When someone 'superior' says "DUH!" to you

[Goofball]

We have one MD who practices intellectual snobbery, and he has a small cult of RNs who try to parrot him and stroke his already huge ego.

These nurses also act holier-than-thou and speak as though they too are superior to all in our ICU.

Lately, if any of us lowly neanderthal brain nurses makes a comment or gives an opinion, on just about anything, this Dr. and/or these RNs, say something back, for example, "I've known that and have been telling you that same thing for years. DUH!!!!" or, "That is not what the research shows. DUH!!!!" Followed by their hysterical laughter at you, in front of a group.

Does anyone have a good comeback for these self-sanctimonious jerks? These people are not even very good at patient care, but they are some mean barracudas with sharp teeth and barbed tongues. Not that I want to lower myself to their levels...OK, maybe I do just for a minute, to shut them up!

[kmchugh]

OK, on reflection, there is one other thing to try. But this is serious, and must be said in a serious, calm, professional manner.

"I am very tired of you behaving like an adolescent. I am also very tired of your constant attempts to make yourself feel superior by putting me down with your 'duh!' comment. It is insulting and belittling. If you mean it as a 'joke,' rest assured that I do not take it that way. I am asking you nicely this one time that you stop treating me in this manner. If this happens again, you can expect that I will write you up, and I will follow up to ensure that the appropriate management level becomes involved. Am I making myself very clear?"

Stick to your guns, and follow through on the actions you say you will take. These people are trying to feel better about themselves by insulting you. Don't put up with it.

If this doesn't work, use my tag line on them, and end with "right now, I see you as the problem."

Kevin McHugh

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

KEVIN....great responses as always.

Willing to work with you anyday. Have to remember these responses. :roll

[nursedawn67, LPN]

How about telling them that you know they have said it for years, but you didn't believe them because they use words such as "duh".

[mattsmom81]

Good responses all...thought of another as I read the original thoughts of the thread starter:

When they say , "I've told you this before... DUHHHH...." say ' I have a hard time taking adoloscent-speak seriously...so why don't we ALL talk like adults now and get on the same page?"

Jerks...don't let 'em get to ya. If you have others who feel as you do, you might start referring to this jerky group as the 'DUHHHH Club'...maybe it will get their goat.

[sharann, BSN, RN]

Originally posted by andrewsgranny

I think I would say in my sutle b_ _ chy way.....

"oh it sounds like somone has been eating razor soup today"

It'll take them a few hours to realize that you were being a bi_ch.

Then they will have to figure out that "razor soup" means someone has a very sharp tongue. Try it, it works.

:roll :roll :roll :roll

I thought this was a great one andrewsgranny!

[Teshiee]

Throw it back in their snobby little faces I say.

[susanmary]

What does your manager say about the insulting, unprofessional behavior of your health care team? I would never put up with such disrespectful behavior. Next time you are "duh'd" -- address it immediately. You do not have to put up with this -- I'd make it short & to the point. I wouldn't even waste my time with an insulting comeback -- but I would tell each and every individual never to to speak to me in such an insulting way again. Each and every time. If this does not resolve in a very short time, you need to bring it to a higher level. Not exactly a positive work environment. Very unprofessional. I imagine the insulting, superior attitude these co-workers display are also projected on your patients (although perhaps not with an acutal "duh") I imagine patients being talked "down to" also. You don't have to take this -- it is HARASSMENT AND IT IS ILLEGAL.

Best of luck to you. Hang in there. Don't be afraid -- the law is on your side. Sue

[live4today, RN]

Originally posted by kmchugh

Sorry, but sometimes folks like these need a little return of their own medicine before they realize the "jokes" aren't appreciated. A few of my favorites:

"I see SOMEONE had an extra bowl of bi*** flakes this morning."

"I've heard many put own a super ego act to make up for a 'shortage' elsewhere. Guess I know more about your anatomy than I ever wanted to know." (Particularly effective with males.)

"Hmmmm. 3 million sperm in each ejaculation, and you are the best your daddy could come up with?"

Kevin McHugh

:roll :rotfl: :rotfl: :roll

[RNinICU]

I have told physicians like this that I am as much of a professional as they are, and I deserve to be treated as such. If that doesn't work, ask if he had to practice to become this annoying, or is it a natural talent.

[Peeps Mcarthur]

I would have simply said back "that's not a very professional way to address me"

It's true, and at the core of this problem.

What could they possibly say?

maybe.....

"If you can't handle criticism,you don't belong".........?

Then you would say..................."How do your comments constitute criticism,which should be constructive in a professional enviroment?"

They have no answer:imbar

If you would then like to rub the puppies face in it,if you were so inclined you could say.........

"Silence becomes you"

or

"Silence is the province of the ignorant"

Then enjoy the "province of the ignorant" for quite some time to come

[OBNURSEHEATHER]

Originally posted by Peeps Mcarthur

"Silence becomes you"

Ohhhhhh..... can't wait to use that one!

*puts that it her memory bank*

Heather

[mattsmom81]

"Silence becomes you".

LOVE IT!!!!!!!

SUPERB, succinct comeback to anyone who runs their mouth for any reason!!! :rotfl: