Imagine working in tech support at a hospital. Would you think doctors would only call you for help when there’s actually a really big problem, or would they sometimes overlook the obvious and call you when they could’ve easily solved the problem themselves?

In this story, one tech support worker explains what happened when a doctor claimed a computer wouldn’t turn on. The tech employee assumed the computer needed to be replaced, but it turns out there was actually something else going on.

This story proves that doctors aren’t always all that bright when it comes to technology.

Let’s read all about it.

I’m 1000 times more important than you and need this issue resolved right now or people will die.

Sigh.

If you are aspiring to be an IT tech, stay the hell away from hospitals. That being said, I get a call from an ED doctor and it goes like this:

Me: IT, this is SMHDD can I help you?

Doc: Yes. This is Dr. $GivesEntireName and this computer down here in the ED next to room 14 will not com on. I tried to holding the button, I tried un-plugging it and plugging it back in. Nothing works. I have patients that need my services and my care and I am being prevented from doing my job. I need to get these orders in so I can get meds on my patient.

OP tells the doctor what to do.

Me: Okay. Just go to paper charting. I’m going to grab a pre-built brand new system and head that way right now.

Doc: Okay, because I have to get this charting done and provide for my patients. I have to be able to access the computers in a timely fashion.

Me: Yes ma’am. On my way now.

Doc: Okay. Thank you.

Doctors shouldn’t be so dependent on computers.

The thing about the computers is that they are there to assist the physicians.

Never should a computer cause patient care delays because human beings don’t need to be rebooted and repaired as often.

These doctors should know that if they know a patient needs $Drug, they can give the patient that drug and use the forms like they did before the wonderful world of computers.

The doctor overlooked the obvious.

So I get down to the ED and as I’m rolling a cart with a brand new system on it up to the terminal.

There she is with her overly detailed explanation of what she has tried in terms of troubleshooting.

The entire time, my eyes are fixed on the monitor stand-by light that is not on and I can’t look away.

She finally stops talking and I walk over and re-seat the power cable into the back of the monitor in one swift motion and the monitor pops on and springs to life.

And…time to go.

I smiled at the doctor and told her “Merry Christmas” and walked away.

Because that’s what you do.

You fix the issue, and get the hell out of the way.

They need to work and small-talk is not something that we do. We do what we need to do and move like the wind.

Then, the doctor had the nerve to complain.

Once I got back in my office, the House Supervisor called me telling me that this particular doctor filed a complaint on me for making her look like she was stupid.

I explained what happened, what I did, and what I said, and the House Supervisor started laughing and said, “Oh, so she actually is stupid.”.

Oh the joys of working in a hospital.

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Wow! I’m glad the supervisor found it funny.

Let’s see how Reddit responded to this story.

The supervisor really was great.

Here’s a suggestion of what to say instead of “Merry Christmas.”

This person also hates working with doctors.

If you enjoyed this story, check out this post about a company that didn’t expect their work-from-home policy to result in better time off benefits for their employees.

Another person often dealt with the exact same situation.

Not noticing the obvious doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re stupid. It happens. But saying something like, “Don’t worry. It’s happens a lot,” would probably help prevent the doctors from complaining because they feel like they look stupid.

Nobody likes to look stupid even if they are.