Calling a particular surgeon difficult is a subjective perception if you ask me. He may be difficult for some but not for me. I prefer calling them "eccentrics." :-)
I was on a traveling assignment once and was assigned to scrub on a liver transplant. My only question was: How is Dr. X to work with? I was told "he's fine," which does not really tell me anything. I introduced myself to him. I told him that I have done this case before but not in this particular facility. If he tells me his particularities, I will try my best in helping him. I started and finished the case with no incidents that I know of. At the end of the case, he asked me where I was from. He asked me if I knew Dr. XX and told him I did and that I have scrubbed with him for so many years. He told me to give his regards to him, and that I could scrub for him any time. I saw one of the RNs give me a thumbs up. At the end of the case, I was told that he was one of the "most difficult surgeons to work with."
What I'm saying is, that if you establish ahead of time what the surgeon should expect from you, express interest in the case, pay attention to what the team is doing and anticipate their surgical needs, I think you'll be fine.
I was trained to have the instruments, etc. in the surgeon's hand before they even ask for it. Paying attention is the key.
Anticipate their needs… know their likes, understand their behavior, not agree with but try to understand it…
I had a surgeon that had a sour reputation and I was soon going to be off of orientation so I asked him if I could attend his next CABG, “Sir I know how to get your patient ready for surgery and I know the technicalities of recovering a CABG, but I want to know what happens during, it will help me understand my patient and their needs and yours”. He agreed and I learned a ton. I understood his stress and frustrations. I also was the recovery nurse for everyone of his late CABGs while employed there, because he knew I cared.
I make sure I have a notecard saved for that particular surgeon and write down all their unusual preferences from equipment, positioning to what radio station they like. I also remain very attentive to the procedure ie no cell phone, I usually won’t sit during procedure until they like me lol. also know when to stand your ground and advocate for the patient like dr not wanting to mark surgical site because it’s “obvious”, be confident in your nursing ability but not afraid to ask questions.
I specialize in difficult surgeons. Show them you know what you are doing, be efficient, anticipate needs, be quick and don't keep them waiting for something they use in every case.
Show interest, ask questions when the time is right, play their favorite music. Music soothes a lot of savage souls.
do my job as required. i do not appreciated vulgar and abusive language from anyone including surgeons. everyone need to be respected.
Be honest, take responsibility when appropriate, address issues at appropriate times not in middle of surgery. Pay attention, anticipate, be interested, even if it is superficial find something to ask them about. Ie family, if they are also in a band ask about gigs, etc. Be respectful but remember we are all humans.
For starters… you can’t take anything they do personally. This doesn’t excuse their rudeness, rather it helps you grow and develop as a nurse. If we look at our whole team plus patient as our responsibility, then that surgeon becomes our patient. When I look at the situation this way I feel like i am less inclined to take whatever happens personally. They are a difficult surgeon… I am not a difficult person to get along with… mental framing helps deal with those difficult situations and allows for resolution. Hope that helps a little.
“My husband would like to see you in the parking lot”
Great question.. it's like addressing the elephant in the room.. No one really speaks about it but there should be some mental training along with orientation. You separate yourself emotionally and focus on your patient care .. if you are allowed the opportunity, read up on your cases to gain understanding. Sometimes surgeons are so focused and strategic they don't have time to address your feelings. You should definitely seek a higher power daily and develop tough skin. I have been in surgeries with some of the nicest, calmest surgeons on a Monday -and by Tuesday they've developed into tyrants .. I truly believe it depends on how the case is going. Of course if there are complications with the routine there could be trouble. For the most part , it's good to bond with a team , know and understand the procedure, routines well. The surgeons' behavior should never dictate how your day goes nor your practice.
What’s funny are the comments saying ‘people told me Dr. X was difficult but when I worked with him he was fine’ totally missing the point. Great for you that it worked out, some of us have worked with them long enough to know he’s nice until he isn’t. Congrats, you kept them happy for once case but don’t act like you solved the riddle. Some docs are just difficult and there is no reason to Stan for them or act like others are less bc YOU don’t find them difficult. Maybe your expectations are too low. I will be spoken to with respect and I won’t be yelled at. If a facility allows aggressive behavior I will leave or write them up and we all should. We are educated professionals and should be treated that way. No one deserves to be yelled at.
Talk with them and ask about their expectations and then tell them what your expectations are…on their conduct.. and try to come to an acceptable solution
Absolutely never show him or her that you are affected. Many of us want to give them an earful until we think about our bills that need to be paid.
Secondly if her or she disrespects you that's a different story. I experienced a surgeon referring to me out of gender. I immediately reach out to management. It never happened again.
How do you deal with the employees who have issues with your race. Believe me it happens.
Be confident not cocky
Make sure you have what the surgeon needs. Remember you are the patient’s advocate and that is most important. Try to figure out what makes your surgeon difficult! Did he have to wait for instrumentation or supplies that he always uses? Was the OR running late before his case?
Just cater to his needs and be kind. Show your surgeon this is not your first rodeo!👩⚕️
Difficult in what way? As long as you have a solid preference card, you’re solid. Are the ones you’re being provided blank or inaccurate?
1st. Stay calm and professional.
2nd. If the situation merits it, calmly state that there is a patient in the table and that most issues can be taken care of after that case.
3rd. Kill them with kindness.
4th. After defusing the situation, escalate to your charge and nurse manager. If the situation merits it, escalate in the moment and immediately.
Be NICE !! Though everyone is a team player, it’s about the patience at the end of the day.
I have learned from someone very famous that “it’s not personal it’s business.” They are human.
Do what is expected of you and is allowable by law and your State’s Board of nursing. Focus on the Patient that’s on the table, work hard, make sure you have everything and your equipments are working.If not, follow up and don’t drop the ball. Ensure your case goes smoothly…even the most difficult surgeons do notice it.
I specialize
