Working with difficult physicians

[ChunkyM0nkeyz]

As a new night shift nurse I have found myself getting tongue tied and stuttering my words when it comes to talking to any physician. Most recently, I have encountered a physician that had been somewhat of a bully; not just to myself, but other nurses as well. My question to my fellow nurses is how do you deal with a difficult physician? How do you speak to a physician who is yelling at you for reporting a critical lab value or asking for a consult for a declining patient? I feel I need all the help I can get.

[NB741]

I always stand my ground and remain professional. For example, if he yells at me about getting a call for a critical lab value, I'd say, "I have to call you according to protocol. If you do not want to be bothered with certain critical labs, you may certainly write orders as such in the chart". I also document everything and email the supervisor. My hospital has a no tolerance policy on such bahaviors and supports/protects nurses. Therefore, even the CEO can't bully others at work. On the other hand, I always ensure I have a legit reason/know what to say each time I call a doctor. When I first got started, I asked other experienced nurses questions before I called a physician. I found that very helpful. Good luck and remember, patient safety always comes first!

[Miss Infermiera2b, BSN, RN]

I'm not a nurse yet, but I am a medical scribe who works directly with the ER physicians every shift. A lot of them are really easygoing, but there are a few doctors here who are incredibly demanding and sometimes downright mean. My advice is not to let them intimidate you. Don't let them embarrass you or take away your dignity. Med school did not give them the right to treat you as less than you are. If you are feeling scared and tongue-tied, just tell them you need a moment to recall the information they're asking for and don't back down or act apologetic when you have nothing to apologize for. You deserve respect.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

Realize it is your responsibility as a nurse to inform the physician of any change in condition of the patient, it is the physician's responsibility to listen and respond accordingly. Learn the SBAR format. Deep breaths... never let them hear anything but a firm authoritative voice.

If a physician is yelling at you, tell them you are hanging up and they can return the call when they can respond appropriately.

Then document your call, the response, and inform the nursing supervisor. The supervisor should assist you in obtained the correct physician response to your patient's needs.

I was charge nurse on a step-down unit with many unstable patients. I held my ground, knew I earned respect when the attendings, interns and residents not only started to listen, but nicknamed me the she-devil of Tower 4.

[thevez]

Realize it is your responsibility as a nurse to inform the physician of any change in condition of the patient, it is the physician's responsibility to listen and respond accordingly. Learn the SBAR format. Deep breaths... never let them hear anything but a firm authoritative voice.

If a physician is yelling at you, tell them you are hanging up and they can return the call when they can respond appropriately.

Then document your call, the response, and inform the nursing supervisor. The supervisor should assist you in obtained the correct physician response to your patient's needs.

I was charge nurse on a step-down unit with many unstable patients. I held my ground, knew I earned respect when the attendings, interns and residents not only started to listen, but nicknamed me the she-devil of Tower 4.

You're doing what is right for the patient.