Doctor or Dockworker?

[Emergent]

Our ER director acts more like a rough and ready longshoreman than a highly educated professional. It dawned on me today that, I don't like my docs to act so blue collar. He drops F bombs right and left and acts like a truck driver or a roofer(not to disparage these indispensable tradesmen)

I don't know his family background at all as far as socio-economic class, but my favorite ER provider is the son of migrant farm-workers, grew up working in the fields, and is the classiest guy in the world.

I'd happen to think that educated professionals should act classy, at least in the workplace. Thanks for reading my little rant.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

I wasn't aware that classiness had all that much to do with socio-economic status. A dockworker or roofer can be just as classy as a doctor or lawyer -- although how he behaves in front of his colleagues may be different than how he behaves at church, at the mall or with his family.

Some of the LEAST classy folks I've ever known came from money and/or were well-educated.

[Wheels28]

I wasn't aware that classiness had all that much to do with socio-economic status. A dockworker or roofer can be just as classy as a doctor or lawyer -- although how he behaves in front of his colleagues may be different than how he behaves at church, at the mall or with his family.

Some of the LEAST classy folks I've ever known came from money and/or were well-educated.

I wish I could like this 1000x, As usual Ruby, you are spot on!

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

I have seen "refined" dignified, whatever you want to call it people have filthy mouths, and the most rough and tumble appearing people who wouldn't curse if they were giving awards for it.

Has nothing to do with "blue collar" or any other social label. And looks can be deceiving.

I grew up in a time where your mouth was "flicked" (or washed out with soap) for being fresh. Swearing, and one wouldn't be able to sit down for a week (ok, slight exaggerations, but real threats all around). I correct my kids for swearing, (even my adult kids) as it is just not appropriate. (but in these times, I leave out the "you won't be able to sit down for a week" stuff).

This doctor will be called on it when a patient complains. Otherwise, what anyone deems appropriate is not necessarily the standard by which everyone communicates. It does not, however, have a thing to do with social labels......

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

Reality check. Words are Words. Humans are the ones who decide the meanings of words. And decide what should be considered foul/ off color/ curse words. What is objected able to one, isn't object able to all. Bloody is descriptive in the states, but can be a curse word in England.

The (F-bomb) It's a choice to be offended. It's just a word.

And, some of the best "curse words" I ever learned were from a person from England----which are total "regular" words in America...

And don't get me started on the looks I have gotten from our Jamaican co-workers on even the hint of saying someone has a blood clot ("Miss Lisa I said the patient HAS a blood clot, not that they ARE one...) LOLOLOLOL!!

[SubSippi]

I would not trust, like, appreciate a Dr. or nurse taking care of me or my family and using the F bomb. I cannot imagine any situation where it would be appropriate?

I wouldn't even want to hear them use it casually among theirselves and just happen to over hear them.

If it were a code triage multiple casualties I would expect, hope, health care responders would be even more polite, calm, respectful, not swearing at each other!

Not swearing at each other...swearing with each other!

[TheBlackDogWaits]

I agree with PPs in that I believe foul language relaxes people you work with more than it doesn't. I think the greater concern is the attitude behind the sentiments. If they stem from a sh!tty attitude, of course it's more offensive - who wants to be around a negative Nancy all day???

On the flip side, what a blessing to be able to work with folks who know how to relax from time to time with gutter humor and some self-deprecation. Even sharing in the distaste of another miserable colleague can be therapeutic, as long as there's no bullying or direct insult to the party in question.