too frantic of an office for one person

[Susan123456]

When my coworker is out (and she is a dedicated, hardworking professional who deserves vacation etc), I am left alone to work at a very busy front desk of a  hospital operating room. Phones are ringing off the hook from operating rooms, patients, patient families, other staff etc. People are coming to the front desk: patients, family members of patients, staff with a request. I find this too overwhelming to  handle on my own. For example, a nurse called to get an appt time for a surgical patient and I had to ask her to call back in 15 minutes. There was just too much activity. I was prioritizing in my mind: getting patients checked in for surgery and addressing family concerns about their loved ones in the OR take precedence. My boss refuses to help me. If I were to approach another coworker for help, they would refuse, saying that they are not able to leave their post. When I worked there the other day I was very flustered with everything that was coming at me at once. While I was pleasant and professional to everyone, it was probably obvious to all that  I was very flustered! I feel incompetent and embarrassed  because I am not smooth!. I need your support and help.

[peaches2160]

Ask your coworker for tips on how she handles the desk when out are out.  In a down time or even off time,
Think of the most challenging times and seek solutions for handling the situations.  Construct a back up plan and offer as a solution / suggestion to your boss and coworker in a team meeting.