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Web site spotlight: Nurse/physician communication tips

Staff Development Weekly: Insight on Evidence-Based Practice in Education, March 13, 2008

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The sticky aspects of communication between nurses and physicians have existed for decades, and the problems seem ingrained in hospital culture. However, generational shifts and respectful attitudes being emphasized by new, fresh-faced physicians may be changing the dynamic of perhaps the most troublesome area of healthcare interactions.

"It's an age-old problem that's been around for a very long time," says Marjorie Chavez, BS, RN, director of learning and development for CHRISTUS Spohn Health System in Corpus Christi, TX.

There are many steps educators can take to foster positive nurse/physician relationships, says Chavez:

• Establish a zero-tolerance policy. "I think one of the most important things for nurses to do is to hold physicians responsible," she says. "Sometimes administration needs to be tough on them. When it comes to zero tolerance, administrators have to be behind that 100%."
• Help nurses build congenial and collaborative relationships with doctors. "Have the nurse get to know the doctors and do rounds with them," says Chavez. "Then the nurse knows what the doctors want, and the doctor knows how to work effectively with the nurse. It will help build a team, not nurses against doctors."
• Foster critical thinking skills in your nurses. Nurses should use their critical thinking skills when talking to physicians and ask questions to build a healthy relationship, says Chavez. "The nurse should say to the physician, 'This is what I think you want to hear.' And the physician can say, 'No, this is what I want to hear, especially at 4 in the morning.'"

Editor's note: This excerpt was adapted from the article "Hey Doc, Can We Talk?" For more information on evidence-based resources, visit the Evidence-Based Resource Center, part of www.StrategiesForNurseManagers.com!   

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