Weirdest Meet-Ups and Appointments Ever Scheduled
Have you ever had a truly bizarre appointment or meet-up scheduled, one that stands out as unusual due to its timing, location, or circumstances? In my line of work, such oddities are not uncommon, especially with the recent surge in telehealth. Here are a few personal anecdotes that might provide some entertainment and insight into the quirks of scheduling in a healthcare and recruitment context.
Out-of-This-World Doctor Appointments
My journey with telehealth began during a pandemic when I was scheduled for a cardiologist appointment at the ungodly hour of 7 AM. Unfortunately, the doctor's Wi-Fi went down, and he rescheduled me for a 10 PM appointment four days later. This brief 20-minute call squeezed in between his numerous patients was both efficient and challenging. It's a reality of the new normal where doctors need to be responsive and flexible, fitting in appointments around their schedule, sometimes well into the evening hours.
It's somewhat unusual to have an appointment so early in the morning, at 10:05 AM to be exact. Most medical professionals schedule their appointments to anticipate delays, but 10:05 AM is particularly peculiar. Some might consider it too early, especially if they're still fumbling with the coffee machine or dealing with the rush of getting ready for the day. It's an interesting but kind of troubling thing to have scheduled so precociously!
Unconventional Recruitment Call
Another instance that stands out was when I faxed a resume and cover letter to a home health agency with a position that seemed like a perfect fit. The place was close to home, only a 15-20 minute drive, and the pay was just right. Excitement at its best! The recruiter called me back within an hour and asked if I could complete a phone interview immediately. I agreed without hesitation, but this interview lasted much longer than the recruiter expected. The conversation wasn't about job expectations or qualifications but a battery of questions that included everything from math calculations to ethical dilemmas!
He initially claimed the interview would only take 20 minutes, but it ended up being twice that. The intensity and length of the interview was surprising and required a significant amount of mental and emotional energy. Finally, he revealed that his preferred time for the in-person interview was almost 6 PM, just as my children were starting their dinner preparations. Politely declining, I suggested the next day, but he was crushed. He explained that the position would require me to go straight to the patient’s home after filling out agency and tax forms, working 7 PM to 7 AM, six days a week, until another skilled RN could take over.
I'll spare you the full explanation of the agency’s detailed requirements, but it was a no-brainer that this wasn't the position for me. I thanked him for the opportunity but respectfully declined. The key takeaway here is the importance of clear communication and understanding the actual responsibilities and demands of a role, especially in a job as demanding as home healthcare.
Conclusion
Whether it’s a bizarre doctor’s appointment or an unconventional recruitment process, these experiences serve as a reminder of the unexpected challenges that come with modern professional and personal scheduling. Telehealth has certainly brought about new norms, and understanding and adjusting to these changes is crucial for both patients and health professionals alike. While these setups might seem a bit unusual at first, they embody the flexibility and adaptability required in today’s fast-changing world.