Helping out those on the Dark Side

Pierrette · Feb 21, 2009

here comes "clueless"

That sounds like what a teenager would say about his/her parents. I think we would be wise to remember that physicians have their place in medicine, just as we do. Just because we don't agree with their thinking does not mean they are wrong, or "clueless". While I often don't agree with physicians' decisions, I also remember that they wear the title "M.D.", not I.

cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN · Feb 21, 2009

All the time I collaborate with the MDs. Sometimes I'm right when I make a suggestion and sometimes I'm wrong.

Now, when I'm wrong is when I get to learn something. They usually explain why my suggestions wouldn't work/isn't indicated/ etc. Then, that info gets tucked away into the back of my mind until I need it again.

netglow, ASN, RN · Feb 21, 2009

Wow, I have heard a lot of stories about this "collaboration" and... sorry not a teenager... I have worked exclusively for two (little FYI). Don't look for the worst... be light hearted please. Lets practice some breathing exercises, exhale,2, 3,... inhale, 2, 3... ahhhhh. :icon_roll;)

Sonjailana · Feb 21, 2009

Yeah, we have a palliative care doc who is my favorite!!! She lets us call her by her first name, and is like, so, what's working for (patient)? What can we change? I loooove working with her.

Sometimes, though, I have to laugh at "collaboration." I had an intern say to me, "Give 2 mg (yes whole milligrams!!) of narcan" I was like, umm, we normally give 0.2mg to 0.4mg...sometimes just 0.1mg. Again, she said, oh go give 2mg. I must have just said my thoughts on my face ( I didn't say a word) because she said, Oh, maybe I should go review the dosage. Anytime you're using 5 ampules for one dose...it might be a clue!!

netglow, ASN, RN · Feb 21, 2009

I worked for one I really liked a few years ago. He knew I had his back, would give him "the look" when he was off in the wrong direction (even the inexperienced me could tell at times, LOL) and often said of himself, that he was "one fry short of a Happy Meal some days".... what a goofball! :chuckle I miss working for him.

MultipNP, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP · Feb 22, 2009

That sounds like a great one to work with. I respect the education/experience behind the MD -- and I respect it even more in an individual who is humble and open to additional points of view! I work with some like this -- and some who are opposite. It's been a ride!

I did kind of humbly suggest something I suspected in a pt. to a dr. who has a serious "God" complex. He responded with a sneer, "I seriously doubt that's the problem!" When another doc backed me up and suggested the appropriate test, he relented. It was revealed that I was dead on! It was a life-threatening dx -- so it was a good catch (and frankly, I'm grateful it even entered my mind -- it easily could have not been so).

On the flip side, I work with some docs who are very open to hearing what the nurses have to say since we see more of the patients than they do. One in particular will actually go and research the idea/comment, etc. Then he'll come back with what his research found. There are times he will reaffirm a nurse and compliment the good thinking and judgment. What a pleasant person to work with!

Trauma Columnist · Feb 22, 2009

I work with some absolutely awsome physicians and am so fortunate. I only have one physician that is condescending and very difficult. However, I am (after 17 years exp) able to just laugh him off and not take him too seriously.

It really helps not to take myself too seriously- lol.

BrnEyedGirl, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN · Feb 22, 2009

I worked for a family practice doc for several years before I became an RN. I was working as a medical assistant and she took me under her wing and taught me sooooo much. She knew I was trying to get into nursing school and she just lead me around like a puppy and explained all the "why's" as well as the "how's" to me.

When I finally graduated and worked on a floor many of my co workers thought I was crazy when I would ask a doc why we were doing this,..or why weren't we trying that. I was used to having those discussions with docs and it seemed natural to me. Some were receptive to my ideas and comments, and used the time to educate me,..others not so much. I work ER now, and work very closely with the docs,..I love it!

caliotter3 · Feb 22, 2009

I have found some doctors to be better to work with than others and appreciate being able to communicate with them about the patient. Others I just accomplish what I need to, and others still I avoid at all costs.

netglow, ASN, RN · Feb 22, 2009

When I finally graduated and worked on a floor many of my co workers thought I was crazy when I would ask a doc why we were doing this,..or why weren't we trying that. I was used to having those discussions with docs and it seemed natural to me. Some were receptive to my ideas and comments, and used the time to educate me,..others not so much. I work ER now, and work very closely with the docs,..I love it!

This is how I am at clinicals... I've seen RNs actually look down when a doc enters the room and move away from the patient. IDK? I am active, polite and reserved, and updating the Doc on what I've found, helping the pt get his point across... this is also part of my previous job... to be in MD's pocket... fill in what he "just isn't seeing" not as a correction, but as another source for him. We'll see who that flys with and who not. But have had some inquiring looks from them, like surpise, and thankyou. Cardiac, you and I come from the same base. :yelclap:

azhiker96, BSN, RN · Feb 22, 2009

One of the anesthesiologists I work with is a real gem. After she tells me about the pt and goes over her orders she typically asks me if I'd like anything else. If I do suggest a med, she writes for it. She trusts my assessments and judgment and it's a great day when I admit one of her patients. A different doc has almost never given me an order, even when called because the pt is shaking, in pain, etc. They all have their own personality and I love working with the ones who respect our profession.