Advice for nurses - Doctor and Nurse: The Working Relationship

The US nurse typically has more autonomy and a greater voice in the US clinical setting than he or she had formerly.

1. What if a doctor is verbally abusive.

As you would expect this is not allowed and apart from it being just plain bad manners it is potentially disruptive to the team dynamic. Be firm and state that this is unacceptable behaviour and ask the doctor to desist. If this route proves futile then report the doctor to a supervisor.

2.  Is the doctor my boss?

It is not the role of a competent US nurse to simply be a helper. The nurse is part of a multidisciplinary team where everyone has specific responsibilities for the care of the patient.

3. What if the doctors’ instructions are unclear?

The US nurse should immediately ask for clarification. If not then a serious mistake may occur

4. What if I disagree with the doctors’ orders

As a US nurse you are expected to be proactive and to ‘think on your feet’. If you wish to question the doctor this is not considered disrespectful. Nonetheless such a discussion should be conducted away from the patient and hopefully in a private area.

5. What if vigorously disagree with the doctor?

If , after careful consideration, you feel that the doctors’ orders are incorrect or even dangerous then it should be carefully documented and reported to your supervisor.

6. Ultimately who carries the final responsibility?

As stated earlier a US nurse is part of a motivated multidisciplinary team. Nonetheless the nurse is not considered responsible if the doctor makes a mistake.