Forum Discussion
Snarky Cow
I'm into my second week of radiotherapy and I have a problem. When I say that, I realise it is my problem, but it's giving me the irrits.
One of the technicians is really giving me the shits. I met her on the first day of actual treatment, so I was on the table for a while as they faffed about. The first thing she did was yell instructions into my ear. And called me dear all the time. In the end I quite politely told her I didn't have a hearing problem, thanks for speaking clearly, but normal volume would do. I got an eyeroll and a snarky little reply that it was important I understood what was going on. Dear. BTW she speaks normally to her colleagues.
So, a couple of days later, there she is again. The tiny crosses that the other techs put on are suddenly huge great pen marks. More yelling, dearing and less than gentle repositioning of my increasingly rigid body. Thanks for that, honey.
She's there again yesterday. You know how they are constantly asking your name and DOB. Well, I'm on the table, answer the question and I get, 'Can you repeat that, dear?' The radiographer, who's a really nice guy has just frozen in mid step and looked at her. I've gone 'What?' Shes then launched into a lecture about how they have a responsibility to make sure they are treating the right person, can I repeat my details please. All this at great volume with a slapable smirk on her face. And a photo of my face on the screen in front of her.
Passive aggresives like this drive me mental. I've handled all manner of difficult people in my life but this smirking bitch is getting under my skin. It's the sort of patronising behaviour which is really hard to correct because, technically, they haven't done anything wrong. They are just being arseholes. You can't complain about them, and they know exactly what they are doing. TBH, I've employed the same techniques on occasions, but not to someone who is lying on a trolley naked from the waist up.
So, I've suggested that she come a little closer to me, please, waited until the eyeroll had finished and she was standing next to me then very slowly and deliberately annunciated my name, address and DOB. Can you remember that until you get back to the computer, dear? And promised to speak more clearly to her next time. I thought that rad dude was going to wet himself.
Hopefully I won't come across her again but I've decided that next time she starts yelling and dragging me around on the trolley, I'm going to fall off. That should keep the cow neck deep in paperwork for a while.
One of the technicians is really giving me the shits. I met her on the first day of actual treatment, so I was on the table for a while as they faffed about. The first thing she did was yell instructions into my ear. And called me dear all the time. In the end I quite politely told her I didn't have a hearing problem, thanks for speaking clearly, but normal volume would do. I got an eyeroll and a snarky little reply that it was important I understood what was going on. Dear. BTW she speaks normally to her colleagues.
So, a couple of days later, there she is again. The tiny crosses that the other techs put on are suddenly huge great pen marks. More yelling, dearing and less than gentle repositioning of my increasingly rigid body. Thanks for that, honey.
She's there again yesterday. You know how they are constantly asking your name and DOB. Well, I'm on the table, answer the question and I get, 'Can you repeat that, dear?' The radiographer, who's a really nice guy has just frozen in mid step and looked at her. I've gone 'What?' Shes then launched into a lecture about how they have a responsibility to make sure they are treating the right person, can I repeat my details please. All this at great volume with a slapable smirk on her face. And a photo of my face on the screen in front of her.
Passive aggresives like this drive me mental. I've handled all manner of difficult people in my life but this smirking bitch is getting under my skin. It's the sort of patronising behaviour which is really hard to correct because, technically, they haven't done anything wrong. They are just being arseholes. You can't complain about them, and they know exactly what they are doing. TBH, I've employed the same techniques on occasions, but not to someone who is lying on a trolley naked from the waist up.
So, I've suggested that she come a little closer to me, please, waited until the eyeroll had finished and she was standing next to me then very slowly and deliberately annunciated my name, address and DOB. Can you remember that until you get back to the computer, dear? And promised to speak more clearly to her next time. I thought that rad dude was going to wet himself.
Hopefully I won't come across her again but I've decided that next time she starts yelling and dragging me around on the trolley, I'm going to fall off. That should keep the cow neck deep in paperwork for a while.
52 Replies
- @Zoffiel and co-conspirators- it cracked me up!! 😂😂
- @Temple this is a thread from a couple of years ago, but it might give you a giggle. Mxx
- Can't 'like' that @brenda5 but I know what you mean.
- The world usually rights itself of imbalances. The oncology nurse I had who was an absolutely hopeless B who left me having my dose unattended and left the room even after I had had a reaction the dose before is no longer working there. I hope no one died before they got rid of her.
- Many librarians I've met @sister. And a number of oncologists. Accountants. Used car salespeople....
- What an hilarious exchange of information & how to deal with difficult technicians, @Zoffiel - I must have been really lucky - mine were all gorgeous - even funny!! xx
- Some librarians I've met...
I'm not going to start on why I chose to be a radiation therapist nor explain the complexities of the job. Unfortunately their are people in every profession that are not the best suitedZoffiel said:Nikki's suggestion is next. I'm thinking I can stretch that out over a couple of sessions...
Those with great communication and people skills may not necessarily be attracted to a job that involves measuring patients then charging into a bunker and staring at a screen while everyone gets irradiated. I get it.
You know, sometimes someone comes along who just condenses all the stuff that is festering in your brain into focus. I can get a fairly benign passive resistance program happening and have something to distract myself while I'm lying in the machine.
Hey, any of you rads vets ever lay in the machine, looked at the weird little grill thing that opens and shuts in the ....umm, no idea what it's called...as it moves around you and thought "Wow, it looks like the thing that was going to eat Sigorny Weaver in Aliens"
- melclarity said:Marg!
Side splitting as usual! OMG that would shit me to tears too! Why they feel the need to do it is beyond me, obviously she's stuck on her own self importance, thinks she's above everyone one else...almost like she has this smugness of looking down on patients. Well God Help her if she ever finds herself on that table one day, receiving what she is giving??? Karma hmmm LOL sad but true! Costs nothing to have respect and compassion. xx Melinda
As a radiation therapist who recently finished my radiation I certainly hope it wasnt karma.... - Unfair @Zoffiel I got right into this and then..........nothing. WHAT HAPPENED next?
