Published
You are not a wimp.
You are being bullied by your "boss." All doctors are not this way, but still there are some out there who would take great delight in making nurses feel inferior.
This is abuse!It is also ILLEGAL. Check out this site.
This is one of the unfortunate aspects of the profession. It takes time to learn how to handle it, and everybody handles it differently, it seems.
There should be a zero-tolerance for this...I believe it violates federal law to have a "hostile workplace." Proving your case can be difficult.
I have written doctors up, but the one thing that really seems to work (for me) is to just stop what I am doing and stare silently at the doc. Pretty soon, he/she looks like an idiot.
Like I said, you'll have to find your own way that works.
Tamm,
I have to agree with those who say in general, "PUT THEM IN THEIR PLACE"!!!!!!!
I am am nurse now but when I was a CNA I didn't take any crap from obnoxious docs. I have given them that puzzled WTF look and asked them "who do you think you're talking to like that?" It only takes one time and you have their respect forever. I have had doctors say "hey you" to be followed by some order. When they realize I haven't turned my head or answered in their direction they repeat it but get in my face. I would not look at them at first then stare at them blankly and say,"my name is LaVorne. Can I help you?" They get it. Immediately. You don't get respect unless you demand respect and it doesn't matter who you are, what color you are, what position you hold, how old you are, etc.
Look em in the eye, as AAHZ says, and let them know you are not tolerating their bullsh*t.
You can do it nice or you can do it nasty. However you do it, don't smile-look as serious as you would if someone slapped yo mama!!!!
tammilynn
20 Posts
Hi! I have a question. I am currently a nursing student working on my pre-req. I work in an extremely busy internal medicine practice as a medical secretary/medical assistant. My question is, how do nurses or even other medical personnal handle a doctor that treats you like dirt?
I know that to even be the medical field you have to have "broad shoulders" but what is the fine line between showing respect or just plain humuliation? My doctor loves to put me in my place and push me around. I think he really finds pleasure in this. Am I being too sensitive? Internally it just tells me I am a whimp and I can't take criticism--how can I handle being a nurse
Thanks for your support