I've got a couple of burrs under my saddle blanket and am requesting feedback from the allnurses community regarding professional behaviors:
I believe:
Someone should be referred to with their title of Ms, Mrs, Mr, Dr, etc. and their surname until permission is granted otherwise.
Profanity in professional situations is rarely acceptable and if so used, should be in consensual agreement, e.g. "May I speak frankly?"
It gets my goat how some believe they have the freedom to address another or use language that is not becoming to a professional relationship.
My wife, medical nurse Belinda, told me that at Anomaly Memorial Hospital the staff are encouraged to refer to the patients by their first names because it comes across as being more friendly.
In reading some articles on the internet, profanity is condoned and supported in some professional situations because it "releases tension".
"Bullhockey!" say I.
In my experiences, respect is received, even with Salt-of-the-Earth Psychotics, by giving them respect. And that respect, reinforced, has prevented escalating patients from experiencing total meltdowns: The statement, "I expect you to give me the same respect I give you" has caused many an angry patient to take pause.
I think of the multitude of smiles I've received, asking a patient, "May I call you...?" Or: "What would you like to be called?"
Profanity is rarely necessary in a professional situation. The use of profanity can be a sign of loss of control, or apathy. I hear profanity from an acquaintance as their way of saying, "I can say whatever I want with no regard to you".
I truly enjoy using euphemisms to say the vilest thing in the sweetest, most respectful way. Forms of the word "imprudent" has become one of my favs as of late: "You can't fix imprudence" sounds so much more respectful than the mainstream saying. Or: "How imprudent of administration to do that!"
Euphemisms help to take the focus of how something is said and puts the focus on what is said.
I guess I didn't respond to your final question. I am not going to tell you my name, but if I were in a doctors office or hospital I really don't care if you call me by my first name my last name or if I am called miss or mrs. I am glad you are in front of me providing me care. I care about a name and DOB when it comes to verification that's it.
You're missing the point-some people (especially older), prefer a more formal greeting-"Mr./Mrs.", some people prefer a middle or a nickname, some people prefer an alternative pronoun. It's professional courtesy to address people in a manner in which they prefer.
I guess I didn't respond to your final question. I am not going to tell you my name, but if I were in a doctors office or hospital I really don't care if you call me by my first name my last name or if I am called miss or mrs. I am glad you are in front of me providing me care. I care about a name and DOB when it comes to verification that's it.
Right, but just because YOU don't care doesn't mean that others don't. It doesn't take more than a few seconds to establish what someone wants to be called.
Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
12 hours ago, TriciaJ said:
This would all be great advice if management was a bit more reliable at doing its job. Unfortunately many problem-child employees are allowed to run amok, despite their behaviours being regularly reported to management. Typically, they have to cause a negative patient outcome costing the employer money before anything is addressed.
When you have a longtime conscientious employee who is becoming frustrated with the antics of a chronic problem-child, the worst thing is to treat them as equals engaging in unprofessional behaviour. If your conscientious employee becomes frustrated enough, he can take his resume and score another position this afternoon. You're still going to be stuck with Clark. Who is he going to drive away next? And what is it going to cost you when he hurts someone?
Thank you, TriciaJ. I feel and believe that my situation is understood.
As I am old enough to retire and am at the end of my scoring another position days, and know that I have grounds to quit and receive unemployment compensation. I'm not there yet, for two reasons: I continue enjoy working as a nurse and the money is really good.
I have never worked a shift with Clark. I believe he functions in the role of a recreational therapist aid and CPI instructor. I only have to deal with him in short bursts, mostly when he roams the hospital socializing and interrupting shift report.
Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
8 hours ago, morelostthanfound said:
^^^Disagree and I'm siding with Davey on this. First of all, Clark sounds like a complete heel with a serious case of arrested development and I found Davey Do's approach to him entirely appropriate. Having dealt with this personality type before, I know that subtleties are usually ineffective, hence the need for blunt and pointed dialogue. Nursing report is not the time to shoot the bull and talk about the upcoming weekend, it is a time to communicate pertinent patient information and facilitate continuity of care. If Clark was blathering on and a critical bit of report-i.e. a patient's critical lab, consent, unverified order.... was missed, it could potentially have serious consequences. As such, Clark's interference could be viewed as a patient safety concern.
I have abused my Like quota and am unable to give them, so I owe you all one.
Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
7 hours ago, Daisy4RN said:
The problem with personality types like Clark is that they know they are being disruptive, causing problems, unnecessarily throwing their weight around and not only do they not care they enjoy it and when/if HR/admin gets involved they dont do anything to resolve the issues just blah blah. This only empowers the "Clarks". Thus Clark continues to interrupt shift report etc so I dont see anything inappropriate with asking him to leave, or anyone else behaving like an orifice (he had already been asked, had already called names, long hx etc). The fact that Clark said "whats your problem" while also throwing around the fact he has a Masters degree pretty much sums it up and would tell me all I need to know. I have worked with these types also and they just love to cause trouble where there doesnt need to be any, especially in a high stress job. The only reason he was trying to make nice was because he happen to think that this might be the time he actually does end up on the wrong side of HR.
I feel like we speak the same language, Daisy, and in my head and heart am sending you a Like.
I apologize for not commenting on how to address others posts.I guess I've just lost interest. I started this thread on Thursday, had the situation with Clark on Friday, and I'm more taken up with it.
I believe all workplaces have a “Clark”, and that can really drain workplace morale. I do address the patients with Mr/Mrs/Miss. it is just the right thing to do and if the patient says otherwise I will do it for their stay. I work in long-term acute care. I do have a potty mouth but , never in front of the patients. That is unprofessional!
I have never worked a shift with Clark. I believe he functions in the role of a recreational therapist aid and CPI instructor. I only have to deal with him in short bursts, mostly when he roams the hospital socializing and interrupting shift report.
Why do people who are not nurses feel the need to stick their nose in it, IMO, they have way too much time on their hands and it is just infuriating when they waste yours
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You're missing the point-some people (especially older), prefer a more formal greeting-"Mr./Mrs.", some people prefer a middle or a nickname, some people prefer an alternative pronoun. It's professional courtesy to address people in a manner in which they prefer.