#ToxicMedicine

I got a call from one of our NPs that a neurosurgeon was berating him and the icu nurses about why his postop patient was in the icu. He brought one to tears and was yelling at the charge as well. So I called.

Nsg: Who the hell transferred my postop pt to the ICU?

Me: I did.

Nsg: Who gave you permission to transfer my patient?

Me: I’m the admitting physician. You’re a consultant. Are you aware of their other injuries?

Nsg: Listen, hun, I don’t know who you think you are but...

Me: First, don’t call me hun. Second, it’s Dr. Hussein

Nsg: Ok “DOCTOR” I have never admitted pts to the ICU after this procedure. I don’t know what possessed you to make these decisions. But this is not the end of this discussion hun.

Me: Didn’t I tell you not to call me hun?

Nsg (no livid): I’M CALLING THE DIRECTOR AND CMO TO TALK ABOUT THIS!!!!!

Me: Great! Let me know what they say.

Nsg: ~click~

Toxicity doesn’t end, even when you become an attending because this bad behavior is never checked. We just have to learn to check it ourselves.

*now livid*

Edit button

This was awhile back. He’s told I’m right and he backs off. I report his behavior and, surprise, no repercussions for him. Calls me “DOCTOR” every time we interact for a few months and eventually learns to stop trying to get under my skin because I never let him