Am I just overly sensitive?????

rosemarysz · Sep 23, 2008

... so I am a new grad (RN-BScN) so I dont know much but I have already seen that you have to get to know the doc before saying very much. it seems that their personality comes first (and professionalism comes second.) Mostly I think that you have to earn their respect on an individual basis (you to him) by not wasting their time ... then communication comes a little easier.

leosasha · Sep 23, 2008

This type of behavior by MD's is more common than all would like to admit. The Joint Commission is asking institutions to adress the, "disruptive employee", in 2009. It is felt that this type of behavior has a negative impact on pt safety. They will require institutions to put in place systems in which employees can report disruptive behavior. They will also expect that these behaviors will be adressed.

Tippy-ta-ta · Sep 23, 2008

go to your DON and report it. i don't think you should have to put up with that. That to me would consitute a hostile work environment. I would complain and report him. Not many nurses would stay in an job environment like that.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Sep 23, 2008

Unfortunately, I have witnessed a few physicians who have yelled, thrown temper tantrums, belittled nurses in front of others, made snide comments, rolled their eyes in contempt, and participated in behaviors that are indicative of a lack of social skills.

I've also observed that male nurses are sometimes treated a bit more respectfully by certain docs than their female counterparts. The doctor who berates the female nurse is often the same person who will act more calmly toward the male nurse.

Tippy-ta-ta · Sep 23, 2008

that is a shame, it really is. I don't think as a human being you should have to put up with that. Makes ya wonder how they treat there patients. What is there bedside manner like?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Sep 23, 2008

that is a shame, it really is. I don't think as a human being you should have to put up with that. Makes ya wonder how they treat there patients. What is there bedside manner like?

These physicians tend to be nicer to their patients. After all, the patients are the primary lifeblood of their business. Any good "businessperson" knows to treat the "customer" with respect.

No patients = No income

blondegirl1305 · Sep 23, 2008

I am one a nurse and for a good portion of my life I have been a patient myself. I have hard my fair share of not so friendly doctors but in my 10 to 15 over nights visits to the hospitals that i've had over the past 21 years I can say that I've had get nurses. As long as we keep the patients spirits up, I know the patient will get through it:) I love nurses

gettingupthere · Sep 24, 2008

In our LTF, we had a Doc who was asked not to take admissions due to his behavior. He had other docs cover his patients. He did however take call for them, he was abusive to the nurses. The nurse would tell him the problem and his responses ranged from " let me mull this over" to"what medical school did you go to?". He often sounded as though he was under some influence. He became angry with me one time for calling his service. When he came in to see the patient, he said to me "do you know every time my service has to call me it costs me 50 cents". I happen to have 2 dollars in my pocket, so I pulled it out and told him " here, consider this credit for 4 calls" He laughed and was always nice to me after that. What an *******!

skwlpn · Sep 25, 2008

Gettingupthere, that is just genius! Thanks for making my day!

sparketteinok · Sep 26, 2008

I've been cussed out on the phone by a doc, only to have him come up to the floor and be sweet as sugar with his patients....

again, I think all these issues are about the good ol American dollar...

doctors: patient sweetness/nurse hostility

RNs and LPNs being pitted against each other: an LPN does ALMOST the same job as RN, the lines are blurred, and resentment builds, all because LPNs are cheaper

nurses vs. nurse aides

respiratory therapists vs. nurses

maybe it's just me, but it sure seems that the system in general is set up to foster a lot of hostilities amongst medical staff

brashis2008, LVN · Sep 26, 2008

Oh yeah, it's more common than most think.

I personally just try to look at it and decide if it's behavior that is attacking me personally unjustified or severely disruptive.

If it is, go to your DON. Let the powers be of the chain of command approach this, if its this bad, then hopefully something will change for the better down the road, for all.

Most of the time though, its not done that way or needs that type of attention. I dont believe in "sucking it up" all the time or trying to "earn" respect. I mean, you do to a certain point because its just the way it is. If its a "decent" physician who really is concerned with their pts wellfare, then in time they will come to see that you are on the same page in regards to the pts and are going to take care of not only your license, but his/hers as well.

I have only had two instances where I felt the behavior needed to stop, but I didnt feel it was an admistrative issue.

Remember this, yes they are our superiors and the working atmosphere is not always pleasant. No hearts on your sleeves in this field, BUT.....they are no more human than we are. Sometimes, pulling them to the side and having a quick "come to Jesus" chat is all that is needed to calm down the high-strung doc.:wink2: Especially if you let it known quickly with confidence and sincerity that you are NOT to be treated and will not accept being treated like a piece of trash. You are there to do your job which is take care of your pts and watch your doctor's back and that is something he/she SHOULD be grateful for.

If that doesnt work....than a few consistant 3 am phonecalls about some possible NOW orders of M.O.M., or a customized bulls-eye target in the break room should help with some of the stress. :wink2: (j/k.....well kind of....)