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Discussion

MD gossip

So I found a new job working with 5+ specialists in a large city hospital. I'm pretty excited and it's been one month so far. In my first week at work, I made a mistake with how I interpreted an examination finding. One of the specialists that I work with found out and (maybe he was just in a bad mood that day...ill give him the benefit of the doubt) but he got really upset that a NP such as myself got that wrong. Yelled at me. I apologized and corrected it. Next day, the other specialist found out (of course via gossip) and started questioning how I examined one of her patients in the past. Since then it seems like they question me most of time I do my examination.

I'm not a complete idiot at my work but I'm not perfect either. What bothers me the most is I made a mistake and it's now the hottest gossip in the dept and our chair is now keeping a close eye on me. So far he seems fair but I feel like I have to work extra harder just to make an impression on him so as to prove the others wrong.

I'm just ranting, really.

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    • Featured Replies

    They are being condescending as heck. If you were an MD they would let that slide. Our degree is so disrespected by the condescending physicians it really upsets me. Every little mistake we make is glorified. But the data clearly shows we have lower malpractice, superior outcomes compared to physicians and more accurate diagnoses than physicians. Sure you slip up every now and then but so does everyone, physicians included.

    Talk to your chair about this or get out. Your are in a toxic environment where the MDs do not respect the NPs. Are you the first NP in your practice? If so, then that is a sign that this is an experiment for the group to profit and work you to death. Places with a history of NPs tend to be better IMO.

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    They are being condescending as heck. If you were an MD they would let that slide. Our degree is so disrespected by the condescending physicians it really upsets me. Every little mistake we make is glorified. But the data clearly shows we have lower malpractice, superior outcomes compared to physicians and more accurate diagnoses than physicians. Sure you slip up every now and then but so does everyone, physicians included.

    Talk to your chair about this or get out. Your are in a toxic environment where the MDs do not respect the NPs. Are you the first NP in your practice? If so, then that is a sign that this is an experiment for the group to profit and work you to death. Places with a history of NPs tend to be better IMO.

    Can you share the research on "superior" outcomes ?

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    • Experts

    Personally, I would let it slide, cont to do my best, learn from your mistakes and go on.

    I respectfully disagree with above poster who (if you read his/her posting history) is extremely unhappy in general with their chosen career path.

    You can't always be in a warm and fuzzy environment - being an NP is not always a supportive role. However, sometimes we just have to roll up our sleeves and wade right in. I've been an APN for 10 years now and my practice is big (21 MDs now) and many varied personalities. And yes...they gossip sometimes. Here's some tips I've learned when I've goofed:

    1. Admit my mistake up front. No crying, no hysterics, just the facts.

    2 Come up with a plan to remedy it. In my worst mistake, I made a prescribing error which was exceedingly costly. I enrolled in an extra pharm course, took an additional 30 hours CME in pharm, sought additional advice from some trusted NPs I know (thank you Siri) and moved on.

    3. Don't participate in gossip. Be known as someone who might be aware of mistakes other providers' make but who doesn't repeat them.

    4. Sit in on exams of the MDs who are questioning you - even if it means you have to do so on your own time. This shows a commitment to the job and profession.

    5. Find a mentor - another NP who you admire and trust who can help you navigate the ropes of the practice. Consider joining your states' APRN organization.

    Being an APN is different than being an RN - the role is similar but the expectations and responsibilities are far greater.

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    • Experts
    Personally, I would let it slide, cont to do my best, learn from your mistakes and go on.

    I respectfully disagree with above poster who (if you read his/her posting history) is extremely unhappy in general with their chosen career path.

    You can't always be in a warm and fuzzy environment - being an NP is not always a supportive role. However, sometimes we just have to roll up our sleeves and wade right in. I've been an APN for 10 years now and my practice is big (21 MDs now) and many varied personalities. And yes...they gossip sometimes. Here's some tips I've learned when I've goofed:

    1. Admit my mistake up front. No crying, no hysterics, just the facts.

    2 Come up with a plan to remedy it. In my worst mistake, I made a prescribing error which was exceedingly costly. I enrolled in an extra pharm course, took an additional 30 hours CME in pharm, sought additional advice from some trusted NPs I know (thank you Siri) and moved on.

