Pros
1. Strong Learning Opportunities: Ideal for those pursuing a career in anesthesia, offering hands-on experience and familiarity with supplies and equipment
2. Involvement in High-Acuity Cases: You play a key role in critical situations, gaining valuable experience in high-stakes procedures
Cons
While the hospital's overall reputation may be solid, this department in particular has numerous issues that I believe are worth highlighting, especially for anyone considering a position here.
1. Misleading Hiring Practices:
I was assured that the department was flexible with scheduling, especially when it came to accommodating school commitments. The hiring manager specifically told me that they did not offer 12- or 10-hour shifts, but would work with me on a more manageable schedule. Yet, I saw new hires brought in for those exact shifts. This not only felt misleading, but it also showed a lack of transparency from the management team.
2. Lack of Support and Poor Management:
There is a complete absence of accountability and support from management. Whether they were on vacation, leaving early, or simply not available. It’s hard to work effectively in an environment where leadership is MIA (supposed to come in to help cover staffing but never does). Leadership often lacks cohesion, with differing messages and expectations between the manager and supervisor, which can create confusion and frustration. The manager's approach to communication and professionalism could be improved, particularly when it comes to owning mistakes and resolving conflicts in a constructive manner.
3. Toxic Workplace Culture:
Issues with coworkers who were allowed to get away with poor performance without any consequences. One coworker consistently slept through entire shifts, which created a difficult environment for the rest of us. Instead of addressing the issue directly, the manager chose to throw the team under the bus during a video call for voicing the use of time theft and impacts on the team. This lack of accountability only added to the frustration.
4. Broken Promises and Unprofessionalism:
The department manager agreed to accommodate my school schedule by hiring someone to cover my shift. After I adjusted my classes around this new schedule, she rescinded the offer right before the swap without any apology and then proposed for me to work additional hours to accommodated the new hire. I was left in an incredibly difficult position and forced to stay on a schedule that wasn’t sustainable.
5. Constant Unnecessary Texts and Disrespect for Off-Hours:
Leadership would often text during off days and off-hours about issues that could easily have been handled through email or could have waited until the next shift. Many of these messages were complaints about tasks that had not been done by certain lazy coworker, who had been flagged multiple times, yet nothing was ever done about it. It became a continuous cycle of being interrupted during my personal time, which further eroded any sense of work-life balance.
6. Concerns Regarding Competency Documentation:
There is a significant gap in the competency process within this department. None of the technicians' competency binders are signed off by preceptors, nor is there a system in place for collecting them after training. For example, when new staff are hired, there is reluctance to sign off on their competencies. Additionally, a recent email was sent requesting staff to complete a competency packet; however, there was no actual verification process, and staff were evaluating themselves. This raises concerns about how the department meets Joint Commission standards for staff competency.
If you value clear communication, leadership support, and a respectful work environment, I would strongly advise against working in the Anesthesia Department at Chapel Hill. While the hospital itself may offer great opportunities in other departments, this one is plagued by poor management, lack of transparency, and a disregard for employee well-being and personal development. Don’t make the same mistake I did.
