I used to be a doctor’s receptionist – the real reason we ask you ‘what’s wrong’ on the phone & act like mardy cows
DOCTOR’S RECEPTIONISTS have a reputation for not being the friendliest of people.
But Regan Ellis, who worked as one, has revealed the real reasons why they act like ‘mardy cows.’
Taking to her TikTok account, @reganellisx, she discussed what it was really like working as a healthcare receptionist – and why old men were the absolute worst.
The 22-year-old said: “I was a doctor’s receptionist.
“‘But Reagan, you’re not a mardy old cow?’
“And to that, I say yes, you’re correct.
“But I need to talk to you about being a doctor’s receptionist and why they actually get a lot more stick than they deserve.”
Regan revealed that one of the reasons the receptionists may not be the most cheerful bunch is that they work super long hours and are underpaid.
She explained: “I was an agency worker and I was on about £9 an hour and I was working from in the morning until 6:30pm at night every day, and I was doing that 5 days a week while I was at uni.”
The brunette beauty revealed that she earned more money working at Asda.
Sticking up for receptionists, she added it was understandable that they were tired and miserable working those sorts of hours.
Regan also revealed why old men are the absolute worst type of clients to work with as they constantly shout at receptionists.
“When you’ve got Mister Blogs from down the road screaming at you because his Ramipril wasn’t ready even though you ordered it 20 minutes ago, you’re gonna get the hump honestly,” she added.
Regan also revealed the real reason the receptionists ask what’s wrong before booking you in with a doctor, and no, it isn’t because they’re nosey.
She revealed all of the doctors specialise in different areas, so by telling the receptionist what’s wrong, they can find the doctor who can help you the most.
She added: “We do not care if you have got an itchy b****ck or whether you’ve got a rash coming up on your left t**ty.”
“We just wanna send you to the best person to help you and get the job done,” Regan added.
Finally, the ex-receptionist debunked the myth that they are the ‘gatekeepers of doctors.’
“GP’s block off the appointments and basically if we put you in for an appointment the next day or a couple of days down the line, we get massively b****cked,” she explained.
Offering some final words of advise when going to the doctors, Regan added: “My best tips would be to stop shouting at your GP receptionist, they’ll do more for you.
“Give yourself three days when you order a prescription to wait for it to be delivered, and just be genuinely nice.”
The video has since gone viral with over 79k views and over 6,500 likes.
People quickly took to the comments section, and many healthcare receptionists agreed with Regan.
One wrote: “Dental receptionist here and it’s not much better. Anxious often equals aggressive…until they go into the dentist and couldn’t be sweeter!”
Another person commented: “This is my current job and I wouldn’t wish the abuse we receive on anyone.”
“Ughhh so hard. Need more recognition for what we actually put up with,” penned a third.
Meanwhile, a fourth added: “GP receptionist here, THANK YOU.”
“Been there done that, wearing the t-shirt! Can appreciate exactly what you mean,” claimed a fifth.