Why apologize to doctor when calling?

catshowlady · Mar 19, 2011

I also apologize when I have to call repeatedly, or for "dumb stuff". Example: we have certain lab results that our policy requires we call within 1/2 hour (critical results). Even though the result doesn't need to be treated immediately (like a low calcium level in a pt who also has low albumin levels) or isn't all that much higher for that pt, we still have to call. Plus, the lab will not call all the results at the same time. So you call for the first critical lab, then 30 minutes later they call another one on the same pt, so you have to call again.

Sometimes, you have to call again right after you talked to them about something else, such as new symptoms, or the pt just told you they want something else (that they failed to mention to you earlier or to the doc when he was just there, but now all of a sudden it's urgent). Or the pt deteriorates.

I just say, "Sorry to have to call you so early (7am), but I have to call you XYZ lab," or, "Sorry to have to call you again, I know we just spoke, but since I last talked you, XYZ has happened."

Again, I feel it is just a courtesy to recognize that the MD is as busy (or tired) as we all are.

:paw:

flashpoint · Mar 19, 2011

It's just a courtesy...when I worked for a hospital that had nurses on call due to low census, I appologized for waking them when I had to call them in.

I also try to grab a snack for them if the patient's condition allows me that time. When I was a volunteer firefighter / paramedic, I kept some bottled water and cookies in my car, so I had a little something either on the way to the call or when it was over. It isn't kissing up or being subserviant or anything like that...it is just being nice...and I have much better luck getting what I want when I take the time to flip the button on the coffee maker or pour a glass of juice.

hopefulwhoop · Mar 19, 2011

I HATE when nurses begin a phone call with an apology. Absolutely HATE it. I don't see it as courtesy at all. It gives the doc the upper hand and makes you look weak. What the heck are you sorry for?!?! It's their job. I hate that many nurses don't stand up for themselves. Ugh.

elkpark · Mar 19, 2011

I consider it common courtesy and good manners. It's not like I'm really apologizing. It's like saying "please" or "excuse me."

Even if it's your job and you're getting paid for it, getting awakened in the middle of the night is not a pleasant experience. I would hope, if I'm ever in a job that involves sometimes being awakened out of a sound sleep to deal with something at work, that whoever has to call me would have the basic courtesy to say they're sorry. :)

nursing.mypassion · Mar 19, 2011

I don't think it's good to say sorry to show sympathy. Well, not really, to show sympathy with the 'sorry' word, I'd phrase it like this: "I'm sorry that you are called in the middle of the night. I want to let you know that your patient blah blah blah .... insert SBAR". Better yet, I would say 'Hi doctor. I know it's late and I thank you for picking up the phone. Insert SBAR." I would not apologize, it's the policy to ask your doc about how to take care of your patient. It's a mutual agreement. Think about the patient, who's in the worse case, me or the doc or the pt? Also, docs are expected to be called. I did not do anything wrong, so why apologize? :nurse:

mama_d, BSN, RN · Mar 19, 2011

I also tend to start out with an "I'm sorry to wake you, but blah blah blah." Personally, I'm not the most pleasant person in the world to wake up for work, and hubby gets a much better reaction from me when it's "I'm sorry, it's time to get up for work" instead of "Hey, get up and go earn that paycheck". Gives me a chance to get my brain on.

Kinda like saying "bless you" when someone sneezes...there's no point to it but it's the polite thing to do. IMHO at least.

It goes the other way too...we have a handful of docs who are very good at following up on their pts from their computer at home, and call at times to give us orders or just to check up on pts. I've had several of them start the conversation off with "Sorry, I know you're busy, could you take some new orders on Mr. Jones?" I'm sure they're not actually sorry, but it's a polite acknowledgement that they likely interrupted me in the middle of something.

Jonathank · Mar 19, 2011

Showing courtesy makes doctors feel superior? OP- I'd find something else to blame for any MD attitude issues you encounter, because that one doesn't pass the smell test. Besides- as several people have already told you, the words are just a common courtesy rather than a heartfelt apology.

And I'd also look in the mirror. Most of the MD's I've encountered in my (admittedly brief) clinical experience have been professional, respectful and collegial. Making generalizations about any group of people says more about you than about them.

canesdukegirl, BSN, RN · Mar 19, 2011

Hmm...the common courtesy of apologizing for having to wake the MD is not showing any sort of weakness; rather it is showing that you have some manners.

I also work in a teaching hospital and I know these residents work themselves to the bone. I will absolutely go out of my way to be courteous to them, and they return the sentiment. They don't "get paid the big bucks". Their salary is less than mine. I will apologize for waking them because:

1. I want them to get their bearings before I start giving them information.

2. I want them to COMPREHEND what information I am giving them so that they can give me a sound and appropriate order.

3. I want them to understand that I realize that they are working on 3-4 hours of sleep in a 24 hour period. It AIN'T fun. It is expected, and we all know that. However, it still sucks donkey butt.

While there is no reason to PROFUSELY apologize (it is their job, and we are doing our job by calling them), there is nothing wrong with extending an empathetic word. It shows that you have class and that you understand how tired the MD must be. Believe me, it goes a long way for them.

llg, PhD, RN · Mar 19, 2011

"I'm sorry ..." has multiple meanings. When used in this situation, it means "I regret I have to wake you up." It doesn't mean, "I am guilty of doing something wrong."

Similarly, when I hear that a colleague has had a family death, I might say "Oh, I am so sorry." That doesn't mean I am guilty of killing the person. I am expressing my sorrow/sympathy for the other person's misfortune.

Unlike most nurses who are not scheduled to work during the day when they are working a night shift, most doctors have to also work during the day when they are "on call" during the night. I truly do regret having to wake them up -- not because I am wrong to do so, but because I hate to see anyone suffer -- even doctors.

When someone interrupts me, I appreciate it when they say something like ... "I'm sorry to interrupt you, but could you please help me ..." even though their request is well within my job description.

It's just common courtesy -- and the world needs more of that, not less.

Sparrowhawk · Mar 19, 2011

First, this the second thread on this we've had....

Second, it's common courtesy..I'd say it if I was calling anyone in the middle of hte night whether they're getting paid for it or not.

Third, I tend to only say so if I'm calling him for the second or third time. (since I don't work overnights) "Sorry to bug ya again but.." then rattle on.

psu_213, BSN, RN · Mar 19, 2011

Someone mentioned PCTs in this discussion. I have been in the middle of something, the PCT comes up to and says "Sorry to bother you, but Mr. So-and-so would like...." Are they truly sorry? Probably not, but they are just trying to show some courtesy.

I've even had doctors pull me away from something (for instance, to help them find a chart) and they start out by saying sorry. Again, probably not sorry, but defnitely not showing that they feel subserviant to me...

Ruby Vee, BSN · Mar 19, 2011

hi,
i'm a new graduate. i just wanted your thoughts/opinions on this. when calling doctors at night, i noticed that a lot of the nurses start the call with 'i'm sorry to bother you doctor, but....."
don't they realize that the doctor is not on call out of the goodness of his heart? he/she is getting paid. that's his/her job.
i'm not heartless and can sympathesize with someone being woken up/sleep deprived/etc. but i'm not calling to talk about the weather or chit-chat about a game - so it's definitely not a bother.
i feel like everytime a nurse apologizes for calling the doctor to do his job - they get this entitled feeling and that's why most act so nasty and bothered and start yelling at nurses for calling them. some nurses just dread calling certain doctors and always make apologizes and it just annoys me.
why do you think they do that?
and do you do it?

it's "social grease." and yes, i do it. it provides that moment for the doc to switch gears from whatever he was thinking about/doing and turn his attention to my concern.