I felt belittled by a Dr.

suanna · May 24, 2014

Don't think too badly of your peers. Most people I've worked with will go to almost any lengths to avoid conflict. This doctor obviously isn't one of those people. Don't expect people to rush to your defence- defend yourself. You will feel better about the outcome, and the doctor may learn to go picking on someone else next time. Some people are just bullies. There are times when you can give them the benifit of the doubt (ie: his patient isn't doing well and he must be frustrated with the resident staff making things worse, that may be why he is testy today- it isn't personal). Other interactions require you to stand up for yourself- it is just asking for repeat attacks to put up with that nonsense.

kungpoopanda · May 24, 2014

Just move on knowing some drs are pompous donkey behinds , and not take it personally.
QUOTE]
Would that make them asses' asses?

telealli · May 24, 2014

Don't think too badly of your peers. Most people I've worked with will go to almost any lengths to avoid conflict. This doctor obviously isn't one of those people. Don't expect people to rush to your defence- defend yourself. You will feel better about the outcome, and the doctor may learn to go picking on someone else next time. Some people are just bullies. There are times when you can give them the benifit of the doubt (ie: his patient isn't doing well and he must be frustrated with the resident staff making things worse, that may be why he is testy today- it isn't personal). Other interactions require you to stand up for yourself- it is just asking for repeat attacks to put up with that nonsense.

Thanks for the response...I am not saying that they should have defended and spoke up against the dr for me, my charge nurse was right there when the dr. was putting me on the spot regarding the Ativan thing and I am pretty sure he knew or was given report by the other charge nurse that the patient was combative the nite before since they had called a code grey on him and was hitting staff. And after I read through the nurses' notes from nite shift the pt was severely agitated, trying to pull his lines and trying to fight staff.

My charge nurse should have pretty much just reinforced what I was telling the MD the reason why they gave the Ativan (I already explained to the MD, but apparently my words don't mean a thing because he kept blaming me!)

I just get frustrated thinking how he put me on the spot like that. NOw everyone at work is gonna think I'm just that stupid meek girl!

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · May 24, 2014

Thank you everyone for your comments! It is a pleasure to know that there are nurses out there that are supportive of each other. I really wish I had that support when that MD was embarrassing me in front of everyone. I mean those nurses (even the charge nurse) was just sitting there listening to the MD give me that lecture, I mean don't you think the CN could've backed me up a bit?? I really wish I had more support on the floor like I do here on allnurses. It is such a relief to know that I can always get support, even if I do not get in on the floor!
I am a new nurse on my 2 month by myself and I still need to learn to be more assertive.

In today's job market people are afraid for their jobs.

I just get frustrated thinking how he put me on the spot like that. NOw everyone at work is gonna think I'm just that stupid meek girl!

No they are thinking that they were they lucky ones who avoided this MD tantrum.

On a side note.....One of the bigger reasons facilities are getting rid of older nurses, like me, is that we don't put up with that crap. On more than one occasion I have spoken to a MD or pulled them aside when they are being a braying donkey.

Chin up! This too shall pass.

tyvin, BSN, RN · May 24, 2014

Look, he just wanted answers and was having a bad morning. The one thing I do make sure I get in report is the PRNs the noc patients get because that's what the MD wants to know. They want to know when, how much, what time, and why.

Everyone (mostly) has said what an orifice this doc was but you need to be empathetic. They have a great deal of responsibility with too many patients and laws that are stripping them of their ability to treat their patients the way they want.

Yes, there are some bad docs out there, but mostly they've treated me good. You need to know what they want and be ready when they come (they really don't have that much time)...none of us do. Kill em with kindness is what is say. It's part of our job.

Also, since no one will say it, I will...get a little thicker skin if you intend to stay in nursing; you're going to need it. Don't take it seriously; it's business! :yes:

Don't drag the docs garbage around with you all day. Do you think he kept thinking about you? No, way too busy. Let it roll off your back and carry on. Now you know this doc is particular about the PRNs; be ready next time. The one thing about being an RN in a facility setting is to know your docs. They depend on us.

