proper ettiquete

[nightreader]

I work in the Heathcare field, but I am not yet a nurse. I have one class to complete (A&P) before I can apply for the nursing program in the Fall. Eventhough I have worked in a hospital for 6 1/2 years, I have not had much contact with Physicians. I am a paper-pusher. Can anyone give me hints/advice on how a nurse is to "act" around Physicians? I have heard, "don't ask too many questions", etc. The reason why I ask is because I am told I come off "intense". Whatever that means... I have three children, and have made a few doctors peeved when I take my children in to be seen at after hours clinics (when my doctor's office is closed). I ask too many questions and apparently get too involved in the process. Any insight?

[ainz]

Good questions and comments but difficult to answer. I would say that remember the doctors and nurses are human. Most of the time doctors are in a hurry and very preoccupied when rounding so they find lots of questions an intrusion on their time, particularly if the questions do not concern the issues at hand with the patient they are currently thinking about. But some doctors enjoy questions because they like to "share their immense knowledge" and view themselves as learned teachers, and some of them are. It is hard to generalize here.

I just know that when I am very busy with multiple tasks and things on my mind it is irritating to have a family member or coworker asking tons of questions that take lots of time to answer and explain etc. BUT answering questions and teaching is part of a nurse's job, it is an expectation, and actually a requirement of practice. Many nurse practice acts have language in there that list teaching and promoting health (which involves answering many questions) as legal requirements of nursing practice. Failure to do so could be interpreted as negligence.

I would say simply be yourself and if you observe that you are irritating people by being too intense and inquiring to deeply and frequently, then lighten up and back off. Perhaps doing your own reading and studying to answer some of your own questions would be helpful. Good luck!!

Oh--people that aren't curious and want to know lots of stuff usually remain somewhat uneducated and in the dark, so, it is good that you want to know things!!

[BunnyBunnyBSNRN, ASN, BSN]

Act like yourself...MD does not stand for minor deity. Drs are human too - just b/c they have a few more years at school than a nurse does not mean that they are better.

[colleen10]

My instructor always says you get more bees with honey than vinegar.

If you have a question or don't under stand something she says to be really nice to the MD and pose the question like you are really interested in why or what they did, as opposed to questioning them why they didn't do something else. That way it doesn't seem like you are questioning their knowledge or performance but are interested in letting them educate you.

She said most MD's are pretty decent and just love to explain things to you.

[P_RN, ADN, RN]

K I S S* and remember they're people and not gods. Hello, thank you, would you mind telling me, and then listen and learn.

K I S S = keep it simple sweetie

[purplemania, BSN, RN]

I have had parents ask questions in such a way that I felt defensive. Likewise, the parent with too many questions seemed to be drawing attention to herself, not the issue at hand. Nurses, however, tend to be independent thinkers and doers. Listen and observe others. NEVER take crap from anyone if you can help it and just be polite as much as possible. Don't worry about this.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

Well, you ask a lot of questions and you get involved with your patients. Sounds like you're on the right track. Don't worry about what they think. You'll be there for the patients, the same way you are there for your children now. Don't change a thing.

Good luck! We need good nurses like you that are advocates and not afraid to ask questions of physicians.