Very worried, (very long)

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Feb 25, 2006

Lol...I'm not so sure I wouldn't have reacted the same way under ths same circumstances.

I would talk to your superior about it. At the very least, you'll be able to inform her of what was going on at the time, and why you may have reacted that way. Definitely own up to what you said, though. If disciplinary action is placed against you, I would inquire about what action will be placed against him as well. Because, let's face it- he was talking to you in a demeaning manner, and you were caught off guard, because of everything going on around you.

One more tip: When it's that busy, you may want to consider sticking to your duties and not attempting to help out the secretary. Her putting in orders can wait- your direct patient care can't wait at times, especially in a busy ED. You were already overwhelmed- that's not the time to stop to answer the phone. It would've gotten answered, I promise.

Mulan · Feb 25, 2006

Use an incident report form and write up, will it is fresh in your mind, what he said and what you said, as well as what was going on in the ER at the time, and turn it in. In my opinion he was inappropriate as well, to speak to you the way he did. I wouldn't be apologetic as if it were all your fault, make it known that he spoke to you inappropriately in the first place.

Good luck and let us know what happens.

DSplendid · Feb 25, 2006

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply, and your right, I don't know what the hec I was thinking, picking up that phone. I was already swamped. I am going to address it with my supervisor. A part of me hopes, I'm just paranoid, and nothing will come of it. Maybe, he was just venting to the charge nurse, I don't know, but thanks for your help.

Trauma Columnist · Feb 25, 2006

Sorry - I know exactly what you are talking about. I've been in the ER for almost 10 yrs and still open my mouth and put my foot in it sometimes. However, hopefully nothing will come of this. I would write up every thing you remember about the incident in case you are questioned.

Marylou1102 · Feb 25, 2006

I feel for you. That sounds like an absolutely horrible night. It also sound like you are a mature responsible staff member. So that said I don't think you have to worry too much. I'd tell you not to worry at all but I know you will anyway. I think there will be some form of diciplinary action, probably more like a slap on the wrist. And probably mostly because the Pompous Old Wind Bag will demand it. I really don't think you have blown your chance at the ER after graduation because you have a proven track record there. If this is a first time offense they really won't do much other than talk to you and have you promise that it won't happen again. Take heart and know that we have all done something like this at some time in our careers.

keep cool and let us know what happens.

soliant12 · Feb 25, 2006

I wouldn't worry about it. If I was your supervisor I would be laughing.

wooh, BSN, RN · Feb 25, 2006

If this is an ER you really want to work in, then they aren't going to chastise you for putting pt care ahead of catering to a pompous windbag. If this gets you in trouble, this is not where you want to work. If you were a patient in the ER, would you rather the staff be treating you or kissing MD butt?

Altra, BSN, RN · Feb 25, 2006

DSplendid, you did the right thing.

It's possible there will be repercussions, but you did what had to be done. You're right - the ER can and does sometimes look like a war zone in a 3rd world country.

Try to be proactive and talk to your NM before he/she comes to you -- just state the facts, paint the picture of what all was occurring at that moment, and that you were unable to get the doc the info he needed right at that moment, but would certainly have done so if circumstances were different.

Hugs to you.

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Feb 25, 2006

Every ER nurse in the world has done that and we're all still here.

If the phone is ringing and you have a choice between patient care and answering the phone, let it ring. If they need you bad enough they'll call back, or page overhead, or come down and get you...or maybe hire someone else to help out (lol)

noc_owl · Feb 25, 2006

I'll bet that you are not the only person this doc has treated in this way. I'll bet there are many a nurse that wish they said what you did when he was speaking in a demeaning manner!

I also agree with the person here who said to go to your NM before they come to you about it. Tell her what happened and own up to it, and be sure to let her know the circumstances and what was said to you. My guess is that you don't get anything more than a slap of the wrist, if that, and maybe a pat on the back! No one should have to tolerate being treated like that.

Good luck, and if it were my decision, I certainly would not hold it against you when considering you for employment.

thumperRN · Feb 25, 2006

You have gotten good advice here. Some Docs think they can do whatever the heck they want - so glad you didn't pander to him. :yeah: And don't worry, if this is the worst thing that's going to happen to you, you're gonna be fine. Besides, it's not like, as a nurse, you can really say, "Gee, I just can't find a job anywhere" ...