I packed a diaper bag for my baby girl with some wipes, a bottle, and the usual business for a check-up at the pediatrician’s office for a routine visit. It was supposed to be a routine visit. Little did I know I would soon be handed a script to get x-rays.
STAT.
In somewhat of a panic, I grabbed my daughter and rushed off to see the Radiologist. Entering the doorway with my extra large diaper bag, hat, gloves and the whole bit, I finally reached the counter with the weight of my daughter in my arms. A woman sat behind the counter peering beneath her dark charcoal frames while waiting for me to provide opening remarks. I began, “Hi. I’m here to get x-rays for my daughter.”
In a snarky tone she asked, “Do you have an appointment?”
“No, I just came from the pediatrician’s office and they told me you make room for emergency situations and she is to be seen today.”
While snapping the end of a pen cap and tilting her head to the side she responded with, “We don’t accept walk-ins.”
Getting a bit annoyed I answered, “Ok, well maybe you would like to give them a call since I just came from there and that’s what I was told. My daughter needs to be seen…TODAY.”
Snarky woman pushed her arms away from the desk and rolled her chair backwards over to reach the phone. After a brief chat with the pediatrician’s office, she got up from her chair and collected some papers. Without a word, she grudgingly provided the necessary paperwork for me to fill out. Apparently, my daughter was going to be seen.
Already upset from not knowing what was going on with my daughter’s health, snarky woman’s attitude was the last thing I felt like dealing with. I took the paperwork, my anxious daughter and the 20 pounds of gear I had on and found a seat in the waiting room full of adults.
I quickly realized there weren’t any children’s books lying on the table. The walls were not painted a cheerful blue, red and yellow and there was not a toy to be found in that space. Anywhere. This was going to be a very long afternoon.
After sitting my daughter on my lap as I tried to get situated to begin the paperwork, sheer panic suddenly struck me. Considering this was what I thought to be a quick visit with the pediatrician at an office we knew very well, I was obviously not prepared. My daughter already drank her bottle and I did not have a lunch packed for her. To make things worse, there was not one small toy to be found in my bag.
So without toys in the office or substantial food in my bag, what’s a Theta Mom to do? When Miss Fussypants decided to cry out of boredom and hunger, I would have nothing to give her. And in an office full of adults, this certainly was not a pleasant situation. Luckily, through one more desperate attempt to find something in that bag, I located some Puffs. I broke them out as soon as my daughter became restless. Within moments of cracking open the Puffs, snarky woman stood up from behind the counter, opened the sliding glass window and popped her annoying head out.
“Excuse me…” she said as she glared directly at me. Pointing to a semi-ripped piece of paper hanging outside the glass window she added, “There’s no food or drink permitted.”
I couldn’t believe it. She was serious.
And I was seriously done.
I added, “Well basically, you have two options. You can either listen to my baby girl scream loud and uncontrollably for the next hour and watch me go insane OR we can all have peace and quiet while a few Puffs decorate the carpet. Take your pick.”
She didn’t move for a moment. I don’t think she expected me to react to her snarky behavior. That response immediately kept her quiet as she slowly closed the glass window.
And for the record, I chose the latter.
Indefinitely.
***And I know many of my bloggy friends would want to know the outcome of my daughter upon reading this post. She is doing well. It’s just so amazing to me how others seem to forget what it’s like to have children.
I can totally relate to this. I can’t stand when people make snarky comments. I’m not one to stay quiet either. I usually give the person my two cents. Check out my post which was inspired by yours http://amothersworkisneverdone.com/2010/02/dont-cry-over-mac-n-cheese/
I try to kept in mind that everyone is fighting some kind of personal battle and we just don’t know it. It sucks when they take it out on us but if we can keep in that mind that maybe that morning she was in a fight with her husband or she’s a single parent who didn’t get enough sleep, their responses to us don’t mean as much. It’s tough to do but it can help. Hugs to you and your baby girl. Hope she’s feeling better.
First of all, I hope all is well with your little girl. And how terrible was that woman! Oh my goodness. But as others have said, she is probably going through her own private turmoil and is taking it out on others. And Horray for you for sticking up for yourself. BRAVO!!!
You go, Theta Mom! She deserved worse than that, but you are a lady…
I probably would have walked out and found another radiologist.
