching about if this is really what i have to put up with. I just want to let you know you are no the only one and by reading the advice given by others i totally agree. My situation is a little different the PA'S do the calendar and the Program Manager does the Calendar, we do create, modify, and attend care plan meetings. We have a coordinator and i just don't get her role right now. Since im new i don't want to cause ripples in the organizational plan of the facility but im a almost at my wits end. Thank God for the resident or i would have given up a while ago but they truly deserve better.

 

 

Thank you for your kind note.

 

Well, the nightmare is over for me. A recruiter contacted me and a retail company has made me an offer I can't refuse. I am excited to go back to retail. You're treated like dirt but at least you know that going in and I'll be making twice what I make now. Sure, I'll work more and sure, it's going to be hard work but I actually LOVE being a retail manager. I can't say the same about being an activity assistant. I loved the residents - did not like the bull at my facility.

 

I hope I will be permitted to volunteer but I doubt my boss is secure enough to allow me to do this. So I hope I will at least be permitted to visit my residents.

 

It was a nice shot at a career change, but some of us need something different. I thank all of you for your friendship here.

 

I HAVE SOME BOOKS FOR SALE CHEAP - LOL - if you are taking MEPAP, let me know. You can have them at a good price.

[cktb 0]

Hello Frustrated and Depressed,

I have to tell you that "NO!!!!" all Activity Director's are not like yours. All facilities are not run as haphazardly as what you have experienced. You know, a person needs to be secure in themselves to instruct or even work well with other people. Do not allow yourself to be tainted by this one experience. I have been in Activities for over 20 years. I love it!!! I love watching a program come together, seeing the smiles on my seniors and the satisfaction in the family members who see that their family members are happy.

It takes a special person to want to be in the lives of sick, elderly people on a daily basis. Your supervisor may have found that this is not his/her niche. Please do not give up on Activities because your current supervisor is not "with it" professionally. Find a place where you can be appreciated and where you can grow. Activities needs focused and passionate people like yourself to be about the business of "Increasing the Quality of Life".

[RebeKen 0]

REPLY to adozenroses:

First of all, I have never been in the presence of your AD, so I really don't get the drift of demeanor. However, maybe the real problem is of a corporate slant. Your AD may be just as frustrated as you, due to corporate restraints.

Work on, as much as you can, until you really can't take in no mo! Then, rest assured, there are other places where your humanitarian attributes will fit in better. Explore!

[catwalkart 0]

I've heard some here complain about their assistants; my problem is the AD!

 

I can't take much more of her laziness and goofing off and doing nothing after the morning meeting but entering information in CareTracker and making a few phone calls. I'm sick of listening to her conversations about her boyfriends as well. Fortunately, I run all day but for the 45 minutes I get to do my notes, I have to listen to her drone on and on. PLUS she's rude to me, demeaning, and I'm actually getting upset at the thought of having to be around her any more. I was crying last night - and I'm too old for tears. ARE ALL ADs LIKE THIS????? Because I'll just call my former employer and get another store if this is the stuff I have to take for the next 2 years until I have enough experience to be an AD. I'd rather work 70 hours per week on salary than what I"m doing now. I am constantly reminded of my lowly status by my boss as well. I'm 'just an assistant". I NEVER ever put my team members down like that when I was a manager - never. Even if they messed up big time, I never made them feel lowly.

 

When I was hired, the stated plan (by the administrator) was that the AD was to work with the lower functioning residents, and I with the higher ones. I work with ALL of them because in three months she has only done this twice. Oh, she does the newsletter and the calendar BUT she makes myriad mistakes in both. It's embarassing, actually. PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND ABOUT HOW I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH WORK IT IS TO BE AN AD - it may be a lot of work, but SHE AIN'T DOING IT!!!!! I have been an executive assistant and I could bang out that stuff in no time.

 

I have found volunteers for her but she never acted on them. I do a lot of work from home as well - no thanks, no appreciation - NOTHING.

