Am I that stupid?

[Anonymous]

I just started my new job at hospital (night duty) and there are some watcher of patient that keep asking me the swab results of their covid. In this hospital that I work at they swab the watcher of patient before they let them in but they would only let them in if they are negative on covid. Also if they dont want to get swabbed they have to show their vaccination card complete with booster ( 2 vaccine is not allowed it should be 2 vaccine with at least 1 booster written on card) then this lady keep asking every 2 hours her result since I always talk to so many people I tend to forget their names and I just remember her face she will always ask "Maam do I have a swab covid result now?" To which I will respond " Maam whats your name again?" Then I will check her name again on computer for results still none. And then my new co workers noticed that I keep asking the old ladys name like they said 5 times they say I shouldn't ask her name again and again I should remember it imediately. its nighttime that time and we were only 3 duty that night (me and two of them) I think its embarassing that Im that forgetful or that stupid...

[Oliverlogan263]

Aww don't be so hard on yourself sis! Working night shifts in a hospital is stressful enough without beating yourself up over small stuff.

Yes it's good to try to remember names, but we're all human. Your brain's probably fried dealing with so many patients and questions non-stop. And it sounds like this lady kept asking the same question over and over which doesn't help remember who she is either!

I doubt your coworkers meant any harm, they're probably just trying to help you out. But try not to internalize it as them saying you're stupid. You clearly care about doing a good job and helping people.

Just keep doing your best - maybe try repeating names back when you first hear them, like "Okay Ms. Smith, I'll check on that for you." Little tricks like that help it stick better when you're tired.

And next time someone comments, just own it lightheartedly like "I know, my brain's mush by midnight!" As long as the patients are cared for that's all that really matters. You got this, sis!

[petitedollbabee]

It’s a new job, and you’re having to deal with so many people already. It’s only natural to forget something as minor as a patients name, since it’s not actually important for your job. That doesn’t make you stupid.

[KostasKouvalis]

Don't worry. I used to work in customer service, and when you deal with dozens, sometimes hundreds of people, it truly amazes me that people expect us to remember the names, faces and vehicle of every single person who comes through