Christan Rigsby
IN3004 Module 3
A personal situation where I have experienced ineffective and uncivil communication happened recently between a doctor and I at the bedside of a critically ill post-operative patient. The patient was a fresh post-operative CABG (coronary-artery bypass graft) with extremely low blood pressure, with IV pressure support on hold. Me, being the most seasoned nurse at the bedside, I immediately jumped into action by turning on and titrating the IV pressors. The intensivist was at the bedside micromanaging the situation by telling me what IV drips to titrate and by how much. I took it upon myself to do what comes naturally and do what I would normally do in that situation, titrate the drips based on the patient’s blood pressure, independently. The doctor did not approve and started yelling at me in front of the team. I responded the same way and let the provider know I did not need him to tell me what to do because I’ve been doing this for 15 years and I know what I’m doing. He reprimanded me and continued to yell so I just walked away. This was an unhealthy situation because the provider and nurse need to have effective communication to provide safe and adequate treatment and care to the patient. If a similar situation ever presented itself and I was at the forefront, I would simply tell the provider not to speak to me that way and leave the situation. Sometimes emotions take over and things said in the heat of a moment are not conveyed effectively, especially when patient safety is involved. Instead of arguing with someone at the bedside of a patient, whether you are justified or not, it’s easier for everyone to end it there and walk away. All communication will come to a stop and the situation can resolve on its own, in that moment. Afterwards, reviewing the situation and having some self-reflection on what could have been done differently can help. Also, speaking with the other person and having a healthy exchange can be a beneficial conflict resolution.
