When someone 'superior' says "DUH!" to you

Nurses General Nursing

Published

We have one MD who practices intellectual snobbery, and he has a small cult of RNs who try to parrot him and stroke his already huge ego.

These nurses also act holier-than-thou and speak as though they too are superior to all in our ICU.

Lately, if any of us lowly neanderthal brain nurses makes a comment or gives an opinion, on just about anything, this Dr. and/or these RNs, say something back, for example, "I've known that and have been telling you that same thing for years. DUH!!!!" or, "That is not what the research shows. DUH!!!!" Followed by their hysterical laughter at you, in front of a group.

Does anyone have a good comeback for these self-sanctimonious jerks? These people are not even very good at patient care, but they are some mean barracudas with sharp teeth and barbed tongues. Not that I want to lower myself to their levels...OK, maybe I do just for a minute, to shut them up!

Specializes in Med-Surg.

Although snappy comebacks have a satisfying air to them, in these situations I feel SOMEONE has to behave like a grownup!!

Call these bad boys and girls on their behavior every time, just like you do your own kids.

"That was rude."

"That was unprofessional"

"That was insulting"

"Do not use that tone,...language, with me in a professional setting",

then take charge, ...redirect the question or report.

I think a professional, mature tone wins everytime, even if the jerks are louder. I will not play the "rude" game with them ....no more, no how!!

besides,............I can never think of the good comebacks till later!!!!:rolleyes:

Gracing the offending party with a blank look then carrying on the conversation with the rest of the group will quickly take the wind out of their sails. No reaction is often the best one and I'm sure will be well supported by your peers who are also tired of this behaviour!

I do love all the comebacks, though, but I tend to get tongue tied so whatever I said would probably come out backward!

Specializes in ICU/CCU (PCCN); Heme/Onc/BMT.

The word, "DUH!!!" is like finger nails scatching a blackboard to my ears. . . .

I'm the "Ignore the comment and engage in conversation with the other party" type of person . . . . I'm so slow with the come-backs. . . .

Ted

Here's one for the future use file, "Please rearrange this well-known phrase or saying............ off P*ss!"

I don't think a raised eyebrow and a comeback of "Ya know, silence really becomes you" would be too out of line with a group behaving like the original poster describes.

I wouldn't call that 'unprofessional'... although maybe some would.... more like a wake up call to 'the group'....I don't believe bullies should be ignored and feel some kind of direct response is in order. JMHO.

But as a bossy, older 'n dirt charge nurse, ignoring obnoxious behavior has never been my style. Docs are hard to control....but my shift of nurses will get called on this kind of mobbing behavior. :(

I can't believe somebody who think they're superior would say something so trite and stupid and JUVENILE as DUHhh.

I mean I can believe it, but I can't fathom it. Buncha jerks

Love

Dennie

Specializes in Nurse Anesthetist.

These people need to understand that they are doing nothing to increase the professionalism of nursing by being a kiss-ass to a doc. Team effort here, please. This is not a hierarchy- its a team. If these nurses ever want to be treated with respect, they need to begin acting professional. I would also talk to each of them privately, as well as the MD.

Why not print these threads and display in the staff bathroom. Good reading material... maybe it will hit home.

+ Add a Comment