I just don't understand

[beachbum3]

Maybe its because I'm not a nurse yet (graduating in May) and haven't worked in health care before, but the more I hear from people I know and other students in my class, and reading some of the posts here, it seems like there is this attitude of having to take "it" from rude docs, co workers, aides etc. I've never in my life just stood by while another person humiliated, undermined, yelled, ridiculed etc me and "taken it". As far as I'm concerned Docs are people just like everyone else and just because they may have more education than me doesn't make them better/more important that anyone else and especially doesn't give them the right to yell at me or treat me unprofessionally. I have a professional respect for drs, but I also expect to be treated with professionalism and respect- just like they do. All staff should be treated that way. Its just general workplace professionalism. Never mind common decency.

I understand that this seems to be the culture of healthcare, and to an extent its easier just to let it roll off your back so you can get your job done, but doesn't there come a point when you can professionally say "hey, its not ok for you to talk to me that way, and I won't tolerate it." ?

Am I missing something? Am I getting the wrong impression? What do you think about it?

[CHATSDALE]

you will work with all kinds of people..you don't have to lump it but don't approach anyone with bellerigence either

i think most nures are treated with respect

[beachbum3]

Belliggerance is most definitley not my approach, ever. It just irriates me to death to hear all these stories about being yelled at/insulted/demeaned by coworkers. I'm a grown woman and have worked full time since I was 18, and have never encountered anything close to some of the stories I've heard. I mean, we even had a lecture in class about handling these situations, and the main message I got from it was to cater to these people so as not to irritate them. That just really rubs me the wrong way. I mean, obviously, I need to be able to do my job, and not be a disorganized mess, but regardless, that still doesn't give another person, regardless of their position, the right to insult/yell at/demean me (or anyone else). Its just really poor workplace conduct.

Anyway, I refuse to go into this profession with a preconceived impression, based on what I've 'heard'.

I also may be interpreting things the wrong way. Generally speaking I tend not to let things bother me and people can be snippy or whatever- not my problem. However, blatant and total rudeness disrespect on a regular basis really, really is a hot button with me. I can handle it every now and again with out a second thought- everyone has bad days and has their own issues etc, but as a regular thing (which is the impression I've gotten) its just not ok. IMHO

[sharlynn]

........doesn't there come a point when you can professionally say "hey, its not ok for you to talk to me that way, and I won't tolerate it." ?

Am I missing something? Am I getting the wrong impression? What do you think about it?

No, you're not missing something and you can certainly say something. The key word is "professionally"!

Nursing can be a stressful job, and everyone has a bad day now and then, but that doesn't make it okay.

[ptadvocate81]

For the most part, I have been treated with respect and professionalism. There are those physician's and people in general however that just have a natural talent for making you feel stupid, even when that may not be their intention. It is like marriage- choose your battles wisely. You do not want to be "that nurse" who appears to wear her feelings on her shoulder. I have been cussed one time, but it was not at me, it was about the pt. The doctor stated that he "did not give a sh#* and that I was not to call him again." So I charted in my documentation in quotes what was said and that was that. I cared for the pt to the best of my ability, did what needed to be done and the rest is in the pt's chart- legal documentation for them to see if they choose. I was taught to never chart profanities or anything in the pt chart, but I think that is wrong. If the physician chooses to use such language and not take care of the pt, I believe that it warrants documentation- after all, in a court of law it will be your word against his/hers they will not be helping you out.... Like I said, this was a ONE TIME occurance. Overall, I have been respected and talked to as a person.

[megananne7]

I recently graduated from nursing school but have been an LPN for a year and will sit for my RN this week... but I always thought it was funny how I had multiple times in nursing school where an exam or something would have a communication question r/t being yelled at by an MD or co-worker and what you should say in response to them.

[dwills302]

If I was in the wrong about a clinical judgement I would let the Dr. explain to me what I did wrong. But I will not let them berate me. One time I just walked away from a ranting physician, regrouped then returned. Not usually the best thing to do but it worked out fine. By the time I returned he and I had both calmed down and talked decently. To this day we have a good working relationship. Sometimes you just have to understand where the other person is coming from, maybe they lost a tough battle with another patient etc. Does that mean it's ok to vent on others---NO, but I believe we are all guilty of that at times. Every situation is different and you have to pick your battles. Sometimes it is just easier to listen to them, use the education given and let it go. I find it is rare that it happens in my facility anyways.