How can you establish boundaries with physicians who are dismissive or disrespectful?

1 Identify the problem

Recognizing the signs of a physician who is disrespectful or dismissive of your role as a nurse is the first step. Examples include interrupting or talking over you, ignoring or dismissing your input or concerns, making rude or sarcastic comments, undermining your authority or credibility, blaming or criticizing you unfairly, and expecting you to perform tasks outside your scope of practice or comfort level. These behaviors can have a damaging effect on your self-esteem, confidence, and job satisfaction. Additionally, they can create tension and conflict in the workplace and compromise patient safety, quality of care, and outcomes by hindering effective communication and collaboration.

2 Communicate assertively

The second step is to communicate assertively with the physician who is disrespectful or dismissive of your role as a nurse. Assertive communication requires expressing your thoughts, feelings, and needs in a respectful and confident way, without being aggressive or passive. To do this, you should use "I" statements to describe how you feel and what you need, rather than blaming or accusing the physician. Additionally, using facts and evidence to support your point of view can be more effective than opinions or emotions. Furthermore, employing active listening skills to show understanding of the physician's perspective and concerns can be beneficial. Lastly, using positive and respectful language is important to avoid escalating the conflict or creating defensiveness.

5 Review and reflect

The fifth step is to review and reflect on your interactions with the physician who is disrespectful or dismissive of your role as a nurse. This can help you gain valuable insight and make adjustments or improvements as needed. Consider how you felt before, during, and after the interaction, how you communicated your thoughts, feelings, and needs, as well as how the physician responded. Ask yourself what you did well and what could be improved upon, and what you learned from the situation that can be applied to future interactions.

6 Take care of yourself

The sixth step is to take care of yourself and your well-being. Working with a physician who is disrespectful or dismissive of your role as a nurse can be emotionally and physically draining. It's essential to prioritize your health and happiness and not allow the negative interactions to impact your self-worth, motivation, or performance. To practice self-care, engage in activities that make you happy and relaxed, such as hobbies, exercise, meditation, or spending time with friends and family. If you feel overwhelmed, depressed, anxious, or traumatized by the situation, seek professional help. You may benefit from counseling, therapy, or support groups that can help you cope and heal. Additionally, celebrate your achievements and strengths as a nurse. Acknowledge the value and impact of your work and appreciate yourself and your colleagues for the difference you make in patients' lives.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?