Do doctors like nurses? Do you ever wonder?

 

The thing is, I value good physicians, I like doctors, I do! Yet here is the thing—and I’m trying not to generalize here—just looking at my career in health care on the whole:

 

I have been a unit secretary, was a CNA, a med tech in the ED, etc. So, I’ve been around the block. But no other hospital relationship is more cantankerous, it seems, than the nurse-doctor one.

 

I will never forget, back in the days before nursing school, as a unit secretary, when I got my first physician-tongue-lashing. He literally cursed me out for a non-emergent clerical error. It was at that point that I kind of clued into the fact that doctors may be hard to work with. Yeah, I had no idea.

 

As a nurse the relationship is more delicate. Yes, I have been yelled at at 3AM over the phone. Yes, I have been vehemently disagreed with over patient care—those things are somewhat understandable if not altogether inexcusable. But it is strange to be ignored by some physicians. Or for them to be somewhat inhuman and rude no matter what time of day, over the phone, or face-to-face.

 

I still wonder if doctors just see us nurses as slave labor? Honestly, I feel somewhat mistreated by some of them at times.

 

For instance, one doctor, on my reasonable suggestion that we discontinue a certain treatment based on the patients SBAR, screamed at me, “You can do whatever you like if you don’t mind KILLING THE PATIENT AND HER BABY!” Needless to say, I continued treatment. Ahem.

 

How about the doc who threw the instrument in the OR because he was handed the wrong one? Or the resident who snarled an obscenity when it was suggested he wash his hands after just delivering an HIV+ patient in one room, then going straight to another room to deliver another patient (and yes, the suggestion was made out of patient earshot)? Or the doctor who yelled, “Don’t you dare call me at home tonight–I need to sleep” when his patient was clearly going to deliver in the middle of the night? I mean, what am I supposed to do?

 

Do you have as many stories as I do?

 

Then there is the discussion board of residents who continually belittle nurses and the nursing profession in their posts. Many docs don’t recognize us as professionals, it seems.

 

Yes I do have some very good relationships with doctors, but I am going to say here that on the whole, doctors seem somewhat annoyed, irritated and fed-up with nurses. They take out their aggression towards their jobs and their patients on the people they work the most closely with:us.

Here are four times when it’s OK to argue with your doctor.


1. When the doctor isn’t listening to you or the patient


Nurses often have more contact with patients than doctors do leading up to surgeries or consultations. It’s during those interactions that nurses often find out relevant information about a patient’s condition that may not be obvious otherwise. If you have something to add and the doctor blows you off, it’s probably a good idea to take them aside and let them know that they shouldn’t ignore the information you’re conveying.


2. When the doctor is belittling you


Most doctors are professional, respectful, and courteous. There are some bad apples, though. Doctors who make you sound stupid in front of patients and/or coworkers need to be told that what they’re doing isn’t acceptable. Otherwise your ability to do your job will be compromised.


3. When the patient’s safety is in danger


If the doctor is showing any signs of incompetency — be it poor decision making or even signs of intoxication — it’s a must that you take it up with the doctor involved before he or she does something harmful to the patient. If that doesn’t work, tell your superior immediately.


4. When the doctor isn’t letting you do your job


Sometimes nurses assist or even handle some surgical procedures, including anesthetizing patients. If a doctor comes in, pulls the whole, “I’ll take it from here” routine, and tries to keep you from handling your duties, you should say something to him or her. Otherwise, he or she is likely to keep pushing you aside.

Now that you know when it’s okay to argue with a doctor, here are four things to keep in mind if an argument with a doctor can’t be avoided. Follow these rules to ensure you do the least amount of damage possible to your reputation and your relationship with the doctor.


1. Think before you speak


If you feel like you need to let the doctor know that he or she did something wrong, or that you disagree on the course of action, don’t just blurt out your concerns. Not all doctors do things the exact same way and no two patients are exactly alike. What looks strange or incorrect to you may actually be the correct treatment for a patient, or the doctor might be using a technique you aren’t familiar with. Thinking for a minute about the doctor’s point of view and whether it has merit before you say anything can save you from countless arguments.


2. Don’t raise your voice


Personality conflicts at work only get worse at higher volumes. Even if the doctor is yelling or belittling you, the best thing to do is always stay on an even keel. A calm, professional demeanor will earn you respect – if not from the doctor you’re arguing with, at least from other coworkers.


3. Be aware of your surroundings


The last thing you want to do is argue with a doctor in front of a patient. Just imagine how you would feel if your life is in the hands of people who are arguing about how to care for you, or just don’t get along. Nobody wants to be under the care of someone who’s emotionally unstable or downright angry. Move the argument to a neutral area, preferably an empty room with a door that closes.


4. Let your supervisor know


Anytime you have a disagreement with a doctor, it’s a good idea to go to the nursing supervisor and let him or her know what happened as soon as possible. That way, if the doctor complains about you, your supervisor will be aware of your side of the story. If the first time they hear about the disagreement is from a complaining doctor, then you’re going to be in the unenviable position of having to explain yourself to your superior.


Nobody strives for conflict with coworkers, but sometimes it can be unavoidable – especially in the high stakes and high stress environment of a hospital. You will need to stand your ground at some point in your dealings with doctors. If you follow these tips and make sure to keep your emotions out of the equation, you will be able to navigate these workplace landmines so you can concentrate on getting your work done and giving your patients the best care possible.