Short and sweet. I am a new nurse. I think and have gotten feedback that I am doing a good job...BUT!!! I am afraid of the docs. They intimidate the crap out of me. All of them. Any advice to help me get over this? I feel like there is this weird thing that goes on between the docs and nurses, like if I am sitting to chart and a doc walks within a 5 foot radius of me, I feel the need to jump up just in case they might need my chair or computer.
But more important, I feel that my fear is getting in the way of patient care sometimes. I hate calling them. I hate to bother them when they show up to the floor. I never know which one to call because my patients have so many doctors.
Is this something that will just get easier in time? This is unusual for me to be so uncomfortable and I seriously dislike the way I feel.
Specializes in Hospice, ONC, Tele, Med Surg, Endo/Output.
Get a life! Its really irriating to see this stuff on this site. It makes you look like you are a miserable person who jumps at the chance to put someone else down and its a really ugly quality. You can't HONESTLY think thats appropriate advice to give the OP or that she was actually looking for a response a long those lines.
Sorry, not trying to derail from the original topic but everytime I see stuff like this I find it more and more ridiculous.
I appreciate your response. Some folks just get off on their pat, inappropriate responses to another person's anguish. Right on for telling it like it is.
"grow a spine" sounds a bit harsh, although we all know that one's spine becomes stronger with exercise, and this new nurse, will, indeed have a stronger one with time.
i prefer, "nobody will want to chew on you if you're tough.":d
I am guessing you work in a hospital. Ask your preceptor who to page. Almost always you page a doctor on the primary team. I guess this may vary on where you work. I didn't have this problem too much because I mostly deal with residents/interns which I think makes it a lot less intimidating. if i have to talk to them it is not for me but for the patient which is my job and for the most part they understand that. Also if you are paging them almost always it is relevent to have a new set of vitals, labs (if they aren't in house with a EMR), meds the patient is on , was on. etc. anticipate what questions he/she may ask.
When I was new, I too, was a bit intimidated. Then I kept thinking that my job was to be the patient advocate. Every time I had to talk to the doctor, or question him/her, I kept saying to myself, "I am the patient advocate." Keep saying that and it may help you like it helped me.
After a while I realized they were just people trying to do their best for the patient.
Specializes in Trauma Surgery, Nursing Management.
In order to overcome a fear, you must first identify WHY you are afraid of something.
For example, I used to be TERRIFIED of heights. I had no reason to be, but I would hold my breath when my husband was driving through the mountains. Instead of enjoying the scenery, I would shut my eyes and hope that the drive would end soon.
So he took me to a mountain range where a swinging bridge connected one mountain to another. Yeah. Thanks, there, DH. He said, "Baby, you have no reason to be scared. The fear of inexperience is rendering you incapable of enjoying the beauty around you. Take my hand, and we will cross this bridge together." I did it, and I now ENJOY hiking in the mountains, crossing bridges, and appreciating the beauty of the highlands...all because I gained some experience with it.
You are in a similar situation. You are terrified of making calls, you are intimidated by interaction with docs, however, you are cognizant of these things. You came here to ask for advice, and I think you have gotten some great advice thus far...with the exception of 'grow a spine'. I am not even going to waste the time to respond to that snide comment.
So now you must ask yourself WHY you are intimidated by docs. What is it that makes you hesitant? Do you feel that you don't have enough experience to question or clarify an order? Or do you avoid confrontation in general?
Make sure that prior to contacting a doc, you have all of the pertinent information in your hands. Have the latest labs, the latest VS and a list of meds at the ready. If a doc is rude to you, brush it off and know that you are being an advocate for your pt. If they ask a question that you don't know the answer to, don't say, "I don't know", but rather say that you don't have that information on hand, but will find out and get back to them.
Sweetheart, it takes time for docs to get used to you and vice versa. There isn't much more that you can do other than to continue to be well organized, prepared and assertive when you need to place a call.
Have some confidence in yourself. USE your resources. Ask lots of questions, and keep coming back to this forum when you need to vent, ask more questions, or find yourself wanting a different perspective.
It isn't easy being new. I remember it well, and relied heavily on my nursing mentor when going through the first year. Do you have a nursing mentor?
Keep your chin up, honey. You can get through this. You just need a bit more time, experience and support. Before long, you will be a seasoned nurse and can pay forward the pearls of wisdom that you learned in your first year.
Doctors in general come off as intimidating to me. However, has it occurred to you that registered nurses may scare PCAs, CNAs, medical assistants, LPNs, and less experienced nurses? It is normal.to feel intimate by authority figures. Dont let it get to you or get in the way of being the best nurse you can be.
The next time you are really intimidated by one of the docs imagine them pooping or crying, this might help you see that they are human just like you.
I LOVE this!!!! Seriously probably some of the best advice I've ever seen, and I'm definitely going to use this whenever I'm uncomfortable around someone :)
Wonderful helpful advice. I got to see a few comments before my shift today and I can't thank you all enough for the help. I just needed to know that I am not totally alone. I went out of my way to talk to two different docs today and I am feeling my confidence grow already. Thank you to those who have been there and those that understand.
As for the "Grow a spine" comments, you are the bullies that make nursing difficult for everyone. Basic A&P, the spine is tough, yet flexible and protective. Sounds like something is wrong with yours if you can't find it in you to support or at least not put down a new nurse.
As for the "Grow a spine" comments, you are the bullies that make nursing difficult for everyone. Basic A&P, the spine is tough, yet flexible and protective. Sounds like something is wrong with yours if you can't find it in you to support or at least not put down a new nurse.
I believe you are well on your way to "growing a spine!" Actually, I think what you were lacking is confidence, but I see you are overcoming that and are well on your way to a great nursing career. I'm very happy for you! Congratulations!!!
MomRN0913
1,131 Posts
They are just people, not Gods. Nurses are not Dr's servants. No need to give up your chair.