Opinion
When judging physician bullying, consider what would have happened if the aggressor were a nurse
LETTER — Posted May 9, 2005
Regarding "Bully case verdict a warning to doctors" (Article, April 18): As a registered nurse for 30 years, I have expertise in the field of workplace bullies. Several hospitals in this area have new policies regarding inappropriate behavior by physicians and employees.
To date, few of the procedures are carried out by the hospital. The only one I know of required a physician to make a verbal and written apology to a nurse. I would like to make a suggestion regarding deciding if the behavior was a true problem or not. Reverse the situation: What would have happened if the aggressor were a nurse, perfusionist or anyone other than a physician?
Myra Thomas, RN, Moultrie, Ga.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2005/05/09/edlt0509.htm.