Question r/t Doctors

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Feb 14, 2017

He sounds like a peach. If this doctor owns the clinic and you work for him, then there isn't much you can do about his behavior provided he isn't doing anything unethical or illegal. Unfortunately being a jerk is neither. You're absolutely not unreasonable to consider leaving- in fact, I'd encourage it. If the doctor is employed by the clinic, you could try escalating to the clinic owners/managers, but as this doctor is bringing in business, they are likely to choose him over you. No need for you to stay in a work environment like that. Start planning your get-away.

Sour Lemon · Feb 14, 2017

I went from working in long term care for 6+years to working in a clinic about 4 months ago. I had to be off 8 weeks for an unexpected surgery. My first week back was last week. I work one on one with a doctor. I forgot to do something he asked me to do last week on Friday and he acted awful with me all day today and even called our manager on me. IT wasn't anything that would have anything to do with patient safety just a request to call a patient to check on them. Our clinic was so busy and I completely forgot, i even owned up to my mistake. I got so upset i almost started crying and he seen it, and told me that weakness doesn't work on him, that it only makes him mad. Am i UN-reasonable to say I'm considering leaving this position after this outburst. I am a RN-BSN, I'm choosing to work at this facility due to work hours. Am i being unreasonable? He also said he texted me on Friday and I didn't reply back, that when he texts he expects a reply within a reasonable time. I didn't get the text message until later that night and thought it was to late to reply back?

Calling to check on a patient can be an issue of patient safety. It's difficult to say who overreacted without being there ...or at least getting both sides of the story. Have you worked with this particular doctor before? How are your working conditions otherwise? It's not unreasonable to leave a job if you're not happy, but you're not a new nurse, so I'm sure that you realize some conflict will pop up in any job.

What was the text about and were you on the clock at the time? If I'm not working, I don't feel much responsibility to respond to my employer ...but in some cases, a prompt response may be appropriate.

Libby1987 · Feb 14, 2017

You don't think calling a patient to check on them would have anything to do with their safety? Did you tell him that you blew it and forgot or that you forgot due to the clinic being busy?

Perhaps it didn't come across as exactly owning up to it.

I would not quit a job due to my team member's aggravation with my omission error and my lack of accountable response. It's not that I haven't ever ha a felt knee jerk response nor ever cried with embarrassment and/or hurt feelingS but would tell him I know crying over such an issue is not the kind of skin required for the job.

roser13, ASN, RN · Feb 14, 2017

I went from working in long term care for 6+years to working in a clinic about 4 months ago. I had to be off 8 weeks for an unexpected surgery. My first week back was last week. I work one on one with a doctor. I forgot to do something he asked me to do last week on Friday and he acted awful with me all day today and even called our manager on me. IT wasn't anything that would have anything to do with patient safety just a request to call a patient to check on them. Our clinic was so busy and I completely forgot, i even owned up to my mistake. I got so upset i almost started crying and he seen it, and told me that weakness doesn't work on him, that it only makes him mad. Am i UN-reasonable to say I'm considering leaving this position after this outburst. I am a RN-BSN, I'm choosing to work at this facility due to work
hours. Am i being unreasonable? He also said he texted me on Friday and I didn't reply back, that when he texts he expects a reply within a reasonable time. I didn't get the text message until later that night and thought it was to late to reply back?

I do think it is an over-reaction to leave your position based upon this one incident. It sounds as if you really need/want the clinic job for its hours. Clinic jobs are not always easy to find. I think you should make an effort to move past this episode and mood your best to work with this MD, including setting clear parameters around texting expectations, off-duty hours, etc.

AliNajaCat · Feb 14, 2017

For what it's worth, there have been a few high-profile cases involving missed call-backs lately, so he may be sensitive to that.

If you don't get a text until late (look to see when he sent it) and you're off the clock, then you're off the hook on that one. Let it go.

As to getting the weeps over his bad manners, please work on that. Not blaming the victim here, but it is likely he's like that with a lot of people so stop taking it personally and stand up to him. Folks like that usually back down when called on bad behavior and it puts you on closer to an even footing, desirable in a professional relationship.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Feb 14, 2017

As long as another entity signs my paycheck, I am expected to do what is asked of me at the workplace. If I fail to carry out a task, I will expect unpleasant consequences for my failure to do what had been asked of me.

Nobody deserves 'awful' treatment. We all should be treated in the same manner that we treat others. However, be cognizant that the physician is not exactly feeling the warm fuzzies over the lack of follow-through with two tasks.

Good luck to you.