"Even though I was just a nursing assistant, I dealt with many difficult physicians while I worked at the nursing home in college. One physician, in particular, was extremely difficult and seemed to have a problem with anything and everything anyone did for a patient, including the nursing assistants. There were days when this doctor would come and yell at me for patients being in the incorrect position or not being changed, even though they had just been changed. It was frustrating, but I had to take it all in stride, reminding myself that the physician only had the patients' best interests in mind and that he had a lot of pressure on him and was probably dealing with it to the best of his ability. If I had the pressure of a physician on me, I don't know how I would react, so I try my best to keep it all in perspective."

"Sometimes it will feel intimidating to call physicians, especially after hours. I think the most important thing to do when interacting with doctors, whether in person or on the phone, is to be prepared and be clear about what I'm looking for from the interaction. When I was in one of my extended clinicals, my nurse preceptor had me practice calling one of our patient's doctors. We discussed ahead of time how I would identify myself, identify the patient, explain the situation, and ask for an order to increase the dose of the patient's beta blocker. I was nervous during that interaction, but it was professional and buoyed my confidence. I believe that if I can be calm and concise and remember that the communication is about my patient's needs, I will be able to work well with the physicians on my shift."