TENMHO SERIES: NIGHTINGALE – Debbie Petaled Dove

When I started housejob, I experienced so much toxicity from nurses that I wondered if they all had a direct beef with doctors. I could not understand why they were so unprofessional and hostile even when I tried to be cordial. Then I heard other colleagues recount their experiences and understood it was a system.

Some would disrespect everyone including consultants. I remember a consultant who had a rule that his patients never be admitted to certain wards manned by some toxic nursing staff.

Respect is human language regardless of hierarchy.

There was a day I was on call and had been informed by a nurse that a patient needed an IV access. It was evening and there was “no light”, so we would usually make do with a mobile phone flashlight. As I prepared to site the IV access, a nursing student on rotation came to assist me, she picked out the supplies for cannulation and held the flashlight.

The senior nurses sat at their station and chatted away. It wasn’t a big deal at the time because as doctors we were used to getting our stuff done regardless. But as this nurse handed over whatever I needed to ensure this IV access was successful, one of the senior nurses turned and said to her in a derogatory manner “what is she doing there?”

The junior nurse made no comment but continued what she was doing. When we were done, I ensured I made eye contact with her and said “thank you” again.
She knew I understood what had transpired and appreciated her professionalism.

This incident and a number of others have made me wonder if hostility toward doctors is part of the curriculum taught, maybe an unofficial part?

Health care is team work, no one does it alone. We need to work together for the good of the patient. It’s appalling when some health staff put up an attitude or think to prove their importance they must frustrate the work of others.

Isn’t it better when we work in synergy?

I remember another incident when I had counselled an obstetric patient being worked up for CS. We would usually inform the nurses before informed consent is taken, and this is supposed to be done with all parties involved present. On this occasion, I had informed the nurse who said I should go ahead that she’d do a separate counseling when I’m done with mine, because in her words, “HOs don’t counsel patients properly.”

I went ahead to counsel and take an informed consent from the patient, let’s call her Mrs A. After I was done, the nurse came and began counseling Mrs A again. I was still there because I had to site an IV access for her. The nurse began talking to her about the procedure and possible complications of a CS in such a way that it instilled fear in her. Interestingly, this wasn’t Mrs A’s first CS so she had an idea of these possible complications.

As the nurse continued, Mrs A became uncomfortable, she began to cry and asked to be left alone. Once she felt better, the procedure began and ended with a healthy mother and baby.

When I relayed this incidence to a colleague, he confirmed having experienced same with a nurse and we tried to understand the rationale behind this attitude.

I understand people can be individually difficult to work with, but when it becomes a trend with a certain group of people, then it is no longer coincidence.

I must say they were not all like that because I worked with a few sweet ones during my housemanship- very few though that I could count them on the back of my hands.

These were very professional and earned my respect. We had a good work relationship which I enjoyed. I was particularly glad whenever they were on duty because I knew my call would be fine regardless of how busy it might be.

I do not hesitate to commend a kind nurse whenever I meet one. It just warms my heart.

The conclusion of the whole matter is this: Understand your job description, take pride in what you do, be professional and enjoy it.

Dear HO, you may have a similar experience and when you do, remember it isn’t you but the system. Maintain a professional attitude and treat everyone with kindness.

Do you have any helpful tips on professional relationship that you’d like to share? Please do, I’ll be reading your comments.

Read TENMHO SERIES EP 2