dealing with rude doctors?

Nurses Relations

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new grad. started working about 8 months ago. slowly getting to know doctors.

two times ive had to contact a doctor. i work night shift. both times i called and it wasnt past 10 pm.

first time, missing order that the dr or arnp needed to put in. Second tine, change in patient condition and seeing if he wanted any orders done.

Both times, i went through my charge nurse before calling the doctor.

Whether or not i was a nurse was questioned, dr threatened to call my supervisor, and stated that i may be the one who needs to be on medication, not the patient.

HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH DOCTORS LIKE THIS? fyi, the doctor is known to react like this for basically anything. all the nurses on the floor know this... i understand every doctor is different, personalities.i was professional in speaking to him and never raised my voice or anything of that sort.

Specializes in Pediatrics Telemetry CCU ICU.
I work with more foreign-born nurses than not. I have never noticed any of them writing in big blocks with no capital letters and no spacing. 99% of them are effective communicators despite English being their second (or third? or fourth?) language. The words may get mixed up now and then, but they're concise.

I've also worked with a few American nurses who can't get to the point and frustrate everyone they dare to speak to. A little coaching can help that group and improve their workplace relationships.

What do you do with patient's that "can't get to the point," Are you this inpatient with them as well? I have learned many lessons about communication that you obviously have not. People who have problems waiting for "the point," often miss other markers for concern. Someone comes in with a complaint and it is not always what it seems. You are too focused on "the point."

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At least your doc responded. We have one that picks and chooses IF he will even call back. Not fun if your ortho doc decides he's

not going to call back on your little 80 yo lady with a hip fracture in horrible pain. Glad off of nights now and my manager has his cell phone and doesn't hesitate to text him. It's frustrating.

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I work days and have never had a doctor be rude about calling them but have heard some night nurses that have been yelled at, hung up on, etc. They were told to write an incident report. I don't know if those really help with the problem but it might make you feel better:)

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For the record! I did rewrite my post. I wrote the post SourLemon commented on the morning after speaking with the doctor so i was still worked up about it. Hence the rambling. I edited it to what it is now.

Thank you all for your input! I greatly appreciate it and will keep it in mind!

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Specializes in GENERAL.
When dealing with rude doctors via telephone, I would present a quick snapshot of the patient's clinical situation. Then I would say, "The ball is now in your court. How would you like to proceed?"

It worked like a charm...

I tried this very technique once and guess what? The dude hangs up on me!

One of the problems is that when you're young, inexperienced and well bred your default impression of doctors is that they are not alcoholics, drug addicts and boarderline personalities when many are exactly that.

But like the box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get, Dr.Jekyl or Mr. Hyde.

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Specializes in ICU; Telephone Triage Nurse.

OP, this really is an age old problem. I'll wager even Florence Nightingale herself had to deal with her fair share of egotistical, condescending MD's in her time. I'm so sorry this MD never learned proper manners.

Have you ever heard the term: "Throwing pearls before swine"? It's a Southern term meaning trying to explain manners or etiquette, and simple basic pleasantness to a person who lacks all mentioned. Just because someone is highly educated doesn't mean they are courteous or able to interact well with others.

Just like all professions, MD's are people first. And just like some people, some MD's are ill-mannered and rude.

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Look up a book called Too Nice For Your Own Good, it's on communication, others are The Gentle Art of Verbal Self Defense, and When I say No I Feel Guilty. There was a time when nurses had to stand when a doctor entered the room. Those days are gone. We aren't slaves. And we have to ask for respect. Some doctors are definitely pills, I've seen them make nurses cry. These books would help with bully nurses too. It's about being clear and respectful.

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Working NOC's it's a challenge getting the NP to answer the phone or call back. (A woman.Sadly).

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