Hello, fellow hivers, especially in this community! I am back once again, this time with a lengthy post. I have been considering sharing this true story that occurred to me last year, but I have continuosly postponed it due to my perfectionist side. Moreover, I must carefully organize my thoughts and write meticulously because I don't want to get into some sort of trouble by writing any slanderous post about an organisation or giving false information about legal facts. So I took my sweet time to organise what I'm about to share with you. Hope you take the time to read it and support my work, thank you! 🙏 ❤️ 🫰
Previous staff kept leaving the organization, a trend I had noticed but chose to ignore in my eagerness to start working at the small local clinic that I shall call here as Clinic FK**. On my first day, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness stepping into a field so different from my educational and professional background - From a pet shop worker, to an assistant nurse cum receptionist. Despite warnings from a friend who had already quit, I pushed forward, lured by the good pay and the need to make a living. However, I overlooked the warning signs ⚠️ about high staff turnover and signed the contract anyway.
Disregarding my entitlements as an employee in Malaysia, I accepted the terms of a probation period without EPF and SOCSO benefits, which was illegal (according to my friend who was very well converse in Malaysian Law). Hoping for the best, I focused on the decent pay and assumed I would receive these benefits once I became a permanent employee. I naively believed the probation period would be a standard learning phase, not realizing the unrealistic expectations and lack of professionalism within the organization.
Working alongside just one doctor and one part-time assistant, I felt overwhelmed, relying heavily on them for guidance. The doctor's short temper added to the stress, creating a tense work environment. A mistake in billing a patient for medication revealed the lack of support in the clinic, infront of a patient the doctor reacting aggressively instead of providing constructive feedback. This incident highlighted another red flag 🚩, making me question my decision to stay.
As days went by, the challenges and unprofessional atmosphere only seemed to escalate, leaving me questioning whether staying in such a toxic workplace was worth it.
Ever since that incident, not a day went by without feeling anxious. The fear of being humiliated in front of a patient due to a mistake loomed over me. The pressure to meet a certain standard set by my superior was overwhelming. Despite my efforts to memorize the medicines within a week, I couldn't shake off the feeling that the expectations were unrealistic.
I found myself not only memorizing medicines but also tasked with meticulous record-keeping of patient details, issuing medical certificates, dealing with insurance claims, and following strict procedures. The demanding nature of the job placed a heavy burden on me, considering the complexity and vastness of the responsibilities. Doctors and nurses spent years studying medicine, yet I was expected to grasp it all in a short time frame.
Each time a doctor prescribed medication, there was an expectation to prepare it swiftly, leaving no room for error. The rush left me scrambling, leading to mistakes that were met with scolding and humiliation. It seemed that speed was valued over accuracy, disregarding the importance of thoroughness, especially for someone new to the role.
The doctor's lack of acknowledgment towards the challenges I faced only compounded the pressure. The need for a balance between learning and efficiency seemed overlooked, causing undue stress and risks in the workplace. Reflecting on the situation, a supportive and nurturing environment that allows for gradual learning and growth would have been more beneficial in ensuring safe and effective patient care.
The doctor's continuous tardiness led to misunderstandings with patients. Despite my efforts to follow the SOP, the doctor's blame always fell on me. One day, I collected RM10 from a patient with a Red Alert medical card as their co-payment and told him to wait for the doctor to arrive as I was registering his name in the system. When the doctor arrived, another patient followed her in for consultation. The first patient returned from somewhere after the registration, he might have went to the washroom or something and because of that the doctor overlooked him and failed to attend to him, causing me a RM10 deduction, which felt utterly unjust. The doctor's lack of accountability and the unfair blame made me question the dynamics at the clinic.
The situation was utterly frustrating. When he caused a scene and got a refund, the doctor docked my pay. It didn't seem fair since I wasn't solely responsible. The anger and confusion lingered, questioning my role in the ordeal. Am I really to be solely blame here?
