How do you handle "the unhappy MD"?

Nurses General Nursing

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My first experience with an "unhappy MD" made me feel worthless. From that moment on I decided to adopt my own "plan of attack"

Case: I call the MD for orders at 3am. Instead, I receive "!@#$$%^&***()&^%#$@"

My response: Calmly repeating the objective data and requesting orders.

MD Response: !@#$%^&*()(*&^%$#@!

My response: Calmly repating the objective data and requesting orders.

MD response: Orders given, !@#$%^&*())*(*^%$#@#!

Case closed, my patient has been advocated for. Outcome +

How do you handle MD's that are mad, rude, grumpy, or whatever?

I have had to communicate with 2 nasty doctors in 2 days. I do sympathize with anyone who has had a nasty doc ruin their day. I think the nasty, mean self centered doctor was a nasty, mean, self centered person with a feeling of entitlement long before they became a doctor. I just limit my communication with them to get what I need (politely) and then put them out of my mind. I will not let them make me feel less about myself.

An old friend gave me this advice about letting other people bother you...."Don't let anyone live rent free in your head". So since they are not paying me rent- If they pop into my head-I push them out and think of something more pleasant.

With that said---I can't help but admire altomga's style. :)

Specializes in Medical Surgical.

This is SO politically uncorrect, but it worked for me at one time. When I first got out of school, I was pretty ignorant,and I knew it. We lived in an area where the doctors got away with a lot, and they didn't hesitate to jump the nurses. In my hometown (not where I nursed) my father was an old-time aggressive doctor and I heard him ream nurses out on the phone from the time I was born. The only thing that ever stopped him was the realization that the particular nurse he was talking to was just too dumb to appreciate the brilliance of his comments. So when I got out of school I adopted what I called the "Gomer Pyle" defense. They yelled; I grinned and said something complimentary or off the subject. Or I would ask a goofy question with the most sincere tone of voice I could muster up. It never failed; they stopped dead in their tracks, looked flustered, and then got this look::idea: "Oh, I am dealing with a complete moron!" They gave up and walked away. Of course, it didn't work indefinitely; only a few months and then they were pleased to realize I wasn't a complete cretin. Must have learned a lot; maybe it was due to being around their stellar selves.

Like I said, it's not politically incorrect, but it saved me from many a confrontation in my green-as-grass days, and was very funny to boot.

Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
Originally posted by yannadey

I usually start off charming them "oh I'm so sorry to wake you at 2am doc but as you know its the policy " then i tell him/her what i need & suggest (if its a recurring problem e.g. injuries r/t falls) to make it a standing order they usually agree.

Why do you have to charm ANYONE? This a REAL problem in nursing and a reason why we can't get respect. I really believe you mean well--- BUT-----Setting a precendent by prefacing your calls with "I'm sorry" in a cutsey and charming way makes you look to blame for doing what is expected. Why are you so sorry? It is their job to deal with night calls just as it is YOURS to report what you have to at night. Dont be sorry. Just be professional.:rolleyes:

Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
Originally posted by sixes

I had a Doc like that once.

I kindly said Thank You DR.so&so, I'll document your comments and say that you refused to give orders.

Never happened again> (LOL):roll [/quote

THAT's what I am talking about! Works very well for me! good for YOU!:kiss

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