 

I'm really disheartened because I find the job extremely intellectually stultifying; all I do is call Bingo and play games all day and attempt to draw into the lame activities persons who DO NOT WANT TO PLAY bean bag toss. Our calendar needs to be seriously adjusted but she just puts the same stuff on it save for the few things she's allowed me to put in. There are not enough activities for those residents who are still bright and with it. They may be few, but they need to be considered.

 

I never a chance to do anything remotely challenging. I'm not going to last much longer at this rate, because I've fallen into a deep depression. Perhaps this field is not right for me and I should go back to retail, but if/when I leave, the same thing is going to happen to the next assistant (she has never been able to hold onto one, because she spends NO TIME with her assistants and gives them no instruction/praise/thanks - from what I understand from residents and some staff members.

 

SHE WILL CONTINUE TO BE LIKE THIS whether I stay or leave - I want it to STOP for the sake of the persons who follow me, because I'm definitely not going to stay and take this abuse.

 

Is the ADMIN really this OBTUSE ??? She HAS to notice that the sessions with the lower functioning residents are not happening, right? She has to notice the calendar is always late, right? She has to know that everything my boss is supposed to do is late and or mistake-laden, right?

 

I'm not going to delete this rant because I no longer care. I always get angry at laziness, lack of appreciation, rudeness and general disregard for the feelings of others. That's my boss - and the facility at which I work - in a nutshell. If all facilities are like this, I'd rather be in retail management again. And that's saying something. I am definitely out the door at this place, because the facility zeitgeist IS one of lack of appreciation and its absolutely not a team - more like warring factions. Are all facilities this poorly run?

 

 

Dear Frustrated and Depressed:

I feel sorry for the situation you are in. If I were you, I would have a meeting with your director first and see if things can be resolved. Sometimes communication plays a big factor in improving the situation. Let her know that the things she said to you have made you feel uncomfortable with statements that she has made that demeaned you and that you would like it to stop, she would most likely become aware of this and maybe work on her actions if she doesn't want to lose you and then go to your administrator if it doesn't get any better. Also talk to your administrator about the original plan he had with you working with the higher functioning residents/ which surely is not the case. Let him know that you had expected to work with the higher functioning based on what they said. Let him know that you are also willing to grow in the field and want to try some new challenges. I would document events that occur and statements that your activity director has made to you that were inappropriate and demeaning. Make sure you put everything in writing. Also before you do any more work at home,don't do anymore unless you are getting paid for it. Let her know how much time you have spent doing this at home and see if they can pay for the extra hours that you have spent doing it or ask if she could give you extra time to get it done. If she cares about your well being and wants to keep you around it will force her to learn to start appreciating you. Make some suggestions about what activities you like doing particularly and also relay what activities the residents themselves want to see in the calendar.There seems to be a lack of communication and appreciation by your boss. Its tough working for someone that doesn't give you praise at work. If you can be a little assertive at times when needed, it will help you to not get walked on. This will be a tough one, and I give you all the credit in the world. It doesn't look like you are happy...Just remember, Not all Activity Directors are as bad as it seems, I have worked with some wonderful bosses and some horrible ones too , in your case.

Try to remain calm and think about your options...

 

Always have a backup plan, get your references ready, brush up on your resume,keep your eyes on new opportunities if things do not improve. Start taking classes so you yourself can one day become an Activity Director. That way you can use your own skills and implement the needs of the residents into your own programming in the future. Good Luck and try to keep your head up!!!!

 

catwalkart

[BibleBarb 0]

I've heard some here complain about their assistants; my problem is the AD!

