Working Relationships with Physicians Most nurses do fine working with the physicians within the facility, but what happens when there is a problem? Don’t just assume the doctor is always right, because sometimes they are not. It may be that both parties are right, and they need to come to an understanding. Working with an Irritable Doctor Consider the fact that we all have bad days, so if it’s unusual for this physician to be in polite, maybe you can give them a break. They may have gone through a bad day themselves, or even lost a patient. You could simply ignore their less than desirable comments, or just ask if they are doing ok. On occasion a doctor may open up and explain what is going on. Who better to understand a medical problem than a nurse? Ultimately giving a grumpy physician a break may be doing them a big favor, you never know what another person is going through. We all know there are some physicians that are just not very fair to nurses. No nurse should ever tolerate being belittled or mistreated verbally or physically by a physician or anyone for that matter. Any incident should be reported to your supervisor and to human resources if appropriate actions are not taken. Related: Legitimate Everyday Essentials For Nurses Relating to Physicians When it comes to working closely with a physician, there has to be a level of understanding. This usually develops over time, as you become familiar with the doctor’s personality. Most operating room nurses that work with a surgeon on a regular basis can anticipate their next move or request. This happens with familiarity, and it does take time. If you are working with a doctor and the working relationship is new, accept the fact that it will take an adjustment period. You may remind the physician that you are not familiar with their technique, and it will hopefully remind them to be patient and allow for a learning period. Following Physician Orders We are all trained to follow physician orders as a nurse. However, there may be the rare occasion that you spot something that does not seem right. The real question is, could it be just a little different way of treating the patient, or is it very different, and in your opinion wrong? This would be a case that you would bring it to the attention of your supervisor. That allows
for a second opinion, and they can make the determination on whether to speak with the doctor. One nurse noticed the physician prescribed penicillin to a patient with an allergy to it. This was an obvious mistake and one caught by the nurse. The doctor was alerted, and was very grateful to the observant nurse; the patient’s life may very well have been spared.
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Covering for a Physician Nurses have strong ethics, and in fact follow a code of ethics. We always want to back our coworkers and stand with them; however that may not always be permit table. Doctors make mistakes just as everyone does. When they make a mistake, it is within their code of ethics to speak up and admit their error. If they don’t acknowledge their mistake they could lose their license. If you notice a doctor make a mistake, your supervisor should be alerted if time permits. Always speak up, you are an advocate for the patient above all else. You should be certain you have the facts correct, but bring any situation to light that would be considered not in the best interest of the patient. Your supervisor or an ethics committee will make the determination on proceedings. Never cover for a physician, or anyone when it comes to patient safety, this is not only morally wrong, but can end your career. For the most part, doctors and nurses maintain a level of respect and work well together. If not, you should speak up. You may not only be defending yourself, but every other nurse as well. Related: International Nurses Association Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest and Twitter