How rude are surgeons?

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Dec 21, 2003

I used to work a surgical unit. Surgeons do yell and scream at nurses, are verbally abusive. Use terms like "idiot" and "stupid" to refer to nurses.

Also, it takes them hours of prodding to call you back.

Often, nurses are so fearful of dealing w/ the doc, pt concerns that need to be addressed are neglected.

Notice, I say I USED to work in a surgical unit.

CougRN · Dec 21, 2003

I work in a PACU and most of the surgeons are really great to deal with. They show us a lot of respect and listen when we call them. Same with the MDA's. I'm not in the OR though so I don't know how they act there. But there are always going to be bad docs no matter where you work. Surgery is pretty stressful. So that's what I've seen.

unknown99, BSN, RN · Dec 21, 2003

I work at a hospital where the surgeons are awesome!! However, some of the medical docs leave alot to be desired!!! :rolleyes:

SmilingBluEyes · Dec 21, 2003

our surgeons are not rude..not as a whole...

I know an OB or two I had to set straight when calling me a name. NOPE won't tolerate that.

allele, LPN · Dec 21, 2003

Most of our surgeons are really great. There are a couple of pompous a**es, but I can say the same of some medical docs and some nurses too!! You meet all kinds, no matter where you work. Just a fact of life. Merry Christmas everyone! :kiss

yoga crna · Dec 21, 2003

I have many years of practice in many situations and it has always been my observation that the best and most competent surgeons are also the nicest and easiest to work with in the operating room.

Currently, I practice with a plastic surgeon who considered one of the best in the world. Most plastic surgeons come to him for their own facelift. He is nice, professional, easy to work with and always complements my anesthesia to me and the many international visiting plastic surgeons. He doesn't try to interfere with anesthesia, is helpful with difficult intubations and doesn't blame me if the patient bleeds. Also, he buys lunch for the personnel every day. However, he expects excellent work, commitment to patient safety and care and a lot of patient interaction--pre and post anesthesia phone calls and attention.

Yoga

Trixxy, LPN · Dec 21, 2003

You must remember...most surgeons are perfectionists. Not an excuse for their behavior..just something to make you understand their behavior.

Katnip, RN · Dec 21, 2003

Most of our surgeons are good to work with. All are perfectionists, a few are jerks.

mommyof2grls · Dec 21, 2003

The hospital I used to work at, (Level One trauma Center, Catholic Teaching Hospital) Had all of the above. I think over the years I have learned to take it all with a grain of salt.

Someone mentioned that some physicians are so scary or nurses are so scared of them they don't get things addressed that should be. Unfortunately I have seen this too, those are the patients no one wants,because of the doctor. I guess I am a hard a** and pretty much took no @@@@ off them, but I did see new nurses getting squished. I tried to help as much as possible, but somethings you have to learn to deal with in your own way.

I was fortunate enough to work in a unit that the director valued his nurses and their input, and also tried to pass this on to the residents as they came through. Problem was, not all patients were his.

One thing I have found, is for allot of them, you just have to earn their respect. I made sure I a) knew what the hell I was talking about and b) had the information to back it up. I also asked ALLOT of questions to let them know I was really interested in what was going on.

I overheard one of our attending Trauma Docs say, the nurses he hated caring for his patient's were the one's who never seemed to have any questions, or any input[ on the patients care, just nodded their head and went on. He said he'd take a a green nurse with a silly mundane question, or suggestion any day over none at all.

My little bit...

gwenith, BSN, RN · Dec 21, 2003

Joke:- How many cardiac surgeons does it take to change a lightbulb??

Ans:- only one but all he/she has to do is hold it in the air and the world will turn around him/her.

hbscott · Dec 21, 2003

As a former Surgical Technician and Surgical Technician Instructor I submit the following research supported hypothesis on the so called "surgical personality":

"SURGICAL PERSONALITY - CAPABLE OF HANDLING DIFFICULT SITUATIONS, DOMINANT, FORCEFUL, SOCIALLY ASCENDANT PERSON WHO LEADS A FAST-PACED LIFE, AND FEELS HAPPINESS AND UNHAPPINESS MORE INTENSELY THAN OTHERS, WHO IS AGGRESSIVE AND PREFERS TO COMPETE RATHER THAN COOPERATE, WITH NO RELUCTANCE TO EXPRESS ANGER WHEN APPROPRIATE, WITH HIGH ASPIRATION LEVELS AND WORKS HARD TO ACHIEVE GOALS, SELF-MOTIVATED AND WELL PREPARED TO DEAL WITH LIFE. "

http://www.apds.org/APDS2001n/APDS%20Panel%20Talk_files/frame.htm

-HBS