Nurse vs. Doctor: Facilitating Healthy Relationships with Physicians

• Common barriers can exist in the nurse vs. doctor dynamic, and it is imperative to identify these to work through them effectively.  
• Interventions are essential to build a healthy relationship when encountering the physician effectively. 
• Developing a healthy work relationship is beneficial for patients as well since the physician and nurse collaborate to provide quality care.

Working with physicians and other medical providers can be daunting, especially as a new nurse. Physicians endure several more years of medical training, which can sometimes intimidate a nurse. It is vital to remember that nurses are just as critical as physicians, and having a good working relationship with physicians is equally important.

Maintaining a healthy and professional nurse/physician relationship improves patient care and positive patient health outcomes.  

Nurse vs. Doctor: Common Barriers to the Relationship

Logistical Challenges: Finding a place to communicate free from distractions is complex, and it can be impossible to reach the physician when needed.   

Language and Communication Barriers: Difficulty understanding the physician due to language barriers or medical jargon the nurse is not yet familiar with.   

Approachability: Physicians can, at times, appear frustrated and angry, making it difficult for nurses to approach them.   

Perceived Lack of Respect: Nurses often perceive physicians as lacking respect for the nursing profession. 

Interventions for Nurses to Develop Stronger Relationships with Physicians  

Take pride in your job: Show up on time, pay attention to details, and do your best. This demonstrates professionalism, dependability, and dedication. The physician will take notice, which will aid in building respect for you as a nurse.   

Communicate effectively: Physicians appreciate a nurse who can communicate information in an organized, logical, and quick manner. This is especially important in the event of a patient emergency. It is much better to become familiar with the physician’s preferences. If they have a particular routine or flow that they follow, adapt as much as possible. Ask what information they must have so you know what to discuss with the patient. Make sure you know how to contact the physician in the event of an emergency or other incident. 

Use a team approach: Be collaborative. For example, say, “Our patient,” instead of, “Your patient.” Each of you has a vital role in the patient’s care; this will show that you want to work  as a team.  

Speak up: Alert the physician when you notice a problem or a potential error. Physicians work quickly and are prone to human error. It’s essential to speak up if you encounter possible errors that might put the patient at risk. Do this calmly and carefully, but do not be afraid to speak up. This is essential for patient advocacy, which is especially important in healthcare. If you don’t understand something the physician asks you to do, or another medical order, ask for clarification or further explanation.  

Avoid harmful behaviors: Avoid blaming others for problems in nursing and take accountability for any mistakes you might have made.   

Exude confidence: Be confident in your education and skillset as a nurse. A physician will instill more trust in a nurse who knows what to do.  

Remember, others are watching: Nurse/Physician interactions are often observed by others. Patients, co-workers, and new hires/potential hires could all see your nurse vs. doctor dynamic. Ensure you are a good role model and set the example of a good working relationship.   

Have a sense of humor: Let the physician see a bit of your personality in the proper context and at the appropriate time. Take an interest in learning the physician’s personality as well; they are not as intimidating as they often seem! This will aid in building rapport and a more comfortable dynamic and help maintain a healthy balance of seriousness and fun.   

The Bottom Line

Developing a healthy working relationship with the physicians you work with is essential. Nurses and physicians are the central collaborative team regarding patient care. Building this relationship takes consistent effort, but it will have long-lasting and positive effects on your patients.  

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