What they don't tell you in nursing school...

MN-Nurse, ASN, RN · Jun 15, 2012

Why is it when you're in nursing school, or in orientation for your new floor, they always tell you to "Speak Up" if that's not what they really mean? It seems like they really mean to tell you is shut up! I always hear nurses telling other nurses how they will be yelled at and called stupid for calling a Dr. and asking a legitimite question. Why is it this way? Any ideas? Given, I am new to nursing. I think it is so wrong how it is handled. We worked our butt off to earn a license, so why should we risk it over a doctor with a God complex? Seriously, this is frustrating to me. It's sad that nurses don't stick up for one another the way they should.

It's not always that way. A nurse could call 99 doctors and get treated respectfully, but then 1 doctor acts like a jerk and that is all you are going to hear about.

Since you are new, spend some time observing what happens in real world situations, then decide whether to get your panties in a bunch over it.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Jun 15, 2012

nursing is the same as with any other work relationships. Some people you get along with and others you don't. You just have to learn how to co-exist.

allnurses Guide · Jun 15, 2012

Is your beef with doctors or with other nurses?

AOx1 · Jun 15, 2012

Your post assumes that instructors in your nursing school and those offering floor orientation will be able to anticipate every single situation you will encounter. If I tell my students to speak up, that's exactly what I mean. However, I obviously can't control every single nurse, physician, or health care worker my students will come in contact with in the clinical setting. This isn't even reasonable. Similarly, those providing orientation can't control every other health care provider in the facility where you are working.

Direct communication is your best option. I have only had issues with three physicians in a rather long nursing career. I have never had a second issue with any of these physicians. You teach the majority of people how to treat you. If you speak with polite authority, you rarely have problems. For example:

Physician: "Why on earth did you call me about this? Are you some kind of idiot? Don't ever call me again."

Nurse: "I am calling you in a professional capacity about a change in status of your patient Mrs. X. Do you have any new orders, or shall I instead document what you've just said and pursue the matter further?"

The physician is then on notice that you won't tolerate rude behavior and that the patient is first priority.

Contrast this with the nurse that stammers "Oh my gosh, I'm sooooo sorry Dr. X to have bothered you ...."

If this does not solve the problem, I would report the incident to risk management.

I'm not sure why you believe that your former nursing school or floor orientation leaders are to blame for the behavior of physicians. If you encounter problems, use assertive communication and report the behavior as needed. The coworkers who are whining about how mean Dr. X is accomplish absolutely nothing other than to prolong the misery. If your facility treats nurses poorly in general and advocacy is ineffective, it is time to start looking for a new facility. By advocacy, I do not mean whining. I mean communicating that the behavior is unacceptable to the source of that behavior.

butterfly_kisses9188 · Jun 15, 2012

AOx1, I have no idea where you got the idea that I blame my floor or nursing school for physician's behavior. I was simply saying that nurses in school always tell the students to speak up. They should practice what they preach is all I am saying. If a nurse can't make out what an order says, another nurse should never tell you that you're going to be yelled at for calling the doctor. I've also never understood why doctors do yell at nurses when they are responsible for that patient as well. I am just venting is all.

onedayitllbeme · Jun 16, 2012

I am in 4th week of nursing school. teachers have already explained you have to do what is right regardless of attitude from physicians. I am sure some nurses will make the wrong choice and take a chance instead of calling an arrogant doctor but that doesn't change what we should be taught.. vent away and stick to what you learned.

That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Jun 16, 2012

I got a sick sense of joy calling the ******* docs at 3 in the morning for something easy. But hey jump down my throat for doing the easy things once, I'll ask permission from there on out

ashley024 · Jun 16, 2012

They told us from day one in school that if we weren't sure of something in the least but to call the doctor. They also said you might get yelled at and called names. But it's your license on the line . If you need to call the doctor at 3 am who cares if he is mean and going to yell? It's your job to care for the patient.

Ruby Vee, BSN · Jun 16, 2012

why is it when you're in nursing school, or in orientation for your new floor, they always tell you to "speak up" if that's not what they really mean? it seems like they really mean to tell you is shut up! i always hear nurses telling other nurses how they will be yelled at and called stupid for calling a dr. and asking a legitimite question. why is it this way? any ideas? given, i am new to nursing. i think it is so wrong how it is handled. we worked our butt off to earn a license, so why should we risk it over a doctor with a god complex? seriously, this is frustrating to me. it's sad that nurses don't stick up for one another the way they should.

i don't understand the part about risking your license over a doctor with a god complex. huh? would you not call the doctor if you thought your patient needed something just because the doctor might be unpleasant? seriously?

allnurses Guide · Jun 16, 2012

i guess like anything in life, a directive to "speak up" can be interpreted in many ways. in nursing school when you're on the floor for clinicals it may seem so overwhelming sometimes the reaction students have is to stand by the wall hoping someone will notice you and place you where you need to be. that won't happen.

"speaking up" could mean that you are proactive in making sure people know you are interested in observing or doing procedures within the bounds of policies of school and clinical site. it could mean noticing things you can offer to do without being invited by the hospital staff, such as bringing the nurse extra supplies he or she might need.

a good example of what speaking up doesn't mean was shared here a couple years back. a student was sitting at the nurses station, and loudly called "excuse me! yoohoo! hey you! doctor person!" across the room because she needed the chart for her careplan.

as far as calling the md we have a current thread going on that very subject!

[color=#330033]if you think you need to call the md, call the md!!!!

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/if-you-think-741840.html

Merlyn · Jun 16, 2012

Some Doctors Think they are god. Others know they are. Society itself puts these pill pushers on pedestals. They are the modern day holy men. With nothing more then a bag full of pills, they make you all better. Some consider nurses as dumb idiots that could not get into med school. Really if it wasn't for and opposing thumb the doctors would be swing in the trees. you will hear your patient's families. If the patient gets better,"Oh the Doctors were so good" If the patient dies," The Damn Nurse screwed up" Get use to it kid, except it like sun rises. You have to take that abuse. You cost the hospital money. Doctor's bring money into the hospital. Guess which one will be always in the right. This is another step on Nurse Reality Street. But there are some cracks in doctor's Ivory towers. Some nurse aren't taking this BS anymore. I was taught in nursing school, when a Doctor comes on the unit you stand up, no matter what you are doing. We come a long way. But we still have to put up with these kings every once a while.