Dealing with Ignorant Professionals

nimbex, RN · Aug 9, 2002

I deal with them by asking "WHY", "WHY" and "WHY" If I can understand their rationale... I may go along with it.

yep, I have said..."when you figure out why you want to order this call me back..I'll wait.

That's not refusing, it's seeking order clarification.... it's got me out of many a stick mess...(Adenosine... SLOW IV push!!!!!!!)

TNRN · Aug 9, 2002

My family & friend circle includes 1 respiratory tech, 1 paramedic, 1 LPN, 1 unit secretary, 1 CNA, and me the "lowly" RN. I am constantly having to defend my profession to them. The paramedic once told me that eventually paramedics would replace RNs in the ER and ICU since they were "better at dealing wth crisis situations." While I was reading a nursing reference text, the US said to me "why do you think you have to know everything about diseases? All nurses do is follow doctors orders." When I told the RT that I was starting out in a critical care area, she said, "Well, RTs are required to be better skilled than RNs in the unit because they are the ones 'keeping them breathing'." I could go on and on. I truly respect each of their roles as being valuable. I just wish they didn't feel the need to compete in a race to show who knows more or who is better. Has any one else experienced this?

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Aug 11, 2002

TNRN that is just beyond comment...none of those people have a clue what you do everyday. I'm sorry I just can't think of an appropriate response. Smack them-hard.

Furball · Aug 11, 2002

If these other medical workers are correct about how "lousy" the care RN's give in critical care...why are hospitals shelling out HUGE bucks to attract the ICU RN travellers?

Are hospitals offering $40-50/hr for EMT's? How about RT's?

I can't imagine being an ICU pt WITHOUT an RN....makes me shudder at the thought!

donmurray · Aug 11, 2002

We see holistic, they see jack-of-all-trades. Nurses just fill in the gaps for them!

sjoe · Aug 11, 2002

For the most part I have found that when I have treated physicians and pharmacists with respect as comrades, (as I wish to be treated, in other words), they have been most helpful and cooperative AND I have been impressed, overall with the vast knowledge and information they have that I do not have. Unfortunately, I have had similar experiences with fewer than half of the RNs I have encountered professionally. Often less than cooperative and too frequently defensive, as though they are afraid someone is going to reveal some massive inadequacy of theirs to the world. The rest have been professional.

MQ Edna · Aug 11, 2002

Originally posted by fab4fan
Probably best to just worry about building up your own knowledge; as you go along in your education, you will see that things aren't always as they appear to be. What may not make sense to you now will be perfectly understandable later. Don't be too quick to judge those around you.

Hey, I like the way you think Fab4Fan!!

The student nurse who is already judging others will likely join the ranks of new grads feeling 'eaten alive'. Learn, grasshopper, learn.

Motivated, SN · Aug 11, 2002

Why are you a Crankyoldnurse? Based on the number of replies to my post, it seems that there are many nurses and other professionals that have experienced the same things that I am talking about. I plan to take the advice given by many of you to learn as much as I can; and be the best damned nurse I can be.

Thank you.

rebelwaclause, ASN, RN · Aug 12, 2002

As long as no one is hurt, maimed or killed, I don't mind anyone's opinion, ESPECIALLY if I know my training makes me think differently. Non-medical people are interesting, becuase they can make you go pull out your license and question yourself! But why waste time trying to "connect" with people who aren't interested in your trained information?