Glad to hear your daughter is doing well. Good for you for standing up to the mean lady behind the glass! We can all relate to “THAT” person who is not tolerant of little people in the world and who has zero flexibility. Hope you have a good weekend!
“She’s doing well” is comforting…how anxious you must have been!!!
There are just too many people who are insensitive to children…and their mothers!
Bottom line: I’m glad you’re BOTH okay.
That lady was nuts.. This up coming week. Thursday 2/25 is Time out for Mom right?
Have a great weekend. I am glad your little girl is okay and that you are all fine..
So glad your daughter is feeling better :0 Just to bad you had to deal with a rude worker but yay for you on giving it back to her sounds like she needed it ! Have a great weeknd !
I can’t imagine how scary that must have been for you. I hope your daughter is ok.
Sadly, some people do transfer their frustrations on others, particularly those who appear weaker/vulnerable. Sometimes you have to draw that line for them and let them know to back up.
So glad to hear your daughter is doing okay. What a biatch that lady was…I totally know the type. I love the way you handled it though…with just a calm little snap right back. Oh I would have lost it on her…but probably wouldn’t just made myself look like the biatch.
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I am so glad you stuck up for yourself. Too many times I see these rude people not put into their place. Their is no reason for people to be that rude.
Sorry you even had to deal with it
I am always amazed when I run in to these kinds of people at doctors offices. Not that this behavior is acceptable at any place but at the doctor people are often frightened and people like this just add to the already scary situation. I’ve come across more wonderful receptionists (or whatever we are calling them now) than nasty ones like this woman but they sure give the rest of them a bad name.
I’m so glad everything is okay.
I would have stepped on the Puffs that fell on the floor, maybe ground them in just a bit.
way to go momma bear! I hope she had nightmares of being chased by Puffs
Oh. My. Goodness.
That’s all I can say.
Teresha – I love that! A Puff nightmare! lol
AMEN, SISTER!!! Ugh – seriously some people need to get a clue!! So glad to hear your daughter is okay!!
I can’t imagine someone telling you not to feed your baby. Great response by you – I think a lot of us would have either given up or thrown some puffs at the old snark and gotten into a fist fight. Just the right amount of force and I’m glad your daughter is doing well.
Glad your baby girl is doing well!
Grr… the nerve of some people! For real, what’s a smile gonna hurt someone? And as for the Puffs, it’s not as though she’s cleaning up the mess. I swanny, people are nuts.
I do like how you handled that matter!!!! Sometimes, you do what you’ve got to do!
First I want to say that I’m very glad to hear that your daughter is doing well…and hopefully that means you are doing well too.
IT reminds me of the idea of two receptionists working in the same hospital in different departments. One is changing the lives of people one by one as they enter the office by offering a smile, asking how their day is going, offerring a lollipop to the children, striking up pleasant conversations. The other one is changing the lives of people one by one because in her missery and self-proclaimed monotony of each day she is jaided, wants power, and can only get it by making others feel as badly as she does.
Both are choices. One chooses to create a powerfully loving environment, the other chooses “Snarkiness”. God bless them both, and help us all to learn from Theta Mom’s experience that WE need to make choices to be a blessing to all who cross our paths!
Good for you. Often it seems that the front-end, customer service types are the wost ones at actual costumer service. But most importantly, I am glad she is doing okay.
Snarky probably doesn’t have kids. But that’s beside the point. How about a shred of empathy for a fellow human being in a tough situation??
Ugh! It’s amazing how some can be so rude. With a little tender love and the right response, shuts them up.
I don’t think she’s allowed to procreate…
Good for you! We all appreciate it =)
You go sister!!! There have be so many many times where people have treated me like this and I’ve wanted to stand up for myself but haven’t because I was either too shocked by their terrible attitude and/felt helpless. I am proud of you and so impressed!! You are my hero.
Wow! I can’t believe them. I’m glad that your daughter is doing okay.
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wow., good for you. i can’t believe she was rude. if people would just resond with a little smile and friendliness, none of this would happen.
Woman like that really need a new career. People in her position get so complacent about emergencies and children … they see it so often they lose the fact that the patient is scared.
