Nasty Doctor

[scrubberRN]

I know this has been covered before in detail, but it bears review because it always comes up. I work on a sizable tele unit. Most of the MDs are okay; some complain and go away. Lately however, a certain cardiologist has been showing up and pitching fits, yelling at nurses, yelling at management. He'll ask to see the nurse and then stand there telling her that none of the nurses on this floor are any good, they have no idea what they're doing, that kind of stuff. He'll walk to the manager's office and with the door open so everyone can hear, yells how nurses have been in control for too long and this is going to stop now, then again with the nobody knows what they're doing. He'll demand to see documentation that certain nurses have been written up and educated, for things like calling him at 8 pm on a rhythm change.

Okay- we don't take this crap from familes, if they start raising thir voices to our nurses then security escorts them out. Everyone has to take at least a little from patients though, because of the nature of the business. But doctors? Last I checked, they're employees of the hospital too. We're not working for them. So why should we take this kind of abuse? The cardiologist in question has been written up, but so what? So have other MDs.

My question is, what's the next level? Nurses are about to start getting in his face. Managers don't know what else to do except write him up and tell us he's a "jerk." We have an HR, can they do anything? I consider this abuse, would it stand up if I took it to HR? There's no reason we should have to put up with it.

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

[iteachob, MSN, RN]

You should not put up with it. I'd suggest continuing to write him up and keep a log of his abuse. Follow the chain of command as far up as necessary. If he insists on putting on a show......give him an audience! Get everyone you can (nurses, aides, housekeeping....sympathetic MD's) to gather round and silently watch his tirade.

[Reno1978, BSN, RN]

Say "I'll speak with you when you would like to discuss this matter in a civilized tone," and walk away.

[Flightline, BSN, RN]

This is why nurses need to be unionized.

[walk6miles]

We have a few like this at the facility in which I work - they are "intensivists".....one, a woman, is always so nasty to the nurses -she actually told one that "she didn't trust her and working with her irritates her "

Another, of the male eastern persuasion, waited to see what would happen with the new smoker's policy - he blatently goes to the parking lot, opens the door, sits in it and smokes so the entire world sees his actions. Apparently, the policy which says NO smoking on the grounds which means smokers have to punch out and drive somewhere to smoke" - that unpopular policy doesn't apply to him!

Again, keep on keeping the faith! Write them up; write them up!

[lindarn]

How about taking a small camcorder into your unit, and when Dr Jerk starts his show, start taping him. I would then take it to the senior partner of the law firm who defends the hospital, and inform him/her, in no uncertain terms, that you ARE FILING CHARGES AGAINST THE HOSPITAL FOR A HOSTILE WORK ENVIRONMENT.

If you really have balls, contact your local news station, and have them play it on the 6:00 news. I would imagine that would get a conversation going as to what nurses have to put up with in a hospital, and how this is illegal and the hospital has done nothing to put a stop to it.

Finish it with, "this is one reason that there is a shortage of nurses who are willing to continue working in a hospital". I would think that JCAHO would like to see it as well. They are also against the hostile work environements in hospitals. Also, the state medical board should be informed of this antics. Make as much noise as possible. JMHO and my NY $0.02.

Lindarn, RN, BSN, CCRN

Spokane, Washington

[systoly]

This doctor needs help. However, that doesn't justify to let staff, patients and their care become victims. I would be really concerned how this might frighten patients and their sense of safety. If the manager can't or won't do anything about it go up the ladder. Present this issue as a matter of concern not complaint.

[sasha2lady]

I had a very similar problem with an md covering for our usual doc....he is an A$$! An RN got an IV antibiotic order that was toxic for one of my pts and when i caught it and didnt give it and notified this doc...he called me incompetent and cussed at me etc.....i think he thought i was that other nurse and I flat out told him i was a different nurse and not the one he gave that order to and that he puts his pants on just like i do and that i wouldnt sit there and be talked to like a dog....then he tells me "the next thing outta your mouth better be that youre going to write this up and give it to your DON" and i just said well what is your new order so i can get this done....he gave it and i hung up on him. his wife is my asst d.o.n and i was soooooooooo mad about him that she tried to apologize for him at first...i told her that he might talk to other nurses that way but he would not do it to me ever again....he apologized later on and we've not had a problem since then. ......i still dont like him ..but we can tolerate each other now and that works out to both of our advantages when we are forced to work together.

[OpusNurse]

1. Ask him where he learned to read because MD does not spell GOD.

2. Every nurse should file a formal abuse complaint.

3. Send a letter or a copy of the abuse complaint to his licensing organization. Where I live, a doctor has to answer to every complaint against him whether it was made by a patient, pt family, nurse, lawyer, other MD or anyone else.

4. Tell him you're sorry he feels you are incompetent and that you'd really like to become a better nurse so would he please show you how it should be done.

5. Give him the finger behind his back as he walks of the unit. At least that will make you feel better for a while.

[ladytraviler]

When this happens, I start looking around me. I then ask who are they talking to cause I know they are not talking to me. I then inform them that my husband, kids, and other family do not talk to me that way so what makes him think that a complete stranger will. I also state that when he can talk to me in a professional manner, come find me and walk away. Gets them every time.

[XB9S, BSN, MSN, EdD, RN, APN]

If he is shouting then walk away, you shouldn't have to put up with it. Document the incidents and report it as bullying behaviour.

[Keepstanding, ASN, RN]

after he finishes his "rant".....stare at him and start clapping.....first slowly....then speed it up ! that will be a great end to his performance !! :chuckle

praiser :heartbeat