As an office nurse, how many difficult docs have you worked with?

Specialties Ambulatory

Published

Specializes in Gen Surg, Peds, family med, geriatrics.

I was an office nurse for 12 years before I decided to go off in another direction. (BIG mistake...I spent almost 3 years working for a pharm company and hated the corporate environment. I'm happy to say that I'm back to being a real nurse) About 3 months ago I started at a large family practice clinic and am loving the job. I'm in my element there and I love the staff. BUT...there is one doctor who is very difficult to deal with. She complains to everyone and regularly tells people off. I've lost count of the number of times she's cornered me in the hallway or in a patient's room to complain and criticize about something...usually something that is not my fault. The worst part is that she does that in front of the patients. Not only does it make me look bad but it makes her look bad as well. My only consolation is that I'm not the only one who gets smacked by her. I've talked to the powers that be in the clinic and they all say the same "That's the way she is". They all seem to think it's a normal part of being in a doctor's office.

I've worked in many offices and in all those years and offices I only had one doc come at me with fists flying and he ended up apologizing. Aside from that, every doctor I've worked with has been for the most part respectful...maybe not easy to work with...but respectful none the less and I fully expect that kind of respect here. Now...here's my question....is my office experience the exception or the norm? Have I been fortunate to work with good doctors all these years or am I finally getting my dose of the "reality" of office nursing with this doc?

I've reached the point where when she starts complaining I turn around and walk away and leave her talking. I used to get really upset but I've given up doing that and blow it off. And aside from that one problem, I am having a blast working there. I run my fanny off all day, get to see patients and work with them and have a great time.

Specializes in medical surgical.

I worked in an out patient department for 4 years too. Some doctors are really difficult to deal with ....oh...specially arab doctors:banghead:. (peace:saint:)that is based on my experience..

Specializes in Cosmetic Surgery, ED, CCU.

I have worked in dr offices for fifteen years. Usually I am treated with respect. What I find is not respected is my title of being a "nurse". The will tell patients, " I am going to have my nurse come in" when he is referring to a medical assistant or even the receptionists! I personally find that disrespectful.

BUT...there is one doctor who is very difficult to deal with. She complains to everyone and regularly tells people off. I've lost count of the number of times she's cornered me in the hallway or in a patient's room to complain and criticize about something...usually something that is not my fault. The worst part is that she does that in front of the patients. Not only does it make me look bad but it makes her look bad as well. My only consolation is that I'm not the only one who gets smacked by her. I've talked to the powers that be in the clinic and they all say the same "That's the way she is". They all seem to think it's a normal part of being in a doctor's office.

I work for approximately 25 providers as a float nurse. I have gotten quite a bit of experience dealing with different personalities. But I am happy to say that the treatment you receive would not be tolerated. The clinic director( one of the nicest physicians I know & I love working for him) would be all over that person & I assure you, you'd get an apology.

We do have one intimidating MD. He's one of our few specialists & very high maintenance. Most of the nurses don't want to have to substitute for his nurse because of his personality. I work for him usually 1/2 day a week & that's about as much as I care for.

Dixie

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