Hello! I’m Jane Donnelly, and I work as a receptionist at Carew Dental in Gateshead. Every day, I’m fortunate enough to be part of an amazing team where I get to meet new people, assist our patients, and make sure everything runs smoothly. As a receptionist, I have a lot of responsibility, but I’ve developed a routine that helps me stay on top of everything. Let me take you through a typical day in my life, from my early start to my winding-down time in the evening.
Waking Up and Getting Ready for the Day
I’m an early riser; I wake up at 5:30 AM to start my day. The quiet mornings are my favourite. I take a moment to gather my thoughts before getting out of bed. After a quick shower, I feel refreshed and ready to take on whatever the day has in store.
Breakfast is essential for me, but I like to keep it simple. I make myself some toast with Lurpak butter and Bovril spread. It’s not fancy, but it’s comforting and fills me up for the busy morning ahead.
After breakfast, I take a few minutes to get myself ready for the day, I always make sure I’m prepared mentally. As a receptionist, there’s no telling what will pop up throughout the day, so being prepared helps me feel confident and ready for anything.
By 7:00 AM, I’m out the door and heading to the station. I enjoy the quiet of the early morning underground ride. It gives me a chance to relax a little and get my head in the game before I arrive at work. Once I arrive, I take a short walk to Carew Dental, which is a great way to stretch my legs and breathe in the fresh air before starting my shift.
Arriving at Carew Dental: Setting Up for the Day
When I get to the practice, my first task is to set up the lounge area for our patients. This is an important part of my role. I want to make sure that our patients feel comfortable and welcome when they arrive, so I check the seating, tidy up the practice literature, and make sure everything looks just right. I also check all the communication channels, ensuring that any urgent messages or emails are flagged as priority tasks.
It’s all about creating that calm, professional atmosphere. I want to make sure the environment is inviting, because I know the experience of coming to the dentist can be nerve-wracking for some people. A welcoming lounge helps ease those nerves.
As soon as we open, it’s go-time. I greet patients as they arrive, help them with any paperwork, and make sure they feel comfortable before their appointments. Whether it’s checking them in or confirming their details, I do everything I can to make sure the process is as smooth as possible. I also book follow-up appointments and answer phone calls when needed.
I really enjoy interacting with our patients. It’s such a rewarding part of my job to see them leave happy and well-cared-for. Some patients are nervous, others are excited, and I love that no two days are ever the same. I also enjoy chatting with regulars, catching up with them, and making them feel at home.
In the afternoon, things can get busy. I continue to handle the reception desk, ensuring that everything is running smoothly and efficiently. Whether it’s answering calls, coordinating with the dental team, or assisting patients with queries, I’m always on my toes. The pace can be intense, but I thrive in that environment. It’s all about staying organised and being proactive. I enjoy problem-solving, especially when things get hectic. Every little detail counts, and I take pride in making sure everything is handled with care.
Heading Home after a Busy Day
Once my shift ends, I’m ready to head home. I take the metro back and enjoy the ride. It’s nice to have a moment to unwind and let go of the busyness of the day. When I get home, I like to take a little time for myself before diving into anything else.
I don’t like to just crash after work. I find that getting some exercise really helps me clear my mind and reset. I change into my gym clothes and head out for a workout. It could be anything from a good run to a full-body workout. No matter what, it always makes me feel better. Working out is my way of keeping myself healthy and releasing any tension that’s built up during the day.
After the gym, it’s time to cook and enjoy my evening meal. I keep it simple but nutritious, usually something I can enjoy while relaxing. Once dinner is ready, I sit down and unwind with a crime series on TV. I’ve always had a thing for crime dramas – there’s something about the mystery and thrill that keeps me hooked. It’s the perfect way for me to relax after a busy day, and I find that it helps me disconnect from work and focus on something purely for enjoyment.
The Importance of Balance
My routine may seem simple, but I’ve found it to be the perfect balance between work, personal time, and relaxation. I take pride in my role at Carew Dental, knowing that I’m an important part of our patients’ experience. But just as important is making time for myself to recharge. Whether it’s my quiet morning routine, my workout at the gym, or catching up on a good crime series, these moments help me stay balanced and focused.
Being a receptionist isn’t always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding. I love being the first point of contact for our patients, helping them feel at ease, and ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. Each day brings new challenges, but I take them in stride, knowing I’ve built a routine that works for me.
Thanks for reading about a day in my life. I hope it gives you a little insight into the life of a receptionist at Carew Dental – and a reminder that even in the busiest of days, it’s important to take care of yourself.
Blog post author: Jane Donnelly, Receptionist at Carew Dental
