Doc calls nurse coworkers monkeys...

Nurses Relations

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Once in awhile this ER doc calls the nurses monkeys. Being as I'm new, I haven't heard it for my self yet. The subject just came up when I was telling another nurse that this doc had just explained to another doc on behalf of our new ER Physician Assistant that 'PA school is like nursing school, but for smarter people.' :nailbiting:

How would you interact with someone who has such an apparent disdain for nurses and other health care personnel?

This was a news story I read last year about a surgeon who insulted staff and patients. I don't work at that hospital so I'm not sure what ended up happening but it was a big deal in the news.

University of Kentucky trustees asked to revoke medical privileges of controversial surgeon | Lexington Herald-Leader

Thanks for the link. Nice how 'verbal abuse of a patient' was the straw that finally broke the camel's back. I wonder how many times was patient care was adversely affected relating to his abuse of staff?

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Thanks for the link. Nice how 'verbal abuse of a patient' was the straw that finally broke the camel's back. I wonder how many times was patient care was adversely affected relating to his abuse of staff?

I thought the same thing. Highly unprofessional to treat staff poorly!

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Specializes in Float Pool - A Little Bit of Everything.

The next time you get a loud and drunk patient, tell them to yell "Dr Smith" if they need anything.

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Specializes in retired LTC.
Call HR and follow it up by a written complaint. You want it on file for your protection. Such language is unacceptable under any circumstances. Do not reply to him , do not entertain him, do not add a comment. Just walk away and do the above.

It is also my understanding that "monkey' is an old-timey term used derogatorily in reference to Afro/Americans. And according to Urban Dictionary, it is also a NOT NICE term referring to female anatomy.

I don't think that MD would readily use the "N" word or the "C" word (except in a very close circle of his 'safe' acquaintances). "Monkey" is comparable. So I think complaining to HR commenting on "SEXUAL HARRASSMENT", "hostile environment", "discrimination in the workplace", "civil rights violations" might shake a few folk up.

Normally, I wouldn't trust HR either, but something like this just might.

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It is also my understanding that "monkey' is an old-timey term used derogatorily in reference to Afro/Americans. And according to Urban Dictionary, it is also a NOT NICE term referring to female anatomy.

I don't think that MD would readily use the "N" word or the "C" word (except in a very close circle of his 'safe' acquaintances). "Monkey" is comparable. So I think complaining to HR commenting on "SEXUAL HARRASSMENT", "hostile environment", "discrimination in the workplace", "civil rights violations" might shake a few folk up.

Normally, I wouldn't trust HR either, but something like this just might.

I'm betting that this doctor is using the word "monkey" because he has no respect for the critical thinking/thought processes/actual academic knowledge that is required to be a good nurse. He thinks "I could train a monkey to start an IV-big deal."

I think this guy is just a complete arrogant and disrespectful jerk, but I would need more information to decide he is a misogynist or a racist. In any case, his behavior is completely unacceptable and should be confronted in a professional but firm manner.

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I'm betting that this doctor is using the word "monkey" because he has no respect for the critical thinking/thought processes/actual academic knowledge that is required to be a good nurse. He thinks "I could train a monkey to start an IV-big deal."

I think this guy is just a complete arrogant and disrespectful jerk, but I would need more information to decide he is a misogynist or a racist. In any case, his behavior is completely unacceptable and should be confronted in a professional but firm manner.

I think you might be right, but I can say I feel whatever I way I want (and reserve the right to do so) in order to get my point across to the powers that be. I'm gonna make my point directly to the offending first, though

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The next time you get a loud and drunk patient, tell them to yell "Dr Smith" if they need anything.

Thought his name was Dr. Sphincter?

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Until it is directed right at me, I would not pursue the issue. Nitwits are everywhere and if he is truly this clueless it is a matter of time before he gets in trouble. Be ready for lots of pushback, although that doesn't mean you shouldn't stand up for yourself. Evaluate how much the issue means to you. If he is a nitwit and everyone knows it then I would just roll my eyes if he spoke to me that way. I have bigger fish to fry. Do not engage him or try to correct him, if he is verbally abusive document and have witnesses. I worked with a PA once who sniffed that nurses "wiped butts for a living." I steered clear of him.

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Specializes in retired LTC.

To Horseshoe & Cola - It MIGHT be that the MD is just a boorish nitwit. Or he may truly really KNOW what he's saying, esp if he's NOT been called out on it yet. He may be figuring he's on an inside joke known only to him and he's getting his jollies.

It doesn't matter re his underlying intent. He has set the tone for an unhappy workplace for OP and others. Why should such behavior have to tolerated in any way shape or form? Probably does same to others in other circumstances. He should be called on it. Don't we all feel this way when nurses are freq subjected to physical abuse and verbal, too?

Would it be correct for someone to do this in the grocery store or the bank or college admissions office? I think not.

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I've heard horror stories like this, but have never encountered ignorant people like him in my life. I would probably say, when he writes an order, "sorry but monkeys can't take orders or tend to the patients, looks like you're on your own." Haha kidding, wish I could say that. I would report him, hoping they'd take action. I wouldn't want to work for a company who allowed this nonsense to go on. He sounds like a belittling jerk.

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You could retort..

"Hey, no fair.. just 'cause we get paid peanuts - it don't make us monkeys!"

But seriously, I'd speak to the unit boss,

& request that a hard word be given to the 'joker' about consequences..

..coming down the line, from those who regard it as 'unprofessional'..

After all..

If the nurses called out when he walked in..

"Hey look busy, the quack is back!"

I'm guessing, he might not perceive the joke either..

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To Horseshoe & Cola - It MIGHT be that the MD is just a boorish nitwit. Or he may truly really KNOW what he's saying, esp if he's NOT been called out on it yet. He may be figuring he's on an inside joke known only to him and he's getting his jollies.

It doesn't matter re his underlying intent. He has set the tone for an unhappy workplace for OP and others. Why should such behavior have to tolerated in any way shape or form? Probably does same to others in other circumstances. He should be called on it. Don't we all feel this way when nurses are freq subjected to physical abuse and verbal, too?

Would it be correct for someone to do this in the grocery store or the bank or college admissions office? I think not.

Maybe you missed the part where I said:

In any case, his behavior is completely unacceptable and should be confronted
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