This is hardly considered professional dialogue.  Unfortunately, it happens, even between colleagues in healthcare.  However, this type of dialogue should not be tolerated by any of our staff.  Whether RN to RN, clerk to PCA, or MD to staff, etc. -  respect should be the cornerstone of all of our interactions.  The more we understand that high quality, safe healthcare is a team sport, the better.  As any of our risk management staff can attest, communication (or lack thereof) is a contributing factor in nearly all of our problematic occurrences.  It is obviously difficult to have meaningful exchange of information if one is fearful of, or subjected to, being yelled at or chastised.

The Medical Staff is in complete agreement with this concept.  Let me quote to you from the Medical Staff Policy regarding Disruptive Behavior, “It is the policy of the Medical Staff of CMC that all individuals within its facilities be treated with courtesy, respect, and dignity.”  Incidents that are contrary to this policy are taken seriously by, and acted upon, by the Medical Staff.

The CMC Corporate Harrassment policy also has similar language.  You can read both of these policies in their entirety through Lucidoc – and I encourage you to do so.  The soon to be released Target 100 Standards of Service Excellence will also address this issue.

There is certainly a subjective element to defining “disruptive behavior.”  Nonetheless, I would encourage you to follow the above policies anytime you believe your ability to care for one of our patients is hindered by another’s behavior.