Do doctors

Slobgob · Jul 10, 2011

There is no simple answer, because quite frankly it changes with every different doctor and personality. The relationship can vary GREATLY. Here are a few different types of docs:

1) They value your input and ability to care for the patient.

2) They tolerate you, but aren't sure you are necessary.

3) They don't even know you exist.

4) They believe are a stooge of admin sent to question their medical judgement.

5) They purposely avoid you and try to undermine you with the other docs.

6) You are the first person they turn to when in a bind.

I believe I can work with these 6 different docs all in a single day.

Do they respect CMs? I feel that if you poll the majority, the honest answer would be "no". More like most "tolerate" us in the same vain that they "tolerate" the paperwork.

Katie82, RN · Jul 19, 2011

I am fortunate that my job is community based and I work with docs at the medical practice level. I have, over the past 4 years, eatablished myself as an asset to my docs, but it took a long time. I live in a community that is behind the times in the delivery of medical care, so the doctors here still think nurses should give up their seats in the nurses' station and otherwise remain silent. But I am armed with excellent credentials from very good healthcare systems, so I have "forced" them to listen to me. Because I have become adept at pouring on the "Southern Charm", I have been able to develop relationships without "crowding" them. You will have to remain in their face as a patient advocate. I feel a lot of sympathy for doctors, many of the people who are trying to tell them what to do are not in a position to do so, but if they see you as someone who cares about their patients, they'll be more likely to listen