You response was spot on… and glad your daughter is doing well
Kudos to you, honey. Because my little man has such a rare kidney disorder we have spent MANY, MANY days, nights, weeks in the hospital…I could write a book about snarky comments from medical “professionals”– lol, maybe I should :). We are our children’s advocates, they cannot speak for themselves and you can bet your bottom dollar that I will speak for my son especially where his health is concerned. I once told a nurse manager on the Peds floor, “I don’t care what you or your nurses call me at the nurses station. You WILL take care of my son properly or you WILL find someone who can.” Thanks and have a nice day
My response would probably have been similar – but if I had been in a really good mood I would have probably polled the audience
So glad your daughter is okay! I hope when you go back to your pedi’s office you can get them to suggest other more children friendly radiology offices.
Glad to hear your daughter is fine!
Clearly a miserable woman who hates her job. I would have reacted the same way except I probably wouldn’t have been so nice. You handled it well!
First off, I’m glad to hear that your daughter is well. Secondly, food and drink exceptions need to be made for small children. It’s not practical for anyone to expect small children to be able to tolerate an empty stomach or extreme thirst. Snarky woman’s attitude was inexcusable and quite ridiculous.
Good for you for sticking up!
I am happy to hear that your daughter is okay. I sometimes don;t understand why people are so rude. Taking care of a child is so difficult. I know sometimes when we are at church people look at my little guy because he can get loud. My moms always tells me that sometimes older people forget how it was to have little ones. HAve a good weekend!
I see this all the time and I don’t understand why receptionists in the medical profession think they can be so rude. It’s like they are doing US a favor by allowing us in to see the doctor, have tests, or whatever. I actually have switched doctors a few times, because of rude front desk help.
Glad to hear you baby girl is fine though! That’s great news!!
Heather, first I want to say that I’m glad your little girl is doing well!
Now, I really have to say how proud I am that you chose to speak up the way you did. I know how doctor visits can be at places where they don’t usually cater to children. I’m sure you know I would have reacted is a similar way.
Good grief! I always try and give people the benefit of the doubt but when you work in a department where they give X Rays you need to always have your people skills ON!!! Sorry to hear you had such a scary day. And good for you for bringing out your Mama bear!
hugs to you
MM
AWESOME comeback by you… woot!
I don’t know why some people have to be so rude. You dealt with it as I expected you would – completely Theta.
PS – I’m glad your little one is doing okay!
I am so glad you said what you did!!
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Wow. What a witch with a B! You are much much nicer than I would have been! Glad your daughter is ok!
As an x-ray technologist, I am appalled that you would be treated this way when coming in for care. My work is almost always of an urgent nature, and sometimes (usually) an appointment is just not feasible.
For the sake of my profession, I would love to put that receptionist in her place and give her a lesson in customer service. I can’t believe she would treat someone that way, as if worrying about your daughter’s health isn’t enough.
Next time you or your baby needs an x-ray you come see me. (Portland isn’t too far, right?) I will love on your babe and take good care of her. I’m glad she is OK, and I’m sorry that you had such a horrible experience. That is just awful.
Kelly Jo – You are too sweet! I agree, often times you don’t know you need an x-ray so this should somehwat be expected in the office. But the food rule for a baby? This is why I said people sometimes forget or don’t truly know what it’s like to have children.
Good for you! You’re nicer than I am. I probably would’ve walked up to the window and asked for her supervisor – NOW. At the very least I would’ve gotten her name and stopped at patient services on the way out.
I hate miserable people who are like that, seems like they want everyone to share in their misery.
I had to bring my son in once for an x-ray right after a Dr. appointment, turned out he had pneumonia!
First off, glad your gal is OK. Secondly, what’s up with some folks? Always waking up on the wrong side of the bed, huh?
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I have written about this on so many occasions. Some people just have no clue! And I think you are completely right. They forget what it’s like to have children. It’s beyond frustrating. On another note, I am so so happy to hear that your little one is going well and all has worked out!
Good for you for retorting.
I once had someone tell me to have my child use his inside voice at the dentists office. He was talking in a normal tone of voice. I was so angry I was shaking. I guess threatening to take my family of 7 else where worked b/c I got the apology I think I deserved.
People like that make me SO mad.
PS. i’m so glad your daughter is going better. Whew.