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Changing business by changing behaviors

Examples of harmful behavior identified by physicians, nurses, medical clinic staff, students and faculty

Physicians and nurses; hospital medical unit

“I have seen and experienced abusive/defiant behavior which then led to adverse patient outcomes”.

 “By the use of harmful, disrespect behavior by some staff the patient lost trust in the skills of other staff and physicians”.

 “Management uses fear and intimidation to motivate, personal attacks rather than constructive criticism or help, allows unresolved issues to continue, do not respond to staff in a timely manner or are present on the floor to observe work flow or staff interaction and do not model sensitivity or caring for the concerns of staff. As a result the same dysfunction translates when some nurses then adopt similar behaviors - disregard fellow staff, do not communicate which compromises efficiency and teamwork - or help all staff to be the best they could be. Gossip and cliques destroy a feeling of inclusiveness and creates an unprofessional climate. Many staff feel intimidated to stand up for fear of retaliation. There is a general feeling of poor morale due to the lack of mutual respect”.


Staff Medical Clinic

"I have witnessed people being rude, talking