Talking to Doctors and Professionalism

[xtinamtnz]

I'm a new grad but I've been working for 9 months and I work night shifts. Often I don't get the opportunity to call doctors or work with them, I work on a pediatric oncology floor and we typically group our calls to prevent disrupting our doctors at night and unless it's an emergency we usually don't call our doctors in the middle of the night. On other units I notice there's more residents available to call at all hours of the night which is nice. Of course, when I call I do I feel flustered and nervous. Are there any tips you may have? I'm thinking of making a quick cheat sheet to write my concerns on prior to calling. Usually I always need to gather my thoughts before hand and write them down. What helps you when you talk to a doctor? Also, how do you deflect negative remarks while being professional?

Thank you!

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

Most facilities utilize the SBAR format. Use it and remember... you are advocating for your patient when you contact a physician.

If you do get a "negative " remark... remind the physician of that.

[amoLucia]

Yes to above PP post. Have it written in front of you and be ready to write down responses. Try to make your call away from the heaviest noiseist part of the unit if poss and away form beeping desk monitors. Take a breath and and K-I-S-S your call (keep it short & simple!)

And always have the chart right there for immed access (MD will always ask something you didn't think of )

If you sound down to earth & business-like with your agenda, you prob won't run into MD donkey-dupas. If I offered any suggestion, I always documented "order for CXR declined at this time". I covered myself for asking for something I figured would be appropriate without any fanfare or opinions. Also K-I-S-S ed (short & swett & simple). And DECLINE is a very nice word to use.