I pretend to suddenly develop a hearing problem. Sorry, what did you say " What...what, can't hear you? Can you speak up? â€
Has to be done with a straight face!
I also mimic whatever they are doing. That depends on the Dr of course. Some idiots simply haven't got a sense of humor.
Psych consults are the best. They're intimidated by medical jargon and think medical nurses are crazy anyway, so you can get away with murder sometimes. Ask them a good cardiology or metabolic D/O question or autoimmune and watch them flounder. You don't even have to know the answer.
Ask them about hearing voices and pretend you've just heard one. Did you hear that ?"
You are definitely a psych nurse!!! Well perceived!!!
It was perceived from the first response.
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I pretend to suddenly develop a hearing problem. Sorry, what did you say " What...what, can't hear you? Can you speak up?
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I also mimic whatever they are doing. That depends on the Dr of course. Some idiots simply haven't got a sense of humor.
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Ask them about hearing voices and pretend you've just heard one. Did you hear that ?"
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Pretend there is a bad odor by wrinkling your nose and acting like there is a bad smell.
Or, start humming a popular tune and pretend that you can't get it out of your head. Stop.. and then start humming again. Sometimes louder or really low.
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Here's another. I ask if I can have a quick word. Then I say, Brisk or rapid or fast" Then I walk away. Use whatever quick word comes to mind for yourself.
Davey Do: With the same respect let it be known that, IMHO, everybody has an agenda and I sense yours is to be one of stirring the pot, kicking back to be entertained by the reactions, and then fueling the fire for more.
I realize I'm simply fulfilling Davey's perception of your motives here but what's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander.
If people like Drs or even nurses sometimes, are inconsiderate enough to impose their impolite behaviors on myself or my colleagues, I think you become fair game for my mischievousness! It happens maybe ONCE a year where I can engage an individual worthy enough of my time and energy. It takes a lot to irritate me because such individuals are perused as specimens of amusement. However gross inconsiderateness warrants equal reaction!!
It's a law of physics, Newton I believe. For every action! Who am I to contradict the Principia?
Nothing should transcend civility and decorum and fortunately I am equipped with the tools to intuit insight and provide illumination. Free of charge, generally.
Lighten up people.
Engage your wit and crustiness and free yourselves if able!!
If people like Drs or even nurses sometimes, are inconsiderate enough to impose their impolite behaviors on myself or my colleagues, I think you become fair game for my mischievousness! However gross inconsiderateness warrants equal reaction!!
"An eye for an eye", then? Yes, I've met many who live by that standard. Personally, I am more in the "turn the other cheek" camp.
Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
Avid reader said:
If people like Drs or even nurses sometimes, are inconsiderate enough to impose their impolite behaviors on myself or my colleagues, I think you become fair game for my mischievousness! It happens maybe ONCE a year where I can engage an individual worthy enough of my time and energy. It takes a lot to irritate me because such individuals are perused as specimens of amusement. However gross inconsiderateness warrants equal reaction!!
It's a law of physics, Newton I believe. For every action! Who am I to contradict the Principia?
Nothing should transcend civility and decorum and fortunately I am equipped with the tools to intuit insight and provide illumination. Free of charge, generally.
Lighten up people.
Engage your wit and crustiness and free yourselves if able!!
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
Peeps, you surely understand the concept of catching bees with honey. When people perceive you as being open, friendly and engaging, they are far more willing to speak to you and help you. The emotional connection of levity negates negative responses. Like telling off a friend.
As long as you are confident in your ability and knowledge base, there isn't a Dr who will respond negatively. Even the grumpy ones are easily charmed with well inserted quips. It's insecure people who are afraid of Drs, hence the hesitation with banter. Being approachable through attitude and demeanor allows you to call a Dr anytime and allows you the leverage of camaraderie!
Good God, you are both doing jobs and achieving the end goal is much simpler with a convivial team approach.
Do you like working with stern, humorless Drs or friendly, approachable ones? Why do you think it would be any different for them re nurses?
I see your point but don't find your examples as being humorous or convivial. I have an ability to pull a smile out of the most cranky physician while still being professional. Yes I joke with the doctor's but not in a disrespectful way. The current facility where I work is acute psych and I am one of the few nurses there who has med-surge background. I have found the doctor's to be open and appreciative of my insight into physical problems the patient might be experiencing. I worked a year in a SNF and on my first day a patient was sent to us for rehab after heart surgery. It became obvious to me that the patient was in active Alcohol detox. I said so to the charge nurse and DON and said I was going to call the doctor for orders. They both gave me stricken looks and said "Don't call him he is an airhole."
I picked up the phone and called the doctor and said what I thought was the issue. He said "Who the H#ll approved his admission?" I calmly said "You did." He blustered a bit and then said "Well what do you think we should do?" I suggested a routine set of detox orders which he approved and we got started. When the doctor came in he asked who I was and told me that I made a good catch. A couple of days later when the patient was detoxed and comfortable the doctor asked me "So how am I doing?" We developed a great working relationship over that year and when I decided to go for my BSN he wrote me a fantastic letter of reference.
I find being confident and professional the best way to deal with cranky doctors. I would never resort to such immature antics as practical jokes.
Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
I find being confident and professional the best way to deal with cranky doctors.
Kudos, hppygr8ful.
I recall a Doc getting so upset that I called him, he went off yelling and I merely said things like "Yes sir...I understand you're upset... I'm sorry sir." He kept on, and at every pause, I'd say basically the same thing. The Doc eventually wound down and just gave me orders.
He later apologized and gave a rationale for his behavior, though I sensed his actions sprang out of feelings of inadequacy.
Perhaps it's because I'm male, but I can count the number of times Docs have gone off on me on my fingers with some to spare.
With all due respect, Avid Reader's suggested techniques are ludicrous and should be avoided at all costs.
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Davey Do
10,666 Posts
adjective- a type of humor where there is showing a lack of respect for people or things that are generally taken seriously.