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It was very well written and I hope that it makes a difference in your place of employment. 
cbs3143
110 Posts
I received a copy of a letter that was recently sent to all of the medical staff of the hospital where I work. This letter was sent to all associates of the hospital as well by the CEO. It would be nice if it caught on everywhere.
Here is a copy of the text of the letter. I don't know if I would be allowed to name the hospital or the author of the letter, so I will substitute XXXXXXXX for any names in the letter.
TO: Medical Staff, XXXXX Hospital
From: Board of Directors - X XXXXX, M.D., Chair
DATE: July, 2002
The Board of Directors of XXXXX Hospital and XXXXX Health Systems is committed to creating and maintaining a workplace environment that assures the dignity of all members of our XXXXX family - patients, physicians, and associates. This is in keeping with our core principles of Caring, Integrity, and Diversity. How we behave toward each other goes hand in hand with how we interact with our patients. Everyone deserves to be treated with civility and dignity. Common courtesy should be our standard operating procedure.
In years gone by, the physician was often perceived as the unquestioned authority whose actions and decisions were not to be questioned. Such behavior, no matter how outrageous, was to be tolerated. Fortunately, those days are over. A good and conscientious doctor recognises the importance of obtaining all of the available observations and insights from every member of the healthcare team. The wise physician will not only tolerate having his or her orders and actions questioned, but will expect that everyone involved in the patient's care speak up whenever there is anything that doesn't seem right. Staff should raise such concerns in a respectful manner, but they must raise them just the same. It is their duty to the patient.
The old attitudes and behaviors still exist and occasionally reappear. Serious case of abuse or disruptive behavior are rare, and involve a very small number of the Medical Staff. It should be explicitly understood by all members of the Medical Staff, and associates alike, that the Board of Directors will not tolerate any such behavior. The Board will use all means at its disposal to deal swiftly and effectively with such instances.
The process for dealing with the flagrantly abusive physician is deliniated in the Medical Staff Manual. Every physician is urged to review Article IV, Conduct Within the Hospital.
Of equal concern are the more common and pervasive forms of abusive and disrespectful behavior. These may come in the form of harsh or foul language, inappropriate or demeaning comments, or the rebukes in the presence of patients. This does not imply that nurses, other associates, or colleagues shouldn't be questioned, corrected, or reprimanded - only that such activity should be done in an appropriate manner in private.
Physicians set the tone by their example. We ask that physicians dedicate themselves to treat every patient, nurse, and staff member with dignity and common courtesy. They should hold each other to the highest standard of behavior and not tolerate a breach of decorum by their fellow physicians. Our associates should follow their example in their dealings with physicians and co-workers. With diligent effort we can create and maintain a spirit of respect that will result in the type of workplace we all desire.
END OF LETTER
Wouldn't it be great if this type of spirit could prevail in hospitals worldwide? That could go a long way toward easing some of the conditions that keep the nursing shortage alive and well. I just had to share this with you.
Chuck