Was the doctor right or wrong about this?

Specialties Geriatric

Published

I received some lab results about a resident. According to the results she had a uti. I called the doctor but no and answer so I left a message on his cell. On the message I stated my name, facility, reason of call( lab results came in), time. The only thing I left out was the unit and patients name. I understand that I should of told him the unit but I didn't understand why he yelled at me for leaving off the patients name. I was always taught to never leave a patients name on voicemail due to hipaa.

My DON said I was right but she also saw where the doctor was coming from. After the doctor yelled at me. I just said ok. I want this to be a learning experience for me so that is while I'm asking you all for your opinion. Thanks.

Specializes in Geriatrics.

Unless the Doc clearly identified himself in the VM msg I would NOT leave priveledged info. My name, phone number and unit or extension, yes, patient's name? No. If he did clearly ID himself, then I would feel OK with leaving all info.

And yes, most LTCs DO have HR departments that oversee staffing, but they do not oversee MDs, as they are just in collaboration with the LTC, not employees.

Specializes in LTC.

Thanks for the replies. I do have a better insight on this.

Specializes in LTC, home health, critical care, pulmonary nursing.

Delaying tx? I think not. The doctor has to call back to give the order regardless of how much info was left on the VM. It takes 2 seconds to say, Jane has >100,000 colonies of E. Coli in her urine, it's sensitive to Macrobid.

As for the yelling, maybe he was having a rough day. I've been known to be a bit snarky when I'm not feeling so great. I try to give them grace, I know I need it! On the other hand, people treat you the way you let them treat you. I've been yelled at by physicians, but they only do it once.

Getting all upset because you didn't leave a pt's name? He'll get over it.

Specializes in LTC, ER, ICU, Psych, Med-surg...etc....

You know, I get tired of the doctors who yell and act like they are doing ME a favor by returning my call. All Nurses care about taking care of their patients. I am sorry he had a hard day, but there was no reason to take it out on you and I'll bet your day was just as hard...even before he yelled and acted like an idiot....

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