[jam2007]

I'm a new grad and all through my clinicals I was told to get in the room if the MD was in there. I also had great experiences with MD's who really wanted to teach. So now I'm an RN in a hospital (not a teaching hospital) and I'm in the room getting my VS and the MD comes in a asks me to leave the room so he can be with the patient. I looked at him dumbfounded and said "But I'm his nurse." To no avail.
Then it happened again with another MD; I didn't say anything but I did vent to my preceptor that it was unacceptable and the clinical leader told him that if the MD wants me to leave, then I leave "We have the pt all day, they're only in and out" which I totally get but aren't I supposed to be part of the team?
Anybody else run across this? What do you do? I'm having a hard time feeling like I don't count.

[jmgrn65]

No I have never heard of a doctor asking the nurse to leave. I think it is always a good idea to hear what the doc says because patient's usually need some clarification.

[earle58]

sorry jam, but there's nothing wrong in having an md ask you to leave.
although it doesn't happen often, there are docs who believe their pts deserve private, 1:1 time with them.
this has nothing to do with you or your role as a nurse.
no need to take it personally.

leslie

[sirI]

I agree with Les on this one. Even I have, very politely, asked the nurse to leave when I've required private conversation with my patient(s). It is nothing personal at all. Please do not be offended.

[traumaRUs]

I'm of the opinion that yes, I do sometimes need personal time with the patient or family member. This is especially true when I am discussing more personal issues such as sexual history (STD's, pregnancies, HIV risk factors), drug and alcohol use and mental health hx.

I look at it that if I were the pt, I would want my privacy too.

[prmenrs]

I agree, sometimes docs and pts need privacy. Which means if the Dr says "please leave", just smile and say, "sure" and skedaddle.

[potatomasher]

It also depends on the case of the patient. I was assigned to take care one time of a OB female patient and I was politely asked out of the room because the doctor herself will administer the vaginal suppository.

[bill4745]

I agree with the doctor having the right to ask you to leave.

[Sweetooth EMT-P, RN]

I agree with the others, the MD may have had to ask the patient something personal and wanted to increase the chances of getting an honest answer in return. Nothing to take personally.

Swtooth

[amcclendon]

I'm with the Dr. on this one, because I've been on both sides of the fence as the patient of a teaching Hospital were I was on display for all to see (Students,Dr's) and at first I was offended, until it was explained to me the importance of learning the correct procedure on real pt's. and also when I was in LPN school and I needed to learn. But like stated in a previous post some things you need to discuss in private, without feeling embarrassed.