    3. Don't participate in gossip. Be known as someone who might be aware of mistakes other providers' make but who doesn't repeat them.

    4. Sit in on exams of the MDs who are questioning you - even if it means you have to do so on your own time. This shows a commitment to the job and profession.

    5. Find a mentor - another NP who you admire and trust who can help you navigate the ropes of the practice. Consider joining your states' APRN organization.

    Being an APN is different than being an RN - the role is similar but the expectations and responsibilities are far greater.

    Excellent advice, although I always recommend MD mentors. ;)

    OP, this sounds like an amazing opportunity and having access to that many speciality physicians in a large city hospital will benefit your practice exponentially. Hopefully you are making big bucks especially because you are in a specialty practice. Hang in there, mistakes will be forgotten as you prove your worth as a competent, contributing member of the team.

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    • Author

    Thanks guys! Yes this is their first time hiring an NP. The chair has been very fair about everything. He's worked with NPs before in other large hospitals and he even smoothed things out for everyone. He took me under his wing and pointed out what needs improvement because the other MDs have adamantly refused to be on call for me (I'll be working nights soon) because of that. Its disheartening that this is the reception I've received but on the bright side, the chair is very patient and more than willing to teach me so that makes me want to stay and learn. When I heard the gossip making its rounds, naturally I wanted to just quit but I've learned to keep my distance. Make things more work related and less about being friendly.

    and no I am not making big bucks. I took a slightly lesser pay scale because of the promise of intensive training (their ad said that). Then when I started, one MD refused to train me despite being mandated by the chair and the hospital board. Maybe karma is working because they're planning to replace him soon. Woohoo!

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    Sounds like a rough start. I'm glad that you have a supportive chair, and hopefully the other MDs will change their attitude. Maybe you can prove them wrong ;) Anyway, good luck to you!

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    They are being condescending as heck. If you were an MD they would let that slide. Our degree is so disrespected by the condescending physicians it really upsets me. Every little mistake we make is glorified. But the data clearly shows we have lower malpractice, superior outcomes compared to physicians and more accurate diagnoses than physicians. Sure you slip up every now and then but so does everyone, physicians included.

    Talk to your chair about this or get out. Your are in a toxic environment where the MDs do not respect the NPs. Are you the first NP in your practice? If so, then that is a sign that this is an experiment for the group to profit and work you to death. Places with a history of NPs tend to be better IMO.

    you seem to have it out for docs? why the personal agenda against them?

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    There are physicians who still think that there is no place for NP in their practice since NPs cannot be as good as MDs; some physicians are threatened by increasing number of NPs, feeling that NPs will replace them some time in the future.

    I work with the physicians and they make mistakes as all normal people do; and hopefully nurses see mistake and follow up with the doctor. We work as a team. No one yells at one another.

    agree with AAC.271. You should talk about that with your superior. Or leave. And please talk to this physician: mistake, no mistake -- it is not a reason to yell at you. It is not professional.

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    not in all categories, but in a few categories NPs have better results than MDs.

    [h=1]The Quality and Effectiveness of Care Provided by Nurse Practitioners[/h]Julie Stanik-Hutt, PhD, ACNP-BC; Robin P. Newhouse, PhD, NEA-BC; Kathleen M; White, PhD, NEA-BC; Meg Johantgen, PhD, RN; Eric B. Bass, MD, MPH; George Zangaro, PhD, RN; Renee Wilson, MS; Lily Fountain, MS, CNM; Donald M. Steinwachs, PhD; Lou Heindel, DNP, CRNA; Jonathan P. Weiner, DrPH

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    [h=1]The Gulf Between Doctors and Nurse PractitionersBy PAULINE CHEN, M.D. JUNE 27, 2013[/h]after reading this article read reviews. very interesting...

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    I'm just an RN but If given the choice I will always chose an NP or a DO over an MD. In my experience they practice as partners and are more willing to listen and value a collaborative patient provider practice model.

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