Doctors and nurses work hand-in-hand in the medical field and must work together to ensure their patients receive the best care possible. Unfortunately, some doctors can be difficult to work with, which can be a challenge for nurses as it can affect their ability to do their job well.
As a nurse, you know that it’s not always easy to work with doctors. These individuals can be rude, demanding, uncooperative, aggressive, and even abusive, leading to a complicated professional relationship. These types of behavior are often unreported and can lead to patient safety issues or legal concerns.
While it’s not easy to do, working with difficult doctors is part of the job. However, it doesn’t mean you have to accept their behavior. This blog post will provide helpful tips for nurses to better manage difficult doctors.
A Doctor-bully Epidemic Is a Nationwide Phenomenon
Unfortunately, doctors’ bad behavior is a nationwide issue. In a survey conducted by the Workplace Bullying Institute in 2017, 63 percent of workers knew that workplace bullying was occurring. In another study, 77 percent of respondents reported witnessing physicians displaying disruptive behavior.
This is concerning as it can put nurses in a difficult position, especially when the doctor is in charge. Nurses must recognize disruptive behavior and know how to manage it appropriately.
Tips and Tricks To Keep Your Cool When Working With Difficult Doctors
Although dealing with difficult doctors can be challenging, there are strategies you can use to help manage the situation.
Here are some tips for nurses.
Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Communication plays a significant role in the doctor-nurse relationship. Nurses need to communicate their needs, concerns, and recommendations to doctors confidently and clearly. Make sure to speak up when needed and be clear in what you’re asking or suggesting.
When communicating with a difficult doctor, it’s essential to remain calm and professional. Speak up for yourself and clearly state your position without being confrontational. Be bold and assertive to ensure you are heard without fanning the flames.
Never Tolerate Abuse
Never tolerate any form of abuse. If you feel unsafe or threatened, speak up and report the incident immediately. Also, make sure to document every encounter that you have with the doctor for future reference.
Remember that you are also a professional and deserve to be treated with respect at all times. If a doctor crosses the line, don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself and take the appropriate measures.
Admit Mistakes if It’s Your Fault
It’s vital to acknowledge your mistakes when necessary. No one likes to admit that they have made a mistake, but taking responsibility for it can help soothe a difficult doctor and help move the conversation forward.
It’s also important to learn from your mistakes. Ask questions and get feedback if needed to improve in the future. This doesn’t mean that you should take all of the blame. If you are not at fault for the situation, don’t be afraid to point out the other responsible parties.
Understand Workplace Pressure
Sometimes it can be helpful to understand a doctor’s perspective. Often, problematic behavior is rooted in stress or frustration due to heavy workloads, long hours, demands, and deadlines. From this point of view, it can help to be more understanding and supportive of a doctor’s needs.
Empathy for your colleagues is crucial as this will help you respond when facing challenging situations. Offer support whenever possible, and try to be understanding of their situation.
Never Take Anything Personally
People are bound to clash in a high-pressure environment, and taking things personally won’t help. It’s crucial to remember that the doctor’s behavior is not a reflection of you. Try to remain neutral and focused on the task or conversation.
Don’t take any criticism or negative comments personally. Also, try not to let your emotions get in the way of making decisions or taking action. Stay professional and look for solutions rather than getting caught up in the moment’s emotions.
Take Deep Breaths
When facing a difficult doctor, it’s essential to take deep breaths and try not to get too worked up. No matter how difficult the situation might be, taking a step back can help you think more clearly and respond more rationally.
Remember that if you choose to engage in an argument, it will only escalate the situation. Take a few deep breaths and give yourself time to think before responding. This can help you keep calm and remain composed when facing challenging situations.
Get To Know Your Doctor
The animosity between two people often comes from not understanding each other’s needs and expectations. It can be helpful to spend some time getting to know your doctor better. Take the time to build rapport with your doctor and try to get to know them better as a person.
Knowing how they think and respond to different situations can help you better communicate with them and handle future conflicts at work. This doesn’t mean you have to be friends with them, but it can go a long way in creating a healthier working relationship.
Hospital Policies Never Allow Workplace Bullying
It’s important to remember that your hospital has a clear policy on workplace bullying. No matter how difficult the doctor might be, they are not allowed to bully you or any other staff members in the hospital. If you feel a doctor has unfairly targeted you, don’t hesitate to bring it up to a superior or management and take action.
It also helps get support from colleagues who can help and advise on how to manage the situation. Working together as a team can help diffuse tense moments between you and a difficult doctor, so don’t be afraid to reach out for help.
It’s Never Wrong To Stand Up for Yourself
It’s important to remember that difficult doctors are people too, but it’s just as important to remember that you have the right to stand up for yourself and put boundaries in place. No matter how difficult it might be, never forget that nurses are a vital part of the health care team. With patience and understanding, it is possible to work with even the most challenging doctors.