Now let's move on to the next part. Please share your journey from working as a part time HCA (while studying) to becoming a full time Practice Manager. How did that happen?
Well because I studied Healthcare Management (Level 7) *for one year...
From the start, I've made a plan. I reviewed the immigration process. And I learned that you should pursue jobs which is related to what you studied here.
It'll be difficult to get a permanent job which is not related to what you have studied here.
From the start I knew I won't be a Registered Nurse here (*to become a NZRN, internationally qualified nurses need to have minimum of 2years experience).
So, I thought.
In order to become a resident here, I need to get a managerial job.
And I know it won't be easy. It won't happen in just a snap.
Like I said, I started as a receptionist. Because I thought, that will be my starting point.
Because that would give me an opportunity to work in a GP practice setting.
And that's the start of becoming an administrator. So I really worked hard in that role, although it can be difficult sometimes.
You are always on the receiving end of the patients' rants... etc...
So yeah, I started from there...
Then after 2 1/2 years , I thought I already have enough experience to pursue a career growth.
I felt like I had enough training from my previous Practice Manager. I kind of understood what the routine was like in a GP Practice.
So I tried applying in a Practice Manager role...
Unfortunately, I always get rejected. It was really frustrating. They said they needed someone with more experience.
I came to the realization that my experience was still not enough. However, it was really frustrating because I kept asking
"How can I get a managerial experience if I won't get accepted in the role in the first place? :)"
-I know! ha! :) -Do you see my point? It's really confusing haha.
Please give me a chance. I can do this.
So anyway, there was really nothing much I can do so I decided to
set aside my dream. Perhaps it is not yet time. I thought I'll try and look for a different role, but this time
*the job is still related to my dream work of becoming a Practice Manager.
So, I got a job as a nurse administrator.
So it was a level up from my previous work as a receptionist.
In this role, I work with the nurses... compleitng their roster
processing their pay, working with administrative things relevant to the nursing department.
So yeah,
I managed to gain more experience. After a year -
I thought maybe I can apply again. Maybe this time I'll get accepted. And luckily this time, I get shortlisted for interviews. Even if it is just for the initial interview, I was still happy because they are finally starting to notice my application. So I didn't lose hope and I got really excited.
Then finally, I got offered a position as a Practice Manager in a GP Practice in Auckland.
And then it just grew from there.
Q1: What's your usual routine like at work?
(I start with checking my) emails every Monday.
I receive a lot of emails over the weekend, so I just have to check that first thing on a Monday morning so I can prioritize.
I also check the staff at the reception. Specially because we are working in the Urgent Clinic, we really see a lot of patients
So yeah, those are the first things that I do. I just want to check on my staff see how they are doing.
I check if they are having any challenges with their workload and try to sort it out.
I check my emails, calendar for appointments, deliverables, reports, etc.
Initially, it was quite a steep learning curve but once you get to know the routine, you'll eventually have your own way of doing things.
You will also develop your own standard of process.
As a practice manager, do you only look after the nurses? Or are you also in charge of the administrative staff and the medical doctors?
We do have a General Manager who is in charge of everyone. We work under his direction.
The good things is our tasks are delegated. So I am in charge of the staff working in the reception.
That includes processing claims from Ministry of Health.
...nursing subsidies. So yeah, in our workplace there are different subdivision (group division).
-That's good. -Yeah, we work by teams. It is really quite a big organization. It's like a semi-hospital.
It would be difficult to be managed by just one person. (*So you need different 'team managers')
-Yeah, I was actually surprised when you said that you are on call this weekend. So does it mean that your GP practice is open 7 days a week? Is that right?
7 days a week, 24 hours a day. -oh wow... okay..
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Q2: What are the pros and cons of working as
a practice manager?
Pros would be the role entails a learning process.
There's always new things to learn and that inspires me to grow my career.
I gain more experience. I am inspired by my boss and the people I work with.
I realize that there are still things that I have to learn. So yeah, I feel like I am gaining more experience and learning.
That is really advantageous for me because I can use it in the future.
I also have the opportunity to share what I learn to other people.
-to my staff, our receptionists because I started from that role.
I always encourage them... (I tell them) you know I was once a receptionist and
I tell them if you want to level of or explore other
kind of work as an admin or within healthcare just be patient and do your work diligently.
So yeah, for me those are the pros. There's a lot of opportunities, benefits, even for myself.
-Are you entitled for a discount? Like if you come in for a GP check-up?
Just tell me if you need a (free) check-up. 😂😂😂
Yes, for us -it's free.
So yeah, maybe if you are in the area and you need a GP consultation -
-Yes I'll look for you. 😂😂😂
For the CONS, there's always pressure at work.
I am looking after people. My staff relies on me
You know, sometimes even if there's simple questions with their computer etc -I am really the point of contact.
It can be draining sometimes. But you know, this is my job. They are my responsibilities.
So I try to address their concerns.
And sometimes, I get really busy at work, I don't get to see my friends
Even if I want to visit my friends in Auckland over the weekend. I can't really do that because I am on-call.
So my social life can really suffer. But I am telling myself
I really have to balance it. I can't be just drowned with work.
So yeah, I still have to enjoy life. That's all really. But I am working on it. It can't be always like this. I do have to enjoy.
Q3: How much do you earn as a practice manager?
Look it up in the MECA Contract! :)
-Come on, please just give me an idea. For sure it's over $14/hour right?
Yes of course! Let's just say the starting salary is $30/hour
-Yesss, it's so nice to have a friend with a salary starting at around $30/hour.
Well, I do spend it a lot! haha
And that's the disadvantage, the more you earn, the more financial responsibility you have. -and more temptation for spending!
I know. I know
Question of the day: Are you also thinking of moving to New Zealand?
Why New Zealand? Let me know in the comment section below.
I forgot to ask... how many people do you manage in your team?
estimate.. about 30(? )
Wow, 30 people, that's like a whole class... hehe
Yeah.. but the good things is they are all responsible
they are independent and have good work ethic. They will help you as well.
If they know that you are busy, they won't bother you. And it's really a team effort, we try to help each other. #end
Next video: *Sometimes, they try to ask us to cannulate patients, specially if they are having a difficult time with a patient.
Because most of us (ICU Outreach Nurses) can do ultrasound guided
cannulation we we just do that.
It's really amazing in NZ. They have ultrasound guided cannulation. In the Philippines we just 'feel our way' into it. "Where's that vein?! " 😂😂😂