How do you handle "the unhappy MD"?

Stargazer · Mar 28, 2003

Depends on the doc, the situation, how much time I have to mess with it, and my mood. Generally speaking, my choices are:

1. Charm/flatter/bribe him or her into getting what I need for my patient

2. Dig my heels in and make it clear that I will hound him/her mercilessly until I get what I need for my patient, or

3. Explain my rationale calmly and factually, presenting a compelling argument with only one logical conclusion, which is--c'mon, sing it with me!--getting what I need for my patient.

Although I am always willing to choose Number 3, sadly, I find it is a little less successful statistically than Numbers 1 and 2.

jevans · Mar 28, 2003

Stargazer

what a perfect answer. I find that it works well. Along with your points I have also been known to go to the doctors senior.

Sunflowers

This comes with experience and confidence

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Mar 28, 2003

I turn him over to his supervisor.

MDs are professionals and adults - they should not have to be handled.

hogan4736, BSN, RN · Mar 28, 2003

agreed...WE DON'T WORK FOR THEM! (unless in an office)...yes I know the indirect repercussions, but the bottom line is the patient, and what's best/safe/prudent/reasoanble/etc.

Bark back at the doc...NOBODY deserves to be treated like a dog. Not you, the housekeeper, the dietary staff, etc...

Maybe it's a gender thing, but then, maybe not...It's a people/human thing...

Mean people suck!

sean

emily_mom · Mar 28, 2003

Originally posted by caroladybelle
I turn him over to his supervisor.

MDs are professionals and adults - they should not have to be handled.

Totally agree. This kind of relates back to my thread about getting chewed by a resident. I ignored her after that, and she's come up to me recently to ask me questions.

I had a different experience yesterday as part of my clinical rotation. I had to spend the day in the clinic adjacent to our hospital in Internal Medicine. So, I saw many of the docs I work with on the floors.

The change in them was amazing. They weren't crabby, rushed, rude, or snobbish. They were FUNNY! Wish we got that side of them once in awhile....

sixes · Mar 28, 2003

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

ERNurse752, RN · Mar 28, 2003

That's why I'm so glad I work in an ER...seems like those docs tend to be (in general) less pompous and arrogant. :)

If I run into it, I agree with Stargazer in handling it.

If it's one of our own ER docs, and they're just pi$$y about a pt or something, I'll go up to them, put my around around them, and use my incredible wit and charm to hopefully get a laugh.

susanmary · Mar 28, 2003

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

Perfectly stated.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Mar 28, 2003

I usually take an approach like yours. Calmly ignoring the outrage. Or I even validate their anger, something "yeah it being awakened at 3AM" or whatever their angry at. I never take a defensive stance unless they are directly angry at me.

yannadey, LPN · Mar 28, 2003

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.

P_RN, ADN, RN · Mar 29, 2003

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

perfect!!!!!