I was slapped by a doctor!

[cluelessRN81]

I honestly can't believe it myself! I just graduated from my program on May 16 of last month. I am still in orientation at a large level 1 trauma center on a busy cardiac care unit. The hospitalist is known for having a horrible temper anyway. Well, he was on a roll all shift today. One of my pts BP was all over the place all day. It became very low suddenly. I told my preceptor (still on orientation) and she said to have the MD paged. He was not happy and screamed at me over the phone. I braced myself for when he got to the floor, already getting very nervous. Well, he came up fit to be tied. He slammed the papers he was holding onto the nurses station where I was standing with the health unit coordinator. I forgot to get the pts chart out for him to look at (as he requested on the phone...my fault i know ). He asked for the chart and I said...hold on I'll have to get it for you. He turned bright red and said harshly (but not screaming) "You paged me and you're not even ready!".

And then thats when it happened -- he took his hand and hit my cheek. Now, it wasn't some soap-opera backhand where I went flying across the room or anything..but a little pop. Kinda like what a mom would do to a small child if they said a bad word or something. I was so shocked I couldn't even say anything. I just handed him the chart and he want to the pts room. The whole time I was fighting back tears. The HUC and I just exchanged looks of shock with each other! I think I am going to file a complaint tomorrow against him...and the HUC said she will back me up since she was the only one who witnessed this. I had no idea that doctors behaved this way..is this normal?? To say the least I'm dreading going back in on Wednesday. I had heard some doctor horror stories..but nothing like this -- what I consider to be assault. Am I overreacting? I don't want to be seen as a drama queen or a trouble maker being on the floor only 2 weeks in this unit . Ugh!

[Valerie Salva, BSN, RN]

Clueless,

I'm so glad the hospital supported you and that the doc is bearing some consequences for his actions.

Heck of a way for you to get a raise, lol!

All the best to you in your career and in life!

[ThatPoshGirl]

Hey guys. Again, thanks for all the support and messages of encouragement I've received. Forgive me for taking so long to update on this situation...it's been rather busy with work and the drama that comes along with it . Well, there's good news (at least to me). The doctor no longer is employed with our hospital . Last Friday, the board of the hospital met, as well as the doctor and myself. I feel we came to an amicable agreement. The doctor chose to resign, in lieu of being fired. I guess he saw the writing on the wall, and didn't want a firing to haunt him for the rest of his life, so he decided to step down as a hospitalist there and relinquish his admitting privileges there.

I was given a raise due to this incident, and was also asked to not speak publicly about it, and thus is another reason I'm weary about posting on here (although I know its anonymous -- you never know who reads these boards!). But again, thank you everyone for so much support. It truly means so much to me.

Glad everything worked out for you! I bet there won't be any other doctors smacking you around.:bowingpur

[Faeriewand, ASN, RN]

Clueless so glad you posted all about this so other newbies could learn from it too. :) I'm pleased everything worked out for you! :heartbeatGood luck in your career! :flwrhrts:

[DeLana_RN, BSN, RN]

Congrats, excellent outcome. It's just a little disappointing that you were asked not to talk about it, but then again, I guess since they treated you right you don't have to take it to the press

DeLana

[kharing]

Yes!!!!!

Sounds like the hospital took this seriously. Congratulations on your raise!!!! Hopefully that jerk of a doctor will start taking some anger management classes and seek professional help for his behavioral issues.

[lvnandmomx3]

Thank you for the post. I am glad the hospital stood by your side very few do sound like this one is one of the good ones. I hope the Dr. does not just brush his actions under the carpet so to say I hope he realizes that this was a serious situation.

[Batman24]

I've been thinking of you often and praying you were okay. How refreshing to see a hospital take a stand on abuse against medical staff. I'm glad he's gone as well he should be. I hope you feel safer and very proud of yourself for taking a stand. Not everyone does. Bravo!! Congrats on yoru raise. Well deserved. :)

[becembrie]

Wow. I'm so glad this worked out. I've been wondering what happened. Your hospital took this seriously and I'm glad he resigned, but wish he was canned. Congratulations on the raise and for standing up for yourself.

[Nurse Salt]

:dancgrp:

DITTO!!!

Just one question, why did they give you a raise? Compensation? Or was that part of "not speaking publicly"? Just wondering and whatever the reason, CONGRATS! It may not seem like it now, but you have done your entire hospital staff a huge service!!!

[Pipsqueak, ADN]

Thank you for the update. I am so glad everything worked out. Now you can put all this drama behind you for good and do what's important.....focus on your new exciting career! Congratulations on the good outcome.

[suespets]

Another perk to come from this would be the impression it will make on other Drs, to check themselves, even regarding their rudeness towards others! sue

[kcalohagirl]

Though I am glad the doc in question had repurcussions from the incident, I wonder why your place of employment felt the need to put a virtual "gag order" on you?

I think other newbie nurses (and veteran nurses, truth be told) could learn valuable lessons from your experience.

Glad you aren't going to have to deal with that particular jerk anymore.

How is the hospital going to deal with similar jerks in the future?