 

OMG! This sounds just like the AD I worked with!!!! I am a nurse by trade and had a work related injury and was put in the Activity Dept for light duty. I worked there for 7 mos. I ran that dept. Our AD was the laziest thing on 2 legs. She's 24 and I'm 51 and I had more energy than she. Of course I never allowed her to mistreat me in any way shape or form. She tried to get me to do her paperwork and run the activities. Everytime we had a party or a major activity, she would leave sick. Our Administrator at that time saw what was happening and planned to deal with it, then she left for another facility. Bottomline is I followed my administrator to her new facility. Now my administrator is back at my old facility and changes are going to happen. I'm going to take classes for Activity director because I love it!! But I do have to say that I have worked many Long Term Care Centers and most AD's are very fair and more than willing to help. But as we both saw, there are exceptions. I'm very fortunate because the administrator that I work for now and who also runs my old facility is going to be my supervisor for my practicunm and she is awesome! I'll still have to be in there with Miss Laziness, but she will not be supervising me. My administrator also has AD certification. I hope that things get better for you. Good Luck

[1april 0]

Ditto, Ditto, Ditto.

Thank you for putting in writting what I have experienced in two different location (within the same Co.)

THE THING THAT REALLY DISTURBED ME - WERE THE FACES ON THE RESIDENTS THAT SHOW UP FOR SOMETHING AN A.D. PUTS ON A CALENDAR...AND HE/SHE WASN'T EVEN IN YET! A.D.'S HAVE TOO MUCH ROOM FOR ABUSING THEIR POSITION.

WHAT A SHAME THE E.D.'S DON'T SEEM TO NOTICE OR THINK IT'S A PRIORITY??

I wasn't even an assistent AD but found myself jumping in and coming up with something to engage them (long story short)

It's was so hard to see this form of abuse

NO LONGER WELL ENOUGH TO EVEN VOLUNTEER.

[1flying kiwi 0]

I am sorry you are so overwhelmed, but this profession is very rewarding when you focus on the residents and not on staff issues. I work solely in my activity dept, we have no volunteers and it can be very overwhelming. We have a new administrator with an army background and he hasn't had anything nice to say to me since he arrived. I have been working as an AD since last October but will not be certified until March (after I take the course). I am looking for other opportunities in the Portland OR area.

 

Hope you can be encouraged, even if you leave the job you don't have to leave the residents. You could come in and volunteer and visit your friends there.

[spunkybee 0]

I'm new here, but i'm responding because i can totally relate. I am in a position in a company that hired a very young CTRS out of college over me. I had left my other position as an AD because of a management changeover. I do the rehab unit paperwork and my regular unit and usually don't have time during the day for a break except for lunch. She is the laziest AD i've ever seen and i was trained by the best. I've been in this field for 11 years and she wasn't even in HS that far back. Yet she claims to know more than i do and feels it her duty to tell me how to do my f'n job. I just went through some very tough crap in the past year and she just doesn't get it. I'm the one that volunteers to work extra hours when it is needed, i'm the one that works the front desk when they need help and other than getting the OT, i still get crap. it sucks and it doesn't really ever change. She is one of those, do as i say not as i do. i'm constantly being put down and it isn't fair as when i wanted to quit, i couldn't because of my divorce last year. fresh wound as recent as the week before Christmas 2007. And now that i'm free to move on, i can't find another freaking job.

 

I am the volunteer coordinator (i get asked to "deal" with all the volunteers). I only took this lousy job because i was promised the AD position and then later told that i wasn't being given it because i hadn't completed college. (yet i had the experience and years of knowledge). I go to the Rehab meetings weekly. I go to the IDT meeting weekly. She comes in late and leaves early. The unit she is supposed to be working on -- hasn't seen her in months. When she is in her office, she is either on her phone or talking to her husband. leaves early or doesn't come in. We had her out the door a few months ago, but she gave them some sad story and they took it and gave her more money and she stayed. And when she did, she announced that "we would have to start picking up more of her duties because she wasn't going to be here as much as she had been." EXCUSE ME?! I'm the one now repremanding the other employees in our department for not doing their jobs at her request. That was the last straw for me. i told her today that she is the boss not me and it needs to be her to do it. Her response was, well if i do that they will fire "X" and i'm not working the weekends and extra nights. (SHE IS AN AD - THAT IS HER JOB!!!). I volunteered to do the extra night and weekends (knowing in the back of my head that it will give me extra time off during the week to get stuff done. plus i'm not planning on staying).

