Tips for Nurses:
- Always have the chart in hand when calling a physician.
- Adopt the SBAR tool as a standard of communication – especially telephone conversations.
- Don’t begin telephone conversations with “I’m sorry to bother you….”
- Be prepared for rounds. Anticipate late night problems ahead of time.
- Use the progress notes to briefly communicate your key concerns/interventions.
- Confront physicians whose behaviors are degrading by speaking to them in
private. State the behavior and its effect. Ask manager for support if needed. - Take the time to thank and acknowledge those physicians with whom you have a
good working relationship. - Don’t complain about a doctor to other staff. If you have a problem, speak to the
physician in private. - Raise your awareness. Identify those physician behaviors which belittle or
diminish you (one – word answers, no eye contact, interrupting, raised voice, etc.) - Further your education by pursuing a BSN or MSN degree.
