Our medical receptionists play a vital role in our clinics. Not only are they responsible for capturing important information from the patient, they are the first impression of Nebraska Medicine. And typically, leave a lasting impression, as well.
It’s a responsibility our receptionists take seriously. And for many of them, welcoming our patients and talking with them is their favorite part of the job.
“I try to establish a connection with our patients,” says Tami Peterson, medical receptionist at Nebraska Medicine - Brentwood Village. “I ask them how they are and try to get to know them. We’re like a family here.”
And there’s no better example of that friendly atmosphere than with patient Carol Supeh. She’s been a patient at Brentwood for 15 years and comes in weekly with her husband to have their blood pressure checked.
When Peterson began working at Brentwood three years ago, she quickly got to know Supeh. As they were getting to know each other, Supeh said she couldn’t remember Peterson’s first name.
“She says ‘I can’t remember your name. Is it Toni?’ I answered, ‘it’s Tami’ and pointed to my name badge.”
The two found the exchange to be very funny and Supeh decided from then on, her name was Toni.
“Whenever she came in, she would call me Toni,” Peterson says. “It became this running joke.”
It didn’t stop there. Supeh then decided another medical receptionist at Brentwood, Cheryl Heidesch, needed a new name, too.
“Carol decided Cheryl’s new name is Lonnie Anderson,” says Peterson.
To continue the fun, Supeh made Peterson and Heidesch hand-made name tags, featuring their “new” names.
“When we see her in the parking lot, we quickly put on our name tags,” jokes Peterson.
Peterson says Supeh is always doing nice things for the staff of the clinic, including sending thank-you cards and bringing treats.
“The last time she brought treats, she brought me carrots and celery because she knew I was trying to not eat sweets. It was very funny.”
“Toni says she’s on a diet, but I know she eats the sweets,” jokes Supeh. “They are the best receptionists. The whole place – it’s the best place I’ve ever been to. I love the whole place.”