How do I get rid of a coworker

That my boss refuses to fire. She's been a problem every since she got hired a year ago. She's unprofessional, immature, crazy, and incredibly stupid. I'm her supervisor but I don't have the authority to fire her. The entire office and multiple patients have complained about her, our boss does nothing but talks to her. She claims to be looking for a replacement but it's a weak effort.

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Mellowgirl · 31-35, F

Perhaps there are reasons why they tread so carefully with her. Also in this current climate although many people are unemployed looking for work it really is difficult to find a suitable person for the role.
Hiring cost a lot of money that perhaps your boss doesn't want to spend at the moment and maybe in the short-term it's more cost effective to have her than not.
I couldn't exactly say.
What I will say is redirect your focus.
Either ignore her or help.

Lilliesandlight · 41-45, F

@Mellowgirl she's actually cost the practice a lot of money. She's offended patients and the doctor has written off their balances as an apology for her rudeness. It is a tough market for employers but it shouldn't be that hard to find a receptionist. And I can't ignore, I'm her direct supervisor and I see how detrimental it is to have her in that role. And I have to correct her, but the fact is she's uncoachable. She's corrected and a couple days later she's back to her attitude and mistakes.

Mellowgirl · 31-35, F

@Lilliesandlight so why can't you fire her? Do you not have a hr department? They can advise on the protocol for letting someone go, verbal warnings, written etc. There's protocols to follow but you need to follow them accordingly to prevent a lawsuit

Lilliesandlight · 41-45, F

@Mellowgirl I don't have the authority to. If I did she would have been gone a long time ago. It's a delicate situation. My boss is the doctors wife. Is I go over her head to hr it won't go over well

Mellowgirl · 31-35, F

@Lilliesandlight then venting here maybe your best option... Sorry difficult employee's make working life doubly hard