When A Nurse Needs A Doctor.....

[nurse2211]

Never gave this any substantive thought until recently because I'm nearly due for my annual physical and ob/gyn check ups. Is it "advisable" (for lack of a better word) to see a doctor who knows you professionally as a nurse or not? Seems to me it may be a bit awkward if/when you work with him professionally in the future

Although one of the senior nurses here had the ob/gyn for whom she worked, deliver her twins about 10 years ago.

Personally, I have no problem with it but I wonder if I'll find a little strange afterward.

[nursestacey62]

I am scheduled for my colonoscopy and, because of my insurance, it's better for me to go to a doctor I work with and have it done at the hospital where I work. I know who is good and who isn't with regard to the GI docs and the anesthesiologists. I think it will be a little uncomfortable but I know I'll be in good hands. At least I'll be asleep!!

[nurse2211]

I tend to agree that the most important issue would be competence of the doctor. However, the more I think about it, I also agree, somewhat, with those who are opposed to having their health issues addressed by a doctor whom they know personally, especially if it's a male doctor.

[Chaotika]

I haven't been in this situation yet, but it would seem to me that if you already have an established relationship (friendship, work with them etc) with a doctor or surgeon or even the other nurses, you would get better care from the people who already know you and respect you and your work. They may make sure that they take extra good care of you, give you more explanations, and make you more comfortable if you already know them. I've had run ins with doctors (I think everyone has) who just make you feel like a number, but I would think you wouldn't have to worry about that if you already had a respectable working relationship with them prior to your medical experience with them.

If I got pregnant I'd be high risk, and I'd most definitely want my OB/GYN to be someone I worked with, just in case something bad happens. But I do understand those of you who would rather keep it separate, I can see your points there too. I think in the end you just have to weigh your situation out with pros vs. cons of having your colleagues know your medical issues.

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

I have always stayed with MD's that I know. I chose the MD's that I KNOW do a good job and that I can trust. Sure sometimes I have felt a bit akward, but after I had all of my "fun" in OB when I was pregnant and after delivering my daughter there is no shame now.. Shoot there isn't any part of my body that hasn't been seen now.

[TraumaORnurse]

As an OR nurse, needing surgery means having staff you work with routinely, which I actually felt to be more comforting. I knew my surgeon was phenomenal because I had worked with him so many times and trusted him completely. And, I hand picked my Anesthesiologists knowing who I most trusted...I even had the very attractive young guy do my anesthesia for a cysto/stent, which was slightly embarrassing but totally worth it because I knew he was good and I trusted him.

[OBigdog26, MSN, RN, NP]

I have always kept my personal and professional services separate. Therefore, the MDs I worked with in the facilities were not my personal MDs. I just felt it was better that way, and I didn't want my personal health being discussed with co-workers or records available for prying eyes. I confirmed this when I witnessed a shift supervisor looking at a co-workers chart when she was hospitalized.

That's a major HIPAA violation if that supervisor was not providing direct care for your co-worker!!

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses