RN Assaulted by MD

yesterday · May 18, 2014

I would have filed the police report, but then I've seen the results of what was described before. The nurse I worked with was convinced to drop all complaints against the MD, but fired for something totally different about 3 months later. Every single person on the unit knew exactly why she was fired, but there was no proof because she'd dropped all complaints against the hospital/MD.
It's in the hospitals best interest to squash bad publicity. They are not your friend. The advice they give will be in THEIR best interest. They will protect themselves and their MDs over the interests of a nurse.
Nobody gets to hit me for free. I wish all women would adopt that attitude.

Wow, this is horrible and makes me sad, as does the OP's statement of the hospital backing the physician. "Create a hostile environment" for her? Yeah, looks like their assessment is a little too late. Just imagine if the persons involved were reversed and it was the nurse punching the doctor. Would that nurse still be around?

Episteme · May 30, 2014

So we had a surgeon who got all "bowed up" on a nurse who asked when he'd be able to talk to a patient's family member. "Who do you think you are... I don't run my schedule past you or any other nurse... and so forth and so forth. Loud. Ugly. Rude. I was in the same nurses station facing the opposite hallway. I got out of my chair, stood to my full 5' 10", took a step toward the two and asked the doctor "What is your name?" (Name badge was on the waist band of his scrubs). That's it. "What is your name?" (1) his ego was such that he thought everyone knew and feared him. It was a come down to realize that not everyone had the same fear and loathing when he walked down the hall. (2) I was standing behind my colleague. There were two of us, one of him. (3) I was going to associate his name with his behavior.

That's all I did. "What is your name?" It broke his rhythm. He'd been on a tear and he had to stop and answer a simple question.

Later that afternoon he apologized to Teresa. I don't know if it was anything associated with what I did. But he did sort of get an attack of conscience.

I know the hospital management should stand up for the victims of hostility and violence. But we are not helpless in this. Go to your colleague. Stand with him or her. Tell the abuser that his behavior is "very concerning" and it would be a good idea of he avoided it in your presence in the future.

What do you lose? You stand up, spine straight close the distance a bit, make eye contact and tell the abuser to knock it off. What can they do to me? A hell of a lot less than an administrator who wants the issue swept under the rug. That's for sure.

When I'm being abused on the phone I usually start saying "Hello? Hello? Doctor are you on a cell phone? You're breaking up and I slam the receiver down. Passive aggressive, I know... but there it is.

I really think our first choice should be asserting ourselves in the moment. Who made the rule that we have to take this sh*t?

suanna · May 30, 2014

Why can't this ever happen to me? I get condscending, belittling comments, snide remarks, but never ever ever can I get punched. I annoy the doctors as much or more than the next nurse! I don't know how many more years I have in practice- my bones are old and my back aches more each day, but I'm pretty sure if a doc managed to physically assault me (with witnesses) my retirement nest egg would take a BIG jump in value. I'll bet I would be retired and living in a condo on the beach in Naples Fl before the bruise faded. You make me so jealous.

BillyTheKind · Jun 3, 2014

I agree to fight completely, that being said I don't shy away from a fight. You don't have to "fight" per se either. When it happens you can, using a slightly louder voice "ouch! wow, are you really going to hit a girl? Seriously? Darn, I thought you were supposed to do no harm? Boy "Stanley", you must have some problems at home to come here and act like this. Do you need a hug? Because I will give it to you if you need one". Embarrass him, no report needed.

I did something similar a few years ago. I kept referring to this guy as Stanley; "hey Stanley, hows it going Stanley". Finally a few weeks when by and he asked me why I was calling him that, (the whole time his attitude was completely changed to one of concern and diminished value on himself). I looked him square in the face and said it's because your such a tool! I chuckled and walked away. That guy never bothered me again and when we did have to talk it was like someone shrunk him two sizes. Funny thing, two other co workers started referring to him as Stanley. Lol

allnurses Guide · Jun 3, 2014

We had a surgeon who verbally abused nurses. He would call a nurse, "stupid", "idiot", and such in front of the patient and family members and at the nurse's station. He could go on like that for segveral minutes.

We on night shift started "Code White' (there is no such official code at our facility)

The first time the RN asked him, "Do you want to order a chest X-ray for the morning?"

As he began his tirade the clerk got a clipboard and called, "Code White!".

All available staff stood around him taking verbatim notes.'

He stopped yelling and asked, "What is going on?"

I told him, We are witnesses to what is said. Your disruptions upset our patients and interrupt care so we decided to document what you do and say."

One time a few weeks later he started again. he stopped when he say people coming to document.

Day shift and nurses on other units did the same.

No problems with him for quite a long time now.

BillyTheKind · Jun 4, 2014

We had a surgeon who verbally abused nurses. He would call a nurse, "stupid", "idiot", and such in front of the patient and family members and at the nurse's station. He could go on like that for segveral minutes.
We on night shift started "Code White' (there is no such official code at our facility)
The first time the RN asked him, "Do you want to order a chest X-ray for the morning?"
As he began his tirade the clerk got a clipboard and called, "Code White!".
All available staff stood around him taking verbatim notes.'
He stopped yelling and asked, "What is going on?"
I told him, We are witnesses to what is said. Your disruptions upset our patients and interrupt care so we decided to document what you do and say."
One time a few weeks later he started again. he stopped when he say people coming to document.
Day shift and nurses on other units did the same.
No problems with him for quite a long time now.

I LOVE THAT!!!!!!!

Jillybean48 · Jun 20, 2014

There is a reason I keep a baseball bat in my truck:mad:. Then again, there's a reason my husband keeps removing it. :no:

SmilingBluEyes · Jun 20, 2014

I am so sorry this happened to you. How awful. It's NOT your fault, in any way.

Here is what I would do: Swear a written complaint to the police department, find yourself a good lawyer, involve your manager, the union (if you have one) and HR. Follow their instructions to the letter. Do not talk about incident to anyone at work. Keep a tight control on what you say, so conjecture is not a problem.

One more thing: consider getting counseling; the Employee Assistance Program should be a good place to start if you have no one in mind. Really, DO get counseling. I want you to be ok after this horrible incident; don't underestimate its effect on your psyche.

And as you know, NO ONE may assault another, no matter who they are. That is all I can say; beyond that, it's a matter for the law, lawyers, your counselor, and your company.

xoemmylouox, ASN, RN · Jun 26, 2014

I'm sorry this happened to you. This is not ok. The response you received from the hospital was ridiculous (but not surprising). I woud pursue this further, but that's your choice. Just know that regardless of what you do they may let you go because they percieve you as being a risk. Good luck.

AOx1 · Jul 28, 2014

OP, do have any updates?