Apologizing when paging physicians

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Specializes in ICU.

Just something that bugs me and I have to let it out.

I've noticed that some RNs at work apologize to doctors EVERY TIME they receive a call back from a page.

"Sorry to bother you, Dr.____... but your patient..."

"Sorry to call you, I just need to ask you about...."

Now, I HAVE said something along those lines when I've had to page someone 2-3 times in a short period of time, or if it's the middle of the night when I worked night shift.

But... to apologize every time you need to page the MD seems a little ridiculous to me. We should not have to feel sorry because we are taking care of our patients appopriately and need a physician's order for something. :no:

Anyone feel the same way?

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Specializes in Hospice.

I see it more as an acknowledgment that I am interrupting whatever it is the MD is doing at the time. Common courtesy.

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It doesn't.

I wish the neighbor on this block who keeps knocking on my door and calling would apologize.

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Specializes in ICU.

I am always courteous and say thank you for responding so quickly. I think that should be sufficient.

BUT, I don't see the need to apologize. I believe there is a difference. It is our job and responsibility to the patient, as well as theirs, to return a page when it's necessary. No need to feel sorry about it.

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i'm with you, sue.

if it's in the middle of the noc, i will apologize, only as an acknowledgment that i need to interrupt their sleep.

other than that, i identify myself and continue with a rundown of the pt.

leslie

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, Oncology, Rehab, LTAC.

I don't apologize as a general rule unless I am waking them up in the middle of the night or I have had to page a few times in a short amount of time. I don't think it's appropriate to apologize all of the time because we are supposed to be a team taking care of our patients. It's like saying "I'm sorry for making you do your job, but...." Of course, I try very hard not to bother the docs unless absolutely necessary because I know there are nurses out there who page needlessly. I once worked with a nurse who paged a cardiologist (who was not even the patients attending) in the middle of the night for a suppository order for her patient who was sleeping at the time. I don't think the patient was going to die by morning if she didn't get one. :chuckle

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Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, ED.

I think I apologized once when I had to page the cardiologist for some Mylanta for a patient with gas.

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Specializes in medicine and psychiatry.

I have observed this phenomina Think it's just part of the culture. I can't imagine why I would apologize for or ask another to accept an apology for simply doing our job. We could probably do away with the practice entirely if nurses had more clarity on when to call the Dr. and what information is expected to be supplied upon calling. It would cover any safety issues and I suspect that this could also be considered polite.

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Specializes in RN, BSN, CHDN.

Sorry How many threads do we have re apologising LOL

:bowingpur:idntdt::plsebeg::trc:

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Specializes in MSP, Informatics.

Oh I do. I always start with... Sorry to bother you. I have a couple that come back with You don't sound sorry, or no your not. It's just a way to start the conversation.

Im defenetly not sorry. Even if I have to wake them up. It's just something I say.

I have had to send the cops to a Dr's house before in the middle of the night when they didn't answer the phone... When the Dr called me back, I still said... Im sorry for having to send the police to your house, but it appears your phone doesn't work. I heard later that the Doc had the air conditiner on, and didn't hear them pounding on the door. They had to use the megaphone and shine the spot light in her window! I am Sorry I didn't get to see that myself!!!

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Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Peds, ICU, Tele.

I always say "So sorry to bother you..." when paging a physician. It's a social nicety that really makes everyone feel better!

And, wouldn't you know it, I really can't think of the last time a physician acted angry at me. Funny how that works. ;)

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Its there job to help us care for their patients. I'll say excuse me but if I need to talk with them I will. (Although this may be VA culture because we have a lot of residents.) A friend of mine left Abbott Northwestern because of the attitude of the doctors.

We have every right to be treated with dignity and respect.

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