How do you introduce yourself to other health care professionals?

[ital91]

As a student nurse, how do you intro yourself to others especially doctors? Either on the phone or in person?

Ex. calling about pt. status or requesting an order.. etc

I'm starting med surg BTW, that's why I'm asking..

Do they usually pay attention to what you have to say or do they look down on students?

[ital91]

I hope that's not an attitude you keep once you start working. Most doctors are definitely not rude. In my experience, doctors are there for the patients just like the nurses are, and they want to hear your concerns. However, they are busy, and have many patients to manage. When you approach a doctor, as yourself: 'can it wait? Do I have all the information about the situation? Have I tried all appropriate interventions first?' When you've gone through all of that, go up the chain of command. Did you talk to a fellow about an issue more appropriate for a resident to address? Did you interrupt rounds to notify a physician about a non-urgent manner?

Doctors are incredible, and most of them love teaching, but they are also extremely busy and have a stressful job. A good working relationship takes a while to form, but the more you prove yourself as competent and useful, the more respect you'll be given.

Also, physicians are in charge of the patient's plan. Don't think it's an easy job to sit there and think about why these labs are out of range, or what medication can be used to produce the best results with the least side effects. Nurses run around a lot, and we are the patient's eyes and ears, but when **** hits the fan, doctors run too.

NurseMcsleepy: I'm currently in nursing school, but I intend on going to medical school later on. I know the job description, it's just that some of them are not living up to the Hippocratic oath. You're right "most" is an exaggeration and I have also seen rude RN's. It all comes down to personality, rather than title. In a profession, where you are helping humanity I expect the utmost behavior regardless of one's stress level. I'm sorry, but rolling your eyes, talking about your pt. in the hallway, and laughing about how underweight a pt. is for their height (instead of working) is childish behavior and extremely disturbing to me.

I have a very high patience threshold. You don't need a working relation developed with someone, for them to treat you with the MINIMUM respect. I hope I never become like that..

[Mia415]

I think the key is you need to be confident - even if you feel nervous then fake it lol. Be clear and concise. Feel free to practice the conversation before you call. It gets easier with practice and when you are out of school!

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

NurseMcsleepy: I'm currently in nursing school, but I intend on going to medical school later on. I know the job description, it's just that some of them are not living up to the Hippocratic oath. You're right "most" is an exaggeration and I have also seen rude RN's. It all comes down to personality, rather than title. In a profession, where you are helping humanity I expect the utmost behavior regardless of one's stress level. I'm sorry, but rolling your eyes, talking about your pt. in the hallway, and laughing about how underweight a pt. is for their height (instead of working) is childish behavior and extremely disturbing to me.

I have a very high patience threshold. You don't need a working relation developed with someone, for them to treat you with the MINIMUM respect. I hope I never become like that..

Ouch! Too bad, you were doing so well. This post is coming across as condescending. You castigate a poster for making a comment about "all docs" but now you're doing the same thing... tsk tsk.

Good luck with the whole med school thing.

[pedseraprn]

How about the SBAR? My name is xxx and I'm calling about pt so and so in room xyz. Then roll into SBAR. You clearly need to id yourself as a student.