“Treachery and Backstabbing….”
Wow this is pretty interesting. American College of Physician Executives’ recent survey among 2,000 physicians, nurses, and excutives found that 97% of respondents had witnessed or experienced “degrading comments, yelling, cursing, inappropriate joking, and refusing to work with one another.” The article reported that the survey painted a picture of “treachery and backstabbing.”
I would need to know more details about the survey questions, but I’d say that’s feasible. It’s such an open and often-times casual environment, it’s easy to see how people let their real selves shine through.
Also interesting is that about 47% of respondents said that it was an even mix of physicians and nurses who exhibited behavior issues, while 45% said it was mostly doctors. The most common complaint was degrading comments or insults at 85%, followed by yelling at 73%.
In my opinion, the most common things I see are cursing and inappropriate joking or teasing of a sexual nature from both physicians and nurses. Collectively all these behaviors comprise what constitutes a vague definition: “hostile work environment.” And while nurses were reportedly more often fired than physicians (61% vs. 22%) for the behavior, the target is clearly on the backs of the physicians. Joint Commission is coming down hard on hospitals to have Disruptive Practitioner policies, and most are pretty stringent, leaving the definition of “disruptive” or “hostile work environment” fairly open to interpretation. Having been through a couple of these processes as a member of Medical Executive Committee, I can say that they are very difficult for everyone involved, including admin and the Medical Staff. We’ve sent a few people to anger management, and it worked….for a while.
Given all that I feel like it’s under-reported as an official complaint.
Wow, I say it again; “treachery and backstabbing.” Interesting choice of words. Maybe we should do a reality show around it. Would probably get very high ratings.
Full article here, but you’ll need to register : http://tinyurl.com/ygwxojo
2 years ago - read more...
