"My receptionist is this clinic's backbone. She handles appointments, billing, patient queries - everything. But when she's sick or leaves? The place falls apart.

I'm always anxious about losing her; training someone new is such a headache. It feels like we're running on a knife's edge.

Last month, she had the flu for a week. The chaos was unbelievable! Wrong appointment times, mixed-up bills, unanswered calls. I had to manage it all while seeing patients. By week's end, I was exhausted and stressed.

In two years, I've had three receptionists. Each time one leaves, it's like starting over. Teaching them our systems, introducing them to patients, explaining medical billing - it's a part-time job itself.

During the learning curve, mistakes happen, stressing everyone out.

What really worries me is losing my current receptionist. She's fantastic, but underpaid compared to corporate jobs. I try to compensate with flexibility and a good environment, but I fear she'll get a better offer.

I've considered training multiple people, but it's tough in a small clinic. The budget's tight, and finding the right fit isn't easy. They need to be tech-savvy, good with people, understand medical terms, and be trustworthy.

So, I'm just hoping my current receptionist stays happy and healthy. Without her, I'm not sure how I'd cope."