Get Out Of The Line

CP: I always greet patients as they enter the store or approach the pharmacy. 

ME: Me too. 

MICE ELF: It's a good way to let them know they have been seen. 

CP: It also cuts down on complaints about them standing around without us acknowledging their presence. 

ME: Do you want a pat on the back or something?

MICE ELF: Yeah. That's what you're supposed to do. You can't take credit for things you're supposed to do.

CP: My issue is with those patients who do not acknowledge they have been acknowledged. 

ME: Like when you say "Hi. We will be right with you" and they do not respond?

MICE ELF: Or when you say "Welcome! Are you dropping off or picking up?" and they proceed to just stare blankly as if they just woke up in their body and have no idea who or where they are?

CP: Right. It's not your first time here. Or being in public. There is an order to social interactions; a procedure to follow, if you will. I say "hi" then you say "hi".

ME: Pleasantries exchanged! 

MICE ELF: Now we can conduct business. 

CP: Is it worse to ignore the first step? or just jump ahead to "stating your business" unbidden? 

ME: Like when people walk in, you say "Guten Morgen" and they say "Jones. Pick up. 7/7/77." and they haven't even fully entered the building yet?

MICE ELF: Right? Like let's just blow past first base and jump to dry fingering. 

ME: Something is very wrong with you.

MICE ELF: Well that's how it feels. I didn't even have the chance to look up or put on my fake smile and we're already blasting away. 

ME: It still amazes me how people can be clueless.

CP: Like the people who look confused as to where to stand. There are signs: "Drop off", "Pick Up", "Consultation", "Vaccine", but "Stand Here With Dumb Look On Face" is not among them.

ME: Precisely. 

MICE ELF: Remember John Pinette? 

CP: RIP. 

MICE ELF: He had a comedy bit called "lines drive me crazy" about his experiences waiting behind people to order food at fast food restaurants. 

CP: I always think of this when I'm in line. Or when people are in my line. 

ME: Walk up. Get acknowledged (so you know I'm paying attention). Announce your intention(s). Wait for my response. Follow orders. Move along. 

MICE ELF: Move along. 

#GetOutOfTheLine

#ThisIsNotTheLineYouAreLookingPhor 

#MoveAlong 

#WhyYourPrescriptionTakesSoLong