Verbal Abuse from surgeons in the OR

[spineCNOR]

Just curious...

How commonly do you OR nurses out there experience verbal abuse and/or disruptive behavior from surgeons?

How do you or your facility deal with this issue?

In the facility where I work such behavior from surgeons is common - ranging from demeaning, condescending comments to yelling and screaming. Dealing with this on a daily basis is demoralizing and (I believe) has a detrimental effect on nurse retention.

The surgical department where I work has no policy in place that addresses this issue. Most of my co-workers feel that there is nothing we can do about this issue because we do not have the support of our nursing managers or of hospital administration, as they are so anxious to keep their surgeons (AKA their cash cows) happy.

Do any of your workplaces have policies or procedures in place to deal with disruptive physician behavior???

[Ferret]

Removed because it just didn't sound very nice.

Hey Bbear, as these forums are nice enough to email us the full text of entries when telling us that something new is on a thread we are watching, I was fortunate enough to read your original entry.

I have to say that your reaction to the situation was a pretty understandable consequence of the surgeon's behaviour, and you should not feel guilty about it, especially enough to take it off this site. I think the moral you identified is important... things can get out of hand if this stuff runs unchecked.

Please consider putting it back on the site for those who did not read it, and for people concerned about abuse from surgeons, ie. all reading this thread.

Way to go, mate, I've felt a bit that way myself at times.... :rotfl:

Jason 8^)

[orrnlori, RN]

I agree, I had read it and there was nothing wrong with it.

[Ferret]

Gday all,

I kept the mail if you want me to send it to you... what a great post! :rotfl:

[bbear]

I do appreciate the kind words of support. After re-reading my post, however, it just wasn't something I was very proud of. Granted, it was 18 years ago and I was very young. But still, I allowed my emotions to get the better of me and I acted in a way that I could not imagine myself acting today. Yes, he had it coming. But I'm not sure that excuses my actions. If anybody wants to see the post that badly I have no objection to it being e-mailed to them, I really just don't want to see it on the board. Of course, I can't e-mail it because I no longer have it. I deleted it permanently.

[AngAng]

:rotfl: Boy oh Boy, am I glad I ran into you! This is a very difficult situation in the

OR. I wish I knew how to change this situation. After 14 years of Nursing,the

last 2 in the OR I am about to throw in the towel. Between Surgeons and Anesthesiologist I am not sure who is the worst. I deal with badgering behavior from the Surgeons and I am truly a servant to the anesthesiologist whom are

just a beligerent. I dont know what to do.

[jwk]

In our hospital in Atlanta, verbal abuse is just that - abuse. Serious problems are referred to the medical staff office. We have had surgeons given formal reprimands, they have been required to make apologies, and some have been required to undergo anger management classes or sensitivity training.

A hospital cannot afford to tolerate abusive behavior. They're foolish if they do. It leaves them wide-open to a variety of sexual harassment, hostile work environment, and other claims, all of which have the force of federal law behind them.

Make sure there are written incident reports filed with management and/or your medical staff offices or chief of staff. Repeated incidents on file should spur them to action. If not, they're being very stupid and short-sighted.

[AngAng]

Last week for the first time in my entire Nursing career I wrote up 2 Surgeons.

I wrote them up in relation to their appauling,unprofessional behavior towards

me. I especially wrote them up for a breach of patient confidentiality. I felt

good about it because I am normally a very quiet person who wouldnt say boo

to anyone. I have finally reached my breaking point. Well...........Who do you

think sided on the behalf of the Surgeons? Ofcourse, my Nurse Manager. She

was looking for any loop hole she could to justify their behavior towards me.

Unfortunately she couldnt find any.

As a Nurse or maybe I should say as a "human being", it angers and upsets me

to be treated like a handmaiden. I normally allow things in one ear and out the

other. But, since joining the OR 2 years ago I cant. The reality of "our" treat

ment is disgusting. The disrespect in untolerable. The lack of management

support is unforgiveable.

Today was a prime example. We just brought a patient into the room. The

patient went under general anesthesia. I was moving about the room trying

to set up suction,bovie,etc. All of a sudden the Anesthesiologist verbalizes

OK, I need my magical clipboard. I looked at him and continued on with my

work. Again the Anesthesiologist repeated his request and this time informed

me that his magic clipboard was in the magic drawer of his anesthesia cart.

As an idiot, I went over to him and the cart (which was exactly 4 inches from

his right hand) and asked him sarcastically what drawer is your magical clip

board in? Ofcourse,fumbling around looking for the ridiculous magical drawer

he puts his finger on the drawer handle. I open the drawer and find myself

placing the clipboard in the bast--- hand.

I informed my manager that I was not impressed with this nonsense. This is

a waste of my time and is truly belittling. I was told to get over it.

I just want to say :angryfire :angryfire :angryfire :angryfire :angryfire :angryfire :angryfire :angryfire :angryfire :angryfire :angryfire :angryfire :angryfire Am I over reacting?

[AngAng]

Kudos to you!!!!!!!!!!!!! Very well said. :balloons: :rotfl:

[JaneRNBSN]

Sounds to me like you are mad at yourself for getting his clipboard for him. I know I would be kicking myself all the way home!

[Ferret]

Any moron who is too stupid to get his own clipboard from his own trolley and uses the word "magic" deserves for you to develop a "magic" form of "deafness".

Ignore the moron, he can get his own clipboard. And write up the report. There is no excuse for such games.

If your Nurse Manager does not support you, think of it this way. There is a worldwide shortage of nurses. There is a worldwide shortage of surgical staff. They need you more than you need them, and if they don't give you the respect you deserve, consider finding a theatre suite that does.

Ferret

[grimmy, RN]

any moron who is too stupid to get his own clipboard from his own trolley and uses the word "magic" deserves for you to develop a "magic" form of "deafness".

ignore the moron, he can get his own clipboard. and write up the report. there is no excuse for such games.

if your nurse manager does not support you, think of it this way. there is a worldwide shortage of nurses. there is a worldwide shortage of surgical staff. they need you more than you need them, and if they don't give you the respect you deserve, consider finding a theatre suite that does.

ferret

i probably would have said, "is your arm broken?" maybe its the newyorker in me, but then again, i am not a servant. the more i read these posts, the more i realize how lucky i am. i would probably never last in any other environment other than where i am. i'm on a 1st name basis with most of our anesthesia providers, and 98% of our surgeons. most of them realize that when i do them a favor, it is just that: a favor! we're well-aware of our individual tasks, and don't attempt to take anyone else's task over. we're ready to jump in and help, but i don't feel like anyone takes advantage of my good nature.

[passionate]

Use anything at your disposal. If your institution does not have a policy directly addressing this then find out from HR what is appropriate. Their are laws, local, state and federal that all employers answer to. These surgeons do not have the last word. I have had professional experience dealing with this topic and as hard as it was I know that I was supported by the other nurses, anesthesia, etc. that experienced it as well. You don't have to accept this behavior. Move forward for the sake of all of the people who in the future take care of our patients. We only have rights because someone before us fought very hard, long and sometimes without realizing those rights themselves so that we would have it better. I never cast a vote without thinking of all of the women who worked so hard, many dying before casting their vote, or thinking of those who still have no rights in the running of their government Often we take the rights we have for granted but someone before us worked very hard and felt the way you do so that we could carry on the torch of justice.