Ever been physically attacked by MD? What have or Would you Do?

Nurses Relations

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Specializes in Community Health Nurse.

A couple of years ago while working on a telemetry unit, a doctor well known for his rudeness snatched a chart from my hands, then proceeded to walk THROUGH me as if I weren't standing there. He would bump into me as if I were not there. I told the nurse manager that I was writing him up (which I did). His "boss" assured me he would not get away with his bad behavior towards me. I don't know what was done about his bad behavior (if anything:rolleyes: ) but whenever that doc saw me, he steered clear of me. He was still rude however to just about everyone on the unit, especially the women. He is what is known as "an old school doc" who is used to nurses (women nurses) bowing down to him, catering to him, fearing him. Well...he obviously never met anyone who stood up to him for his bad behavior before.

If a doctor or anyone else for that matter ever physically attacked me, I'd call the police, have them arrested, and file charges against them.

It's never happened to me. But a nurse I knew was clipped on the head and cut when an MD had a tantrum and threw a metal chart at her. She did EXACTLY the right thing. Forget the nursing supervisor. Screw the hospital administration. Don't even bother with the chiefs of service. She got on the phone and called the police and filed felony assault and battery charges!!! The doc was cuffed and arrested. He had to post bail. He faced a real live prosecutor. I think he copped a plea to a lesser charge because he didn't lose his license permanently (mores the pity.) Don't you reckon that from then on all the doctors were very polite to all the nurses in that place? You bet they were. Brought a new level of civility to nursing practice.

GOOD FOR HER :yeah: :yeah: :yeah:

I just hope administration backed her up.

Actually, the hospital absolutely did NOTsupport her... it was an extremely pro-doctor place. But everyone in the chain of responsibility, anyone who could be called as witnesses or interviewed by the DA (or later sued by that nurse ...who by the way needed stitches...) had such tight sphincters they couldn't s--t for months.

I think they did finally get rid of her, but only on her terms and with a fat settlement.

Specializes in Critical Care, ER.

I think they did finally get rid of her, but only on her terms and with a fat settlement.

Good for her!!!

Specializes in ICU, ED, Transport, Home Care, Mgmnt.

I saw a resident throw a chart across the desk when a nurse refused a verbal order. He was yelling and having a fit. The Nurse manager came charging out of his office and told him to never every do something like that again. The staff docs just stood there watching the whole thing, doing nothing. At the graduation roast he received a pacifier and an award for best performance in acting like a child.:rotfl:

Actually, the hospital absolutely did NOTsupport her... it was an extremely pro-doctor place. But everyone in the chain of responsibility, anyone who could be called as witnesses or interviewed by the DA (or later sued by that nurse ...who by the way needed stitches...) had such tight sphincters they couldn't s--t for months.

I think they did finally get rid of her, but only on her terms and with a fat settlement.

UNBELIEVEABLE! Totally absurd. That is NOT the way it should be :angryfire

Specializes in ICU.

I have seen a few Nurse managers very firmly telling doctors that were never to speak like that to a member of thier staff again. and IF, they thought there was a major problem they could take it up with THEM the nurse manage.

I agree - physical abuse is NOT and should not be tolerated in the workplace. not between nurses, nor doctors, nor from patients.

Zero tolerance to violence in the workplace.

Specializes in CCU,ICU,ER retired.

Yes I was slapped by a Dr. with a metal chart. This was a very long time ago. I called the police and filed charges but then cops always tried to let physical abuse slide. They tried to get me to let it go. I refused and demanded that they file charges,so they did but they would not arrest him in the hospital. I threw a fit with administration and threaten to sue if they did not reprimand him.

They investigated him and found he had Alziemers and forced him to retire. I was horrified when I found out he was treating patients because he was not a gentle fellow with his disease but very combative and mean.

Specializes in ICU, PICC Nurse, Nursing Supervisor.

I would have the same reaction with male that tried to hit me... Id twist off his balls shove them in his mouth, then knock flat on his orifice so he could savor the flavor better..... :)

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I have been very fortunate and have never witnessed any physical or verbal assault from an MD to a nurse. Our docs in the ER are for the most part, wonderful. They are very pro-nursing and we have a good relationship. However, in the event that a physician assaulted me, I would have no problem filing charges.

MD's are cautious while talking to men Nurses coz

Newton's 3rd law of motion "every action has equal and opposite reaction":angryfire .

My "action" would be more than "equal" cause to balance out my healing arts, I'm also a trained killer. Sometimes I forget which arena I'm in!:chuckle

I witnessed an MD grab an RN by her shoulders and shove her down in a chair during an argument they were having. She called the CEO, got a lawyer, and the rest is hush-hush. I don't know how it was settled but that was 3 years ago and they've got along without any incidents since then.

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