Overall reviews at The Ottawa Hospital
1.0
Administrative Assistant |
Ottawa, ON | Jan 21, 2020
Toxic work environment, constant lay-offs, unfair bilingual practices.
While I loved the job that I was hired to,do,and the programme I was hired to work for, my job changed 7 times in my last year. I went from supporting one Clinical Manager across three sites to supporting four Clinical Managers across all sites, which was impossible. It was cut back to three Clinical Managers across all sites. I was supported by my original Clinical Manager to try to make it work. Ultimately, we were both laid off.
It was a very politically charged environment. I would not recommend it to anyone.
In addition to the above problems, the Director was very uncooperative accommodating my physical disability and the process took over six months. Had I not been laid off, I would have pursued legal action, but was forced to sign a nondisclosure document as well as being forced not to pursue the issue with the Human Rights tribunal.
Healthcare is a very toxic environment to be in these days. I have worked in the industry for 35 years and have endured two layoffs due to budget cuts. I’m still looking for full-time work.
Dedication,, hard-work and loyalty are not rewarded.
4.0
Hard work
Great with a gym in the basement for a stressful day at work, working for other coworkers, workload ...
I have SMS computer work, OASIS blood and diagnostic imaging duties along with right fax and regular faxing of prescriptions, tests... CCIS computer work that showed us the other hospital's status of beds available for transfers or discharges...
The easiest part of the job is going down the stairs to go to the first floor in order to get the mail and distribute the envelopes, boxes to the doctor's offices or research nurses or nurses offices.
The hardest part of the job was trying to obtain an ambulance for the Heart Institute or for the Burn Unit or to go to Cornwall or other institutions. I learned how to work in a fast paced environment by multi-tasking and doing many things like answering the phone and opening the doors for visitors at the same time as I was wearing a headset to talk on the telephone . The managers were busy with many emails and about 100 nurses to monitor. I enjoyed the coworkers and the volunteers and the beautiful skylights bringing the sun in the office as it was the new state of the art desk.
ProsGym in the basement
ConsLong hours
5.0
Educational and fast paced environment.
A typical day at work as an Admission Control Clerk involves an understanding of the hospital setting and the general function of departments such as Laboratory, Radiology, Pharmacy, Operatice Suites, Emergency and the Post Analgesic Recovery Room.
Since working at The Ottawa Hospital I have learned about various policies and procedures used in everyday health care.
I have nothing but wonderful things to say about the management. Management ensures a professional and attentive workplace offering many opportunities to broaden my skills and grow as an employee.
The hardest part of the job is to ensure prioritization of critical orders while in a high stress and fast paced environment. However this also makes the job the most enjoyable. It provides me the opportunity to perform well during these situations and ensure that the wellbeing of the patient is always the utmost importance.
ProsLearning Experiences
4.0
Amazing colleagues & rewarding work.
I loved my decade spent at the hospital. The work environment is incredibly fast-paced but the support you have from coworkers makes it all work like a well-oiled machine.
The learning curve is very intense and you have to be quick in this environment so it's not for everyone. You will have a lot of responsibility and what seems like not enough time to do it all.
If you like problem solving, challenging yourself, and helping people TOH will be great for you. Just be careful not to burn yourself out because there is never a shortage of overtime if you're willing.
CONS: Staffing is quite hard to work with, as they've got a very difficult job, so that's something that may frustrate you at some point. The union, CUPE 4000, is not always on your side or looking out for your best interests, as they might imply, so you have to stand up for yourself sometimes.
ProsSupportive colleagues & meaningful work
ConsHuge learning curve to start & staffing
1.0
Depressing, confusing place to work in
I still have nightmares about my time at the Ottawa Hospital. I came into the job as a casual supply worker and left within 3 months. Throughout my time I was bullied by my co-workers, lied to by management who promised the world but delivered nothing, backstabbed by my trainer who left me during training to go for a 2 hour smoke break, while I had to answer angry phone calls from the departments who were missing supplies, and witnessed two nurses break down crying in the supply rooms because they were screamed at by the ward matrons.
