what is the best/worst specialty docs to work with...

sissiesmama, ASN, RN · Sep 4, 2009

The oncologists I have worked with are great, I've worked with them on a pretty routine basia throughout my nsg career.

One doc that was a pain in the rear was an OB/GYN doc. He was about 6 ft 4 or so, and always walked around with a scowl on his face. NO ONE got along very well with him to say the least and if we had to call or page him for a patient, the nurses tried to pawn the call of on another unsuspecting nurse. He made staff cry on a routine basis.

My mom had to have gyn surgery, and she went to this doc. His bedside manner is much better than with nurses, thank goodness. Mom tried to get me to go to him, and I told mom about how he treated staff. She said he was so much nicer with patients, but I just don't as a rule go to a doc that treat staff like that. Every once in a while a crappy attitude is ok, everyone has a bad day, but every day - not for me.

I know it sounds stupid, but I'd have to be really sick to see one with a crappy demeanor.

Anne, RNC

diane227, LPN, RN · Sep 4, 2009

You can't ever tell, it all depends on the doctor. I will have to agree about the ortho doctors. Ours do not do medical management either which is a good thing I guarantee you. Ortho docs are like auto mechanics. I have worked with great, friendly, funny, nice docs in all areas and in all areas I have worked with some A holes. One of the nicest guys I ever worked with was a neurosurgeon in Houston who was the head of the Neurosurgery department at the county hospital system where I worked. So you just never know.

Scrubby · Sep 5, 2009

I forgot to add to my previous post that the best doctors to work with are General Surgeons.

sissiesmama, ASN, RN · Sep 5, 2009

I forgot to add to my previous post that the best doctors to work with are General Surgeons.

You're right, Scrubby! I agree!

Anne, RNC :yeah:

ChristyRN2009 · Sep 5, 2009

I think cardiologists and surgeons in general are more apt to be jerks. And of course the perfect storm is the cv surgeon. I will say in a tiny way I see why surgeons act that way, maybe. If you rotate through an OR, everything is set up for the surgeon JUST RIGHT, to their preference, everything. And the staff are there at their beck and call basically. If a person was already not a people person (i.e. one interested in curing patients but not dealing with them long term) and then every person they worked with waited on them hand and foot, well I guess I can just see how it would be easier to become a spoiled brat. Not an excuse for it, but just saying...

stressgal, RN · Sep 5, 2009

LOVE to work with Intensivists! Love surgeons I work with. Most Cardiologists are super knowledgable and love to teach. They do expect you to know your stuff and don't have patience for non focused issues. Ortho, not my fave. I do work in an ICU so my opinions are probably reflective of my needs as a nurse. I tend to try to get along with those who can provide me with the most assistance for my patients. As my daddy always said you catch more flys with honey than vinegar.

Rook · Sep 5, 2009

I've always liked working with new Intern generalists, they've always been nice and respectful and are more open to your analysis and opinion.

jbp0529 · Sep 6, 2009

I hate to label people or specialties, but I would say surgeons. I work with them every day (cardiothoracic). They will use you for a doormat if they dont chew you out first. Once in a blue moon I run into a nice one and it's like a vacation. Seems like the best way to deal with them is to give them attitude right back. I guess one can compare it to the bully at school...if you stand up for yourself, you are usually left alone afterward.

blueheaven · Sep 6, 2009

I've seen bhs in all specialties. Seems to me like I've ran into more surgeons who are nasty than any other group except for an intensivist that I had to threaten legal action against. One thoracic surgeon used to put fear into the hearts of my coworkers and he kinda scared me too. My NM who was in charge one day had the lack of intelligence to put a line in a patient with pacemaker failure because "I don't have an order". So we threw him on a gurney with a monitor and hauled him to the OR. Dr. S. is standing there cussing me out for not having a line in him...I told him that I wasn't that damn stupid but my NM would not allow me to place one and if he wanted to ***** at anyone to go upstairs and talk to ------. We always got along great after that and would ask me to help with procedures etc. This was way back in the day so don't tell me that I should have done A,B, C and D.

My pulmonologist was hated by most of the nurses in our unit because she was so picky. I went to her because she was great with her patients, extremely knowledgeable, and high expectations for her patient's care.

blueheaven · Sep 6, 2009

I've always liked working with new Intern generalists, they've always been nice and respectful and are more open to your analysis and opinion.

Man! You are lucky!!!! They are few and far between here!!!

Lara911 · Sep 10, 2009

Well you know what they say difference between god and the surgeons...god does not think is a surgeon!! I agree they are hard to work with, and the biggest winners of all, orthopods !! I agree!!.. Sorry... I know you will say they are good in all specialty and it is true, but this is not the question here!!...but anesthetist are really nice. And by the way, OR nurses are not easy either, here in Canada. But in general all nurses are nice don't you think so??)) Byebye!!

miss81, BSN, RN · Sep 10, 2009

Man! You are lucky!!!! They are few and far between here!!!

Yup, here too... they are either scary of cocky!