Don't be silly, people at work are going to judge you for your performance and actions. Be proud of who you are, you're new, so don't be so hard on yourself. The previous poster is exactly right...they're thinking better her then me!

sweetdreame, BSN, RN · May 24, 2014

When I've been asked before why a patient is on a certain medication, I just calmly and (slightly passive-aggressively) ask if they would like me to page the physician who wrote the order, and just smile my biggest smile!

gcupid · May 26, 2014

Look, he just wanted answers and was having a bad morning. The one thing I do make sure I get in report is the PRNs the noc patients get because that's what the MD wants to know. They want to know when, how much, what time, and why.
Everyone (mostly) has said what an orifice this doc was but you need to be empathetic. They have a great deal of responsibility with too many patients and laws that are stripping them of their ability to treat their patients the way they want.
Yes, there are some bad docs out there, but mostly they've treated me good. You need to know what they want and be ready when they come (they really don't have that much time)...none of us do. Kill em with kindness is what is say. It's part of our job.
Also, since no one will say it, I will...get a little thicker skin if you intend to stay in nursing; you're going to need it. Don't take it seriously; it's business!
Don't drag the docs garbage around with you all day. Do you think he kept thinking about you? No, way too busy. Let it roll off your back and carry on. Now you know this doc is particular about the PRNs; be ready next time. The one thing about being an RN in a facility setting is to know your docs. They depend on us.
Don't be silly, people at work are going to judge you for your performance and actions. Be proud of who you are, you're new, so don't be so hard on yourself. The previous poster is exactly right...they're thinking better her then me!

The doctor's behavior was not okay....And because no one stands up to it is why nursing is such a dysfunctional profession. What if the nurse was just having a bad day? All hell would break loose if the tables turned.

I am pretty sure there is a documentation system utilized. So any prns given (what type, when, and how many and the reason given for) should be in the chart....

How about the other professions be empathetic to us? We are the ones working hard for pennies....

The last time I checked...Surgeons bring patients to the hospital but hospitals are open to provide 24/7 nursing care that is required. We are needed as well and we are to be respected as well.

Unfortunately & fortunately, the op will get thicker skin and probably turn into ******* like the rest of us in order to be great. Thicker skin is okay but to say it's okay for the doctor to behave like that is not....

annie.rn · May 26, 2014

God needed to be cut off from the lecture with" Speak to the doctor that ORDERED the Ativan... this is a doctor issue.

Love this! I'll definitely have to put "this is a doctor issue" to use.

ProgressiveActivist, BSN, RN · May 28, 2014

How about saying you need to take that up with doctor benzos. At least he cared enough to keep the pt from beating the crap out of the nurses.

Ruby Vee, BSN · May 28, 2014

I have in the past referred physicians to the person who wrote the actual order they're ranting about. Sometimes it works well, and other times they just come back to have another go at the nurse because it's not as satisfying to yell at a physican who might yell back.

With a nod to Esme, no one can make you feel belittled without your consent. That physician was clearly exhibiting a lack of self-control and professionalism. No need to take THAT personally! Just think about how you can make it into a funny story to share with all your friends on allnurses!

Loo17 · May 28, 2014

I just feel so bad about an encounter with an MD today that I wanted to share it and get support and feedback from the nursing community.

So I got my report from my patients in the morning, I had to trade a patient with another nurse b/c she had 2 confused patients so she gave me one of hers. So I just receive report and get busy with another patient. The surgery dr. for the confused pt asks for me and asks all these questions to me, I answer his questions but I could not answer all of them b/c I did not receive a good report from the nurse that gave me report. He got mad and sarcastically said "What kind of report are you getting?" in front of everyone in the nurse's station. So the confused pt was given Ativan around 0400 by NOC nurse for being combative and hitting other nurses ... I guess the Ativan made him lethargic in the am. The MD seemed to put the blame on me asking me why is he on Ativan...like how am I supposed to answer that, I mean I was not the one that gave it! I told him the pt was being combative so the NOC nurses gave it...he just looked at me like I was stupid and gave me a whole lecture (like 5 min) of why Ativan is bad for the elderly...I mean I understand this perspective that some elderlies are sensitive to Ativan, but seriously why is he making me feel so responsible to what is going on with this patient!??

I just felt humiliated in front of everyone...I started crying to one of the CNAs who was super sweet enough to help me calm down...I just felt so belittled like I did something wrong...

I would really appreciate any comments (please don't be mean) thank you!)

I would have told him that I was aware of the dangers of giving ativan to the elderly but unfortunately I am not the one who gave it or the one who wrote the order. If he doesn't want the patient to have ativan he should discontinue the order or ask the physician who ordered it to do so, then NOC nurses wont be compelled to medicate the patient with it because it wont be ordered. Lethargy would be an expected side effect of ativan. It would also be expected in someone who was up half the night agitated.

You did nothing wrong. Next time a doctor makes you feel that way, be confident. Be polite. But do not let them belittle you.

Kaltia · Jun 2, 2014

I'd tell him I wasn't aware that the elderly health risk to Patients on ativan were so severe that the risk of them breaking a limb or smashing their head open when climbing out of bed didn't take priority. then I'd add sweetly, "According to the report I recieved ativan has been working well for this patient, however, if you decided to take him off the ativan, he will need another PRN medication of your choice for agitation." and walk off.

Honestly if I listed the number of times that I could have felt belittled by a doctor? Never ever take yelling personally. Usually you just happen to be there.