This problem with the hospital boils down to the fact management has no real power. They cannot fire you, they can't really discipline you without the union getting involved. I had to wait over an hour and a half for one of my trainers to show up as he was late. When he finally arrived, his reasoning was "I was sleeping". If you're an uneducated, lazy bully, SPD is the department for you.
5.0
Rewarding job environment, good gateway into the Hospital Job Market
Work load is easy to manage & staffing goes the extra mile to make sure your work/life are well balanced. Salary is fair. Management is polite and fast to reply to inquiries. Job advancement is seniority based, even if newer employees present greater assets. However, being unionized, your Job is secure for the long run, with position shuffling for casual / temporary staff. Work environment is mostly friendly, and coworkers work as a team. The Hospital's mission of treating patients like they're family is followed through daily, and ethics are maintained well. I personally had some experience with some staff members entering petty arguments, but it is resolved by management within a few weeks.
ProsTraining provided, high salary (for a clerk), friendly coworkers
ConsFast paced work environment, one must be prepared to work back-to-back 12-hour shifts
5.0
Call Center Representative |
Ottawa, ON | Sept 24, 2017
A fast paced, professional workplace with an amazing team.
A typical day at work for me would consist of answering inbound and outbound phone calls, paging doctors/ services for callers, updating profiles, and looking up patient information. The job involves a person who can handle high call volumes and work under pressure well, and someone who is able to multi-task all while inputing the right information in the database. I have an excellent management team and the workplace is a great place for someone who enjoys insisting others, and learning new things about the hospital and health care system. The job can be stressful when a code is being called, but it helps to have a team of people who are willing to assist you. The best part of my job is that i get to help people. I am very passionate about helping others any way that I can.
Proshospital benefits
Consweekend shifts
3.0
Registered Nurse - ICU |
Canada | May 30, 2012
Review
A typical day at work involved multiple challenges from all directions.
I learned to be even more skilled at troubleshooting and prioritizing and anticipating patient problems.
My manager was very supportive, down to earth ,and highly appreciative of the skills and expertise I brought to the workplace. (she hired me). She has left for a job in Alberta.
The hardest part of the job was when the unit was full and there was no stretch ( to be able to admit or discharge patients).
The most enjoyable part of the job was the daily learning, daily challenges and the fun in working with a very skilled and experienced professional team. There was a very high level of coworker support which was essential to be able to help patients.
Prosas above
Conssometimes the pace was hectic
4.0
Admitting Department Permanent Full time |
Ottawa, ON | Jun 3, 2015
Interation with Patients Rewarding
A typical day at work can be interesting as well as challenging as I do interact with patients daily. I go see them on the wards to update demographic information and accommodation requests for semi private and private rooms. I also pre register patients coming in to deliver their babies. I direct patients who are here for appointments, but unaware of the location. The hardest part of the job is dealing with families of patients who are not doing well.
My co-workers for the most part are great. I intend to stay at the Ottawa hospital until retirement if at all possible.
ProsHelping people in need and going above and beyond the call of duty.
ConsSecurity of job and cutbacks that the hospital is implenting.
5.0
Very interesting indeed!
I learnt so much medical information and procedures while I worked at The Ottawa Hospital. There are time you need a strong stomach, the body can produce fluids in many colors. At first you will cry, seeing babies that are just over a pound, seeing family members crying over the recently deceased family or friend. Or seeing doctors trying to save someones life as they are in cardiac arrest. It had its ups and downs depending on which part of the hospital that you were working. ICU was tough, more tubes in the body than natural holes. Nursery is always fun and sweet hearing newborns cry. So it was not only physically challenging, it was emotional too, unless you had no soul.
ProsJob security
ConsOpen 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, 52 weeks/year