And there was another frustrating situation that caused my pay to be docked by around RM500, which was too much and the last straw for me. Crying, 😭 with too much hit I took from the place I called "The clinic from hell", I went home and told a good friend of mine, who advised me on how to get out of this situation unscathed. That's right, folks—it's payback time! I kid you not, I finally managed to get almost a month's worth of compensation for the one-month ordeal since I started working with them 😤😈 imagine the look on their faces when they are in the wrong party and had to pay the price! It was priceless 🤣
The lesson I learned from here is the importance of possessing a good command of legal knowledge. If you don't have that, it's better to read this post so that in the future, if you face a similar situation, you'll know what to do!
According to my friend who gave me the legal advice, my account of working at Clinic FK** paints a vivid and troubling picture of a toxic work environment. My experience highlights several critical issues that are not only unfair but also illegal in the context of Malaysian labor laws. Here are some key points from my narrative and suggestions on how to address them:
Key Issues
Illegal Employment Practices:
- Probation without EPF and SOCSO: In Malaysia, all employees are entitled to Employees Provident Fund (EPF) and Social Security Organization (SOCSO) contributions from the start of their employment, including during probation periods. Not providing these is a violation of labor laws.
Unrealistic Expectations and Lack of Training:
- Pressure to Memorize Medicines and Procedures Quickly: Expecting a new employee, especially someone without a medical background, to memorize medications and complex procedures in a short period is unrealistic and unfair.
Hostile Work Environment:
- Aggressive Behavior from the Doctor: The doctor's aggressive reactions and lack of constructive feedback create a hostile work environment. Public humiliation is not acceptable in any professional setting.
- Blame and Lack of Accountability: The doctor’s tendency to blame you for systemic issues (like tardiness and patient wait times) is unjust and demoralizing.
Emotional and Psychological Impact:
- Anxiety and Fear of Mistakes: The constant fear of making mistakes and being humiliated publicly has a significant impact on your mental health and job performance.
Steps to Take
Document Everything:
- Keep a detailed record of incidents, including dates, times, what was said or done, and any witnesses. This documentation can be crucial if you decide to take legal action or file a formal complaint.
Understand Your Rights:
- Familiarize yourself with Malaysian labor laws, specifically regarding probation, EPF, SOCSO, and workplace harassment. Websites like the Malaysian Department of Labor can provide valuable information.
Seek Legal Advice:
- Consult with a labor lawyer or a representative from a workers' union to discuss your situation and understand your options. They can help you determine whether you have grounds for a legal claim.
Consider Filing a Formal Complaint:
- You can file a complaint with the Malaysian Department of Labor regarding the illegal employment practices and the hostile work environment. They can investigate and take action if necessary.
Look for Support:
- Reach out to friends, family, or professional support groups to discuss your experiences and get emotional support. It’s important to have a support system when dealing with such a stressful situation.
Plan Your Exit:
- Given the toxic environment and illegal practices, it might be wise to start looking for other employment opportunities. Prioritize your mental and physical well-being and seek a job that respects your rights and provides a supportive environment.
Moving Forward
Reflecting on my experience at Clinic FK**, it’s evident that staying in such an environment is detrimental to my well-being. Prioritizing my health and rights is essential. While the decent pay might be tempting, the long-term costs of staying in a toxic workplace far outweigh the immediate financial benefits.
In conclusion, while your eagerness to secure a job is understandable, no one should have to endure illegal practices and a hostile work environment. Taking steps to protect your rights and seek a healthier work environment is crucial.
Now that I am long gone from that s**thole, I am happier than ever here in this pet shop, my current workplace. The employees are great, and I spend my days with my beloved furbabies. The pay is decent, and the working hours are much less and manageable than before. I couldn't ask for more. Whenever I feel stressed due to difficult clients, my kitties are always there to provide a comforting presence and help me to cope with the stress. Animals are really the best 😊
Thank you for reading my very long post! I hope you get something useful from it today 🙏 That's all for today, I hope to share more posts anytime soon🫰
