Has A Surgeon Ever Thrown An Instrument At You?

Rottie1 · May 20, 2002

I have never witnessed a surgeon throwing anything at anyone, but we had one surgeon bustining on another room to whine about some instruments he wanted for his case. It was a very uncomfortable situation. But the hospital took it seriously and took those involved aside and investigated the whole thing. That surgeon no longer has privileges at the hospital (not just because of that, there were other problems too). I have see surgeons throw instruments onto the floor just because they don't work or are not what they wanted. I have heard stories of surgeons that used to throw things or just throw fits, and after enough incidents they ended up going to anger management or something because they come back all cool and in control.

nursejws · May 20, 2002

What is a travel nurse? Obviously, I'm still a newbie to nursing as I have recently changed my major. I have a few pre-req's to take, then I will become a CNA while getting my ADN.

Also, if a dr threw anything at me...I really do not think this is something I could, or would tolerate. We're all adults, even though there are a few toys'r'us kids around, aren't we?

TravelerAdvisor · May 21, 2002

A travel nurse is someone like myself who works at different healthcare facilities in need of a particular nursing specialty. These assignments can be short term (4 weeks) or long term (13 weeks to a year). The nurse usually takes assignments at least 65 miles from where he or she lives hence the term travel nurse.

George:

Traveling with Hospital Support

Vicki K · May 21, 2002

Years ago, I had a surgeon throw a bedpan at me. (A full one, I might add!) It missed me and hit the wall, contents spattering everywhere. I was new to nursing and had just moved to Boston where I didn't understand the accent and every instrument was known by a different name. After the incident, I got "counselled" about how I shouldn't have made him so angry. Yeah, right. I was young and stupid.

Several years later, I was charge nurse in a busy CCU. One of the cardiologists was particularly obnoxious, had a habit of throwing tantrums, etc. I standing at the front desk, on the phone trying to arrange transfers out so we could accomodate some train wreck being airlifted in . . . and suddenly felt a sharp tug on my elastic waist skirt -- tugging it halfway down my ass. Dr. Obnoxious had gotten tired of waiting for me to get off the phone to round with him. I dropped the phone, turned around and snarled "Back off, Buster." He turned pale, got this sickly grin and was ever so respectful from that moment on!

Every job I've ever had, there has been some physician who has hit or thrown something at some nurse. Usually, they get away with it. At least, the nursing staff never sees any consequences of those actions.

jimls2 · May 21, 2002

You know that it is criminal offense for anyone to throw an instrument in the OR. If you are not hit with it, then it is assault, if you are hit with it, then it assault and battery. Criminal charges can be brought. Make sure you have witnesses who witnessed the act and their written statements. Then see your lawyer.

jevans · May 21, 2002

I once had a surgeon throw a full blown screaming, feet stamping tantrum in the middle of cardiac itu. I was new to the area and hospital.

I turned round and told him that he was acting like my 2 yr old and he should have his legs slapped.

The ward manager asked me if I knew who I was speaking to ? to which I replied no but neither does he!

With that this eminent [is that spelt right?] surgeon laughed and said Good on you girl you've got guts!!!!!!

Never had another problem.

but it's sad that we have to resort to this to get respect

j

witchy29 · May 21, 2002

I'm an LPN scrub and have never seen a surgeon throw an instrument; a fit, yes. I learned to stare at them when they behave in this manner. They usually end up looking at their feet, like a little kid. By the way, I have been doing this for 26 years.

Y2KRN · May 24, 2002

I have seen temper tantrums and instrments thrown on the floor. Another thing I had witnessed is scrubs and nurses being thrown out of rooms. Pleeease. Too bad we can't throw them out of the room!!!

Y2KRN

TravelerAdvisor · May 27, 2002

That particular doctor had a serious temper and I was always surprised to see he made it that far in his career. He did say that the key elevator slipped out of his hand and it was not intended to be thrown. However, it was not the first time he threw an instrument.

Lisa2902 · Jun 1, 2002

I was scrubbing an inguinal hernia (very large by the way) case with an absolute jerko surgeon. The surgeon was using the "pop-off" sutures left and right and my needle box was full (very small magnetic type). I asked for a new needle box and began placing my used sutures safely inside. So this jerko had to wait for like a fraction ... and I mean a mere fraction ... of a second for me to pass him a suture right ... an he threw this raging tantrum because I was slowing him down. Well, very professionally I might add, told him I had to secure the contaminated sutures for his safety as well as my own. Needless to say, the jerko threatened to throw the needle box across the room just to see mine and the circulators reactions. Real professional huh? Needless to say, the same jerko doc threatened to stab one of the techs with a contaminated scalpel during another procedure. He got written up and I'm sure berated for this episode. He's still the same old jerko though and I'm sure will never change.

Tookie · Jun 1, 2002

OK havent done theatre since my training days 30 + years ago) - Really wasnt my scene - Anyway - l have never had anything thrown however l was the cause of something to be thrown

In those days we had to prep for surgery - with shaves, iodine and then wrap the leg with bandages to keep the area sterile

Story OK so far -

however l didnt use iodine - used friars balsalm

Needless to say when they went to unwrap him the bandages were stuck - good and proper- unfortunately he did get upset - I was going off duty when l heard that this had occurred and how upset he was - I high tailed it over to the ward told the charge nurse what l had heard and l was up in theatre apoligising so fast - however the surgeon could not have been nicer to me when l explained what l had done

l really did not want this to reflect on the charge of that ward she was a good supportive nurse. And I did do something stupid - also l felt really bad about other people having to pay for something that l did -

However l have never mixed up friars balsalm and iodine again - maybe this is why l never really went back into theatre when l think about it

Oh well such is life

Tookie

B.Wilhelm · Jun 2, 2002

When I worked in an OR at the regional hospital in my area, a surgeon threw a trocar from a laparoscopic procedure and BARELY missed hitting me. To make matters worse, it was a late case on call, which we all love. The scrub working the case advised me to "just let it go". Of course being the person I am, I could not. I went to my director (who was very supportive of the staff) and the surgeon was written up and taken before a review board. It seems the incident was not the only thing he had done. NO-0NE should have to put up with that kind of treatment. I don't care who it is. While I respect their abilities, (when the respect is deserved) they are only people like us.