Navigating Unprofessionalism: A Nurse’s Perspective

Working in healthcare can be challenging and rewarding. However, it's not uncommon for nurses to encounter unprofessional and rude doctors. This article will explore a firsthand account of such an experience, highlighting strategies for dealing with unprofessional behavior in the healthcare setting.

Experiencing Professional Neglect

During my tenure as a health navigator at a local hospital clinic, I encountered a situation where a doctor’s unprofessionalism affected the patient experience. The company I worked for was a contractor, so while I assisted in improving healthcare quality and patient assistance, I was not an employee of the hospital.

Initial Obstruction

In my role, I often had to request doctors to fill out a simple form for Medicare patients. However, one doctor explicitly refused, stating, “Nothing against you, but I’m not doing that form.” Befuddled, I asked if it was okay, and he confirmed it was fair, but it was still my job to communicate the request. My boss suggested discussing it with the doctor’s nurse, which led to further complications.

Escalation with the Nurse

When I spoke with the nurse, the doctor overheard our conversation from his office and interrupted us. His response was clear: he did not want the nurse to assist further. This raised the issue of whether I was the problem or if the job was unsuitable, despite my positive reviews from other doctors.

Handling Unprofessionalism: A Personal Account

My involvement with a particularly unprofessional doctor, Dr. JerkFace, became increasingly complex. One of his patients, Mr. SoAndSo, had recently discovered his cancer had returned. With the looming end of his work insurance, this situation was both concerning and anxious for him.

Facing Direct Confrontation

I provided assistance to Mr. SoAndSo, but upon returning to my desk, I made the mistake of mentioning the situation to Dr. JerkFace. His immediate response was to challenge me, stating, “And what exactly does that have to do with me? Do you need to be talking to me right now?” He then proceeded to walk toward me, despite me being in the doorway, and demanded, “What does any of this have to do with me?” An uncomfortable scene ensued, with clinic staff all around.

Consequences of Unprofessional Behavior

Dr. JerkFace’s wife, who was also a doctor in the clinic, further added to the escalating tensions. Weeks later, she yelled at me for sending a follow-up email, which was heard by all clinic staff. I received a report from an unknown individual, leading to a meeting with the clinic manager, who instructed the doctor to improve his behavior.

Impact on Mental Health

The constant exposure to unprofessionalism took a toll on my mental health. The stress and uncertainty made it difficult to deal with these continual confrontations. As a result, I started to avoid treating Dr. JerkFace’s patients.

Seeking Support and Resolution

Eventually, I approached the hospital’s HR department to file a formal complaint. This decision led to a series of calls and meetings, ultimately resulting in the doctor being instructed to improve his conduct. I eventually left the job, seeking a more professional and supportive environment.

Throughout this process, it's crucial for healthcare professionals to address unprofessional behavior to ensure a safe and effective work environment for all.

Conclusion

Unprofessional behavior, whether from doctors or other healthcare professionals, can significantly impact the patient experience and working conditions. Navigating such challenges requires assertiveness, support from HR departments, and a commitment to professionalism and respect in the medical field.

Keywords

professionalism unprofessional doctor nurse experience