How do you handle perceptions from other coworkers?

[NoblePath]

I am transitioning to day shift and so most doctors I've dealt with over the phone. I now work in an inpatient unit inside of a hospital. I've been screamed at by doctors over the phone finding out their patient was transferred to hospice and being told I'm committing "euthanasia" but how do you handle this in person? We just had a doctor who did a surgery on a patient scream at the hospice doctor accusing her of just this. Obviously they need an education because this is not what we're doing but I find cardiologists and neurologists are the most difficult. Oncologists understand completely. I just want some ideas so I can handle this in person.

[tewdles, RN]

I am transitioning to day shift and so most doctors I've dealt with over the phone. I now work in an inpatient unit inside of a hospital. I've been screamed at by doctors over the phone finding out their patient was transferred to hospice and being told I'm committing "euthanasia" but how do you handle this in person? We just had a doctor who did a surgery on a patient scream at the hospice doctor accusing her of just this. Obviously they need an education because this is not what we're doing but I find cardiologists and neurologists are the most difficult. Oncologists understand completely. I just want some ideas so I can handle this in person.

Ask your hospice for some professional information for staff.

Decline to stick around for abuse of ignorant physicians.

Invite outraged physicians to interact with your medical director so that they might better understand the continuum of care related to end of life interventions.

Remind them that the patient and family choose hospice care...not the physician...that this is about the goals of the patient and family, NOT the goals of the physician or the medical team.

if all else fails, walk away...you do not work for that doc, you don't answer to him for your hospice practice, and his goals are not important to the process once the patient has elected their hospice benefit.