Physician Bullying of Nurses Reaching Epidemic Levels

Jusween · Aug 3, 2016

Suggesting I "grow up" because I would prefer not to be used inappropriately is just what I mean by lateral violence. Somehow I would bet you don't talk to physicians with that degree of condescension. Are you one of those nurses who eat their own? Best practices, JACHO etc. strongly recommend that physicians enter their own orders to minimize medication errors and protect nurses from liability in the case of "forgetful" or worse providers. It is also company policy. Moreover, having to enter orders on top of a 9-1 pt. ratio contributes to an extremely stressful environment that precludes me from doing my own job. In an emergency, if a provider is extreme busy and asks for my help I will provide it gracefully. Expecting it as his due because he is above the governing rules is a misuse of power. When someone uses their power to subvert my role it is abusive. What you describe is criminal. You sound like a battered woman who is happy she just gets yelled at instead of being punched. If you want to be a tool, knock yourself out. Just don't confuse it with sanctimony.

BeenThere2012, ASN, RN · Aug 4, 2016

This is what lateral violence looks like. Physicians make substantially more money than nurses, they get more perks, respect and power. Some are courteous and respectful. Others are condescending, rude and downright insulting or even violent. Most are seldom held accountable. Nurses who identify with the aggressor by denying the problem exists, victim blaming and minimizing the inherent inequities present within the current medical system are simply passing on the oppression. We have a physician who simply refuses to enter his own orders. It makes us his secretaries and violates company policy but he gets a pass and we are ignored. Is this abuse? Damn right! Any time power is used to the detriment of someone else, it is abuse and nurses who are apologists just perpetuate it. Stop wearing cartoon scrubs, join a union, get rid of your piercings, tats and purple hair and act like the professionals you are but please stop rationalizing a system that was set up to marginalize you!
Agree. Everything BUT the comments on personal style. I understand "appropriate" dress. However, it shouldn't matter r/t what is important here. By the way, cartoon scrubs are used in Pediatrics because it helps the kids feel more comfortable.

PSIluvU · Nov 9, 2017

For those who discard the allegation of physician bullying, shame on you. Just because it does not or has not happened to you or at your facility (at least that YOU are aware of) does not mean it does not happen. I work at a facility that has a unique population of patients and it also has a fluctuating census due to its location as a resort area. Nursing staff consists of nearly half travelers at times. It is supposedly difficult for the facility to get physicians, therefore many of our physicians are bottom of the barrel (either ejected from other facilities for behavioral issues or poor clinicians) not to say that some of the physicians are not normal /regular behaved physicians. However this type of behavior tends to be toxic and unfortunately monkey see monkey do often occurs. I was told when I first started working at this facility that 'this is how they are around here"...not acceptable! I personally have been berated and in fact had a physician actually lie about our conversation and state a totally fabricated dialogue in an effort to get me "reprimanded" when I spoke up about his action that was potentially harmful to a patient we shared. Management took his side and he grinned and made snide comments to me about my attempt to expose his action. One physician even yanked a nurses hair and pulled her down a hallway--No consequences for his action. In fact the nurse was reprimanded for 'speaking unprofessiknally' to the physician.The excuse? Well they don't have control over the physicians because they are not technically employees of the hospital. Numerous patients have suffered due to nurses being reluctant to question orders in fear of retaliation. Physician bullying is alive and well in this hospital and there is no sign of resolution in the near future.

Very unfortunate.