Add Comment Question: I was just let go from a job I loved, worked for 9 years. I had my own position as a billing clerk, but also covered four other positions when fellow staff off and after hours clinics. I worked a family medical practice; there are about 15 on staff. In the past few months I have been doing reception for a fellow staff member whose husband was sick and recently passed away. My story starts with some caddy behaviour that became increasingly over the top; I generally tried to ignore it. I started to feel anxious about going to work, and felt alone, sat in my car for lunches, and was blaming myself thinking it was me. I went to do my job and that was it. One of the nurses started to bully me, I really didn’t realize it was bullying at the start. So one evening I went to one of the doctor's and let her know, that this nurse pulled me aside and took it upon herself to tell me what to do and not to do. Some of which we receptionist’s had always done was now wrong and up to her. That I was giving out too much info etc. I also know for a fact if it were the other receptionist she would never question her job or talk to her this way, it was like she was on a power trip, controlling. So the doctor went to the office manager (my boss) and that day we all sat down to discuss the “issues” at hand and how to overcome it. She was very defensive in the meeting, would not look at me, interrupted me, and spoke to me inappropriately to me in front of them, which I thought was very unprofessional. My face was red, I was anxious, but held it together and with my boss’ I stated my case. They agreed that something’s were out of line; we spoke on working as a team and we kind of made a plan to assist each other rather than against. I felt good; as she showed her true colours, but also that we had come to an understanding. Well then she started to be rude to me, snap at me, and tell me to do things like reschedule patients etc, not look at me, avoid me, I really tried to rise above it and concentrate on my job. Which was difficult as it became increasingly hard for me to approach her for things. I went to the doctor and my boss again and let them know I was not standing for her treating me like this, my office administrator spoke to her regarding it. She then became over the top. My anxiety went through the roof, due to her behaviour. I saw my counsellor after one horrible morning she helped me with some tools to assist me with feeling more courageous and confident (rocks to remind me and a bracelet of strong rope to be strong). Reminded me the other receptionist will return hopefully soon. I returned to my job that afternoon against my inner anxiety. The following day I was prepared, I had my rocks in my pocket and bracelet on and told my husband I can do this. That morning there was a patient call, upon looking the patient up the doctor had left a message in her chart for nurse if patient should call back, I did not read the message as was not intended for me, so let the patient know there is a message from the doctor to the nurse so I would let her know she was on the line. Went back holding my rocks in my pocket, deep breaths to inform her that this patient was on the line and there was a message in her chart regarding what the doctor wished her to tell her. She went nuts, telling me she knows and I don't have to tell her about her messages yelling and slamming things. I was like I am just communicating and doing my part of team work. BUT, this was in front of two patients and other staff. I walked back to my desk, thinking she can't talk to me like that, how unprofessional, embarrassed for the patients to have seen that, embarrassed myself, but held my rocks in my pocket to get me through, until my break and then went downstairs straight to the administrator and said I can't take it any longer. I let her know everything and I was a mess. I told her I was trying very hard, she was very supportive and aware of the situation and that upstairs was not great, not sure what happened and where things went wrong. She agreed I was doing what always had done as a receptionist, so was somewhat reassuring. I stressed on how hard I have been trying and don't want to lose my job over this, as they all (up stairs crew) are going to back this nurse up. I was second guessing everything, not confident, and feel with this behaviour I would indeed make mistakes. I feel that they (fellow staffers) were out to get me, no matter what I did or didn't do. I am not perfect, and appreciate constructive advice. I had worked there for nine years and they treated me like I was new, I felt I knew my job, my boss agreed. I went home that day with my boss' support, she knows me well, she was also was in support of me taking time if needed. I drove right to my own doctor’s office and let him know about work bullying and anxiety. He suggested and supported time off. So I agreed to take the following two days off, but work the afterhour’s clinic Friday and Saturday, just me and the doctor so no anxiety and my favourite job. I had Monday off as working Saturday and would return on Tuesday. Administrator called me and said take the time off and that weekend was covered. She will see me on Tuesday to get rest and feel better. I asked her about the nurse, she said not to worry about that, but I was not convinced and had a feeling something was off. Monday came and I was a wreck, called my boss and let her know I was anxious about returning to the same situation. She did not give me any reassurance and said she herself was going to be off the rest of the week, which I then really didn’t want to be there with her out of the office so she agreed to let me have the rest of the week. Although, I was not convinced this nurse had been "dealt with". So I let her know I was going to take some personal/sick days, plus had banked extra hours I had worked, so had ample time to take off. I got a call from one off the doctors Tues night telling me it would be best if I not return to work due to my anxiety, past issues (that were dealt with), and it just was not working. I was not happy there any longer and they wanted me to get well, concentrate on my mental health, take some time off. I was shocked, hurt, and felt it was unfair. On the other hand I really didn't want to go back, but now it is the point of the whole thing. I did not deserve that, I should have been allowed time off to deal with my anxiety continue with counselling and return to my job. I am deeply sorry about this, loved my job, yes there were caddy behaviours, and yes I didn’t fit in, but they made me feel that way. I think once the other receptionist was back and they had dealt with this situation it may have worked out. He said they would pay me 9 weeks’ severance and give me a good reference. I am not upset about not going back to the anxiety of work; I am not upset about time off. I am upset that this nurse got away with bullying me talking down to me treating me awful, especially after the many times I went to the doctors and administrator about the situation and I was the one who got fired. I also was holding out for the regular receptionist to come back, so I could go back to my job. I am embarrassed, feel like I let people down, feel it was wrongful, feel alone, and feel like they just band-aided the issues. I have a lovely home which pay a mortgage on, a four year old son, car payments, general everyday expenses, had a trip planned for a good friends wedding that we were going to make a family vacation out of now that is in jeopardy. Not to mention can I fight a group of doctors who have legal backing from every which way, then my good reference out the window. I feel though that I deserve more severance I am soon to be 44 years old. Please advise me if I am correct for wanting more out of them? I am not very confrontational and very ignorant with legal stuff. Obviously don't have money to seek a actual lawyer, and not very confident about starting an actual legal case. I would probably never work my town again especially in the medical field. Not to mention it will be messy they will pull every wee thing out. There has been a lot over the years not dealt with or you just keep to yourself as nothing comes of it. Meetings become a point the finger and not constructive (they have brought me to tears). There is plenty more I could use as well but this the recent things. Answer: Thank you for your question. My name is Jon Pinkus and I'm an employment lawyer. You are likely owed significant compensation. 9 weeks severance is not going to be sufficient for someone in your circumstances, and based on what you have written, this looks like a wrongful dismissal. For severance alone, you could be owed as much as 6 months of your pay, or potentially even more. Please give us a call at the number below. We can help. Your Comment * Your Email * Your Name * Your City Note, your name, city and email is not displayed on the website. It is used to notify you that we have approved your comment.