What is the best way to culture a respectful and positive relationship with the physicians

[TrevorChurchman]

As a student nurse who is only a couple of months from graduating and taking the NCLEX I am in the middle of my rotation with a fantastic preceptor in a wonderful hospital emergency department. The PA's that we work with are almost uniformly excellent in both their work and their treatment of other team members. My question is this- when I am not so lucky and work in an environment where the physicians are less supportive or dedicated to an approach based on teamwork, what is the best way to cultivate a respectful and positive relationship? I have already experienced one MD who is extremely derisive towards nurses and radiology techs and speaks to them in a condescending manner and it negatively effects the entire working environment. As a new grad keeping my head down, mouth shut and ears open, is there anything I can do to help foster an environment that creates healthy exchanges and interactions?

[OCNRN63, RN]

Don't go into your job anticipating that you will have problems developing working relationships with the physicians. They are just like anyone else: some are friendly people, some are not so friendly, and many fall somewhere in the middle.

This is much like not anticipating that you will be eaten by experienced nursing staff. Just don't.

When you have to talk to a doc, make sure you have all of your information together. Be succinct...they're busy going from floor to floor, so they don't have time for the whole song and dance.

I'm not saying this applies to you, but it's something that I have noticed with people who are younger than me: speak clearly and slooow down so you can be understood. I don't have problems hearing, but it really chaps my hide when I call a doctor's office/pharmacy, and someone answers the phone and says "HellothisisKrissyPharmacywehaveflushotshowcanIhelpyou?" I mean, seriously. Make eye contact if you're speaking to the doc in person. If you get orders from the doc, make sure you repeat them so you're sure you heard them correctly.

There's so much more, so I will let others chime in.

[TrevorChurchman]

Thank you, that's very helpful. I am not the traditional right out of high school nursing student but regardless I am sure that with nervousness comes talkingwaytoofastforsomeonetounderstand so being aware of it will more thank likely help me to prevent committing that error. I appreciate your input, thank you for spending the time!

[OCNRN63, RN]

Thank you, that's very helpful. I am not the traditional right out of high school nursing student but regardless I am sure that with nervousness comes talkingwaytoofastforsomeonetounderstand so being aware of it will more thank likely help me to prevent committing that error. I appreciate your input, thank you for spending the time!

Best wishes on your upcoming graduation!