What thoughts are going through her mind that may be adding to the problem?
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5-4Thinking It Through
Ms. Cree is a new graduate and has just been hired as a medical assistant in Dr. Albright’s office. She is anxious about learning the new routines and doing a good job. She has always struggled with math calculations, but was able to develop her skills to pass her courses in school. However, when Dr. Albright orders a medication that needs to be calculated, Ms. Cree panics. She is unable to find her calculator, and even though she has been able to manually solve this type of problem in the classroom setting, she now becomes too afraid to trust her own skills. Where is that calculator? Ms. Cree is afraid of losing her job if she admits the problem, and yet she knows that if she makes a mistake, she could jeopardize the health of the patient.
What are job-related factors contributing to Ms. Cree’s anxiety and panic?
What suggestions would you recommend to her?
What thoughts are going through her mind that may be adding to the problem?