 

So it isn't just you or the company you are working at -- situations suck across the board. What you have to ask yourself is how much are you willing to put up with and how long? It is abuse that we are both dealing with. I've got to have another job lined up before i leave due to health problems. But i am working on it. And it isn't a secret where i work that i'm leaving and why. She knows this and is using it against me. So my problems are temporary. You can do it. hang in there. keep doing your job the way you need to do it. stay under the radar and it will work out. But do know this -- being an AD is a very stressful job, but also very rewarding.

 

 

I've heard some here complain about their assistants; my problem is the AD!

 

I can't take much more of her laziness and goofing off and doing nothing after the morning meeting but entering information in CareTracker and making a few phone calls. I'm sick of listening to her conversations about her boyfriends as well. Fortunately, I run all day but for the 45 minutes I get to do my notes, I have to listen to her drone on and on. PLUS she's rude to me, demeaning, and I'm actually getting upset at the thought of having to be around her any more. I was crying last night - and I'm too old for tears. ARE ALL ADs LIKE THIS????? Because I'll just call my former employer and get another store if this is the stuff I have to take for the next 2 years until I have enough experience to be an AD. I'd rather work 70 hours per week on salary than what I"m doing now. I am constantly reminded of my lowly status by my boss as well. I'm 'just an assistant". I NEVER ever put my team members down like that when I was a manager - never. Even if they messed up big time, I never made them feel lowly.

 

When I was hired, the stated plan (by the administrator) was that the AD was to work with the lower functioning residents, and I with the higher ones. I work with ALL of them because in three months she has only done this twice. Oh, she does the newsletter and the calendar BUT she makes myriad mistakes in both. It's embarassing, actually. PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND ABOUT HOW I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH WORK IT IS TO BE AN AD - it may be a lot of work, but SHE AIN'T DOING IT!!!!! I have been an executive assistant and I could bang out that stuff in no time.

 

I have found volunteers for her but she never acted on them. I do a lot of work from home as well - no thanks, no appreciation - NOTHING.

 

I'm really disheartened because I find the job extremely intellectually stultifying; all I do is call Bingo and play games all day and attempt to draw into the lame activities persons who DO NOT WANT TO PLAY bean bag toss. Our calendar needs to be seriously adjusted but she just puts the same stuff on it save for the few things she's allowed me to put in. There are not enough activities for those residents who are still bright and with it. They may be few, but they need to be considered.

 

I never a chance to do anything remotely challenging. I'm not going to last much longer at this rate, because I've fallen into a deep depression. Perhaps this field is not right for me and I should go back to retail, but if/when I leave, the same thing is going to happen to the next assistant (she has never been able to hold onto one, because she spends NO TIME with her assistants and gives them no instruction/praise/thanks - from what I understand from residents and some staff members.

 

SHE WILL CONTINUE TO BE LIKE THIS whether I stay or leave - I want it to STOP for the sake of the persons who follow me, because I'm definitely not going to stay and take this abuse.

 

Is the ADMIN really this OBTUSE ??? She HAS to notice that the sessions with the lower functioning residents are not happening, right? She has to notice the calendar is always late, right? She has to know that everything my boss is supposed to do is late and or mistake-laden, right?

 

I'm not going to delete this rant because I no longer care. I always get angry at laziness, lack of appreciation, rudeness and general disregard for the feelings of others. That's my boss - and the facility at which I work - in a nutshell. If all facilities are like this, I'd rather be in retail management again. And that's saying something. I am definitely out the door at this place, because the facility zeitgeist IS one of lack of appreciation and its absolutely not a team - more like warring factions. Are all facilities this poorly run?