Where do you draw the line?

Published

Specializes in Intensive medical care.

So, I'm going to be a first year nursing student and I've been poking around allnurses for a while and have met some awesome folks and read some interesting concerns. Now I have one of my own.

I understand that there is a certian amount of...abuse (is that the right word) or flack that I'm going to have to put up with from co-workers, instructors, and patients but my question is, where do you draw the line and say enough is enough? I suppose my curiosity leans more towards, how do you handle this situation with doctors? I understand that they deserve respect because they have a lot of responsibility and have gone through a lot to be where they are, but heck. So have I. I'm pretty sure nursing school is not going to be a walk through Cupcake Town. And the last person to go off on me was my mother and that's because she's my MOTHER. Where do you draw the line as a professional and say enough is enough and stick up for yourself? Thanks, guys. :redpinkhe

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I just read the new JCAHO standards re: intimidating and disruptive behaviors to be in place by early 2009. Here's the link:

http://www.jointcommission.org/SentinelEvents/SentinelEventAlert/sea_40.htm In the mean time, you carry yourself as a professional regardless of age, position in the so called hierarchy and not be guilty of equally deplorable behavior. Stop the intimidating immediately by a calm response that conversation will continue when the rhetoric is toned down to normal speaking level. Then walk away from the offender. Same kind of response you would use in any public setting.:twocents:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency.

Not that I know, and I am just entering Nursing school as well, but I would say you are going in with the wrong attitude about this. Don't expect the worse from patients, instructors, or doctors and you will be able to deal with something like that a lot better when and if it does actually happen. Also, every situation is different, each nurse, doctor, patient, and instructor is different so there really isn't an answer for your general question.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ortho,peds,medsurg ICU,psych.

I have never had to endure verbal abuse from anyone in a hospital setting - not physicians, residents or other nurses.

Maybe this will be a non-issue for you. Other can sense when you are on the defensive, and being hypervigilant might cause you to misinterpret someone's remarks.

You know?

Alice:nurse:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, Infusion therapy, Oncology.

I have found that MOST of the people I have encountered in this profession have been professional and curteous. You will find exceptions to this but always remain professional and keep the patients best interest first and it usually works out. Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Intensive medical care.

I re-read my post and I can see where some questions might arise. Please don't misunderstand me. I'm not trying to walk in the door on the defensive. I understand that when things of this nature happen, it can be in the minority of encounters I would have as a nurse. On the other hand, I don't want to be naive and think every day for the rest of my life we are all going to hold hands and sing by the fire. People are people and in hihg pressure situations I would imagine that tempers flare. I was just wondering about 'repeat offenders'. As a patient I see the way SOME physicians talk and treat staff and I was just wondering how others deal. When you let it roll off your back and when you put your foot down.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Education, Acute, Med/Surg, Tele, etc.

This question couldn't have come at a better time for me, and thank you so much Pax Ramona for that link!

The situation is, I work in a medium sized rural hospital that has a huge patient base due to sudden expantion and people moving in. Our hospital can't handle it all. Well, in order to try to make things better we suddenly and without proper training went to computers.

I am quick at computers, and was able to do my best and get things done quickly (without time to actually see or help my patients...GRRRRRRR!). Well...not all the staff is able to handle things this way...and yesterday and the day before, I had a Doc throw a chart at me, been yelled at solid when all I try to do is help, haven't been able to do my job because of all this, and have lost the trust and relationships with my Docs and patients because I can't seem to get anything done because I am busy trying to correct probelms or unprofessional behavior from staff!

My workplace is a harassment right now on every level, and although I am cool and understand that chaos is normal...well, I need to have staff that understands that as well as I do, and tries to be proactive instead of complaining and harrassing about something past! Doesn't anyone care about patient care around my place???

Harassment by patients at this time I can understand, they are getting the bare min of care due to this, and still have to pay the full cost...do I sympathize with them, and have the social skills to turn that around as quickly as I can...but staff!!!!! I shouldn't have to.

WHen that MD threw the chart at me, I asked my overrun Charge nurse (who is a dear sweet gal that never gets flustered...oh she is beyond flustered and is having physical s/sx and I am very worried about her!) who I can report that too...she had no clue...I said "THAT must be changed NOW!".

I have written a probelm/solve list today, will check it again tomorrow to make sure I am not being anywhere near unprofessional (I find a day later a good edit is good!)...and will submit it asking for a protocol and chain of command for harrassment reporting. If I don't get an answer, then I call the BON and State Labor Board!

That link will help tremendously!!!!!! Hello JAC!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency, outpatient.

Very interesting...thanks for the link.

I can still mumble under my breath, can't I?:D

Up Vote Up Vote ×

before being a doctor, nurse, and even the Pope, we are humans first...

and it is our inherent right to be treated as worthy and meritorious.

our titles only permit us to recognize our respective knowledge bases.

but in the grand scheme, we are all servants.

doctors, nurses and all hcw's, to our pts.

no one has the right to disparage you.

ea and every one of us has an equally vital role in our work.

with the establishment of that foundation, you have a right to expect civil treatment by all.

how you choose to address any inconsistencies, is solely up to you.

my point being, is that you indeed have a choice.

no one, and i mean no one, is superior to one another.

and if you truly believe and accept that, the rest will fall into place.

best of everything.

leslie

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peds.

Hi,

I'm not sure I agree with earle58's view of us being the servant of the pt. I'm a professional who provides a vital aspect of modern health care.

I am no body's servant.

That said - I agree with her wholeheartedly with "we are humans first".

Mama Logan always said that "rudeness is the product of a weak mind".

I deal with rude people like I deal with any other problem - with calm confidence, determination and direct action.

Stand up for yourself. Don't 'degenerate' to their level. Respond with courtesy and professionalism. If amicable, direct attempts don't work, don't play into their game.

Take care of yourself first and the world will take care of itself.

thanks,

Matthew

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Hi,

I'm not sure I agree with earle58's view of us being the servant of the pt. I'm a professional who provides a vital aspect of modern health care.

I am no body's servant.

thanks,

Matthew

matthew, please, don't misinterpret the word 'servant'.

i am referring to a person that services another.

nothing more, nothing less.

leslie

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peds.

Hi leslie,

matthew, please, don't misinterpret the word 'servant'.

i am referring to a person that services another.

nothing more, nothing less.

leslie

Thanks for the clarification. :)

thanks,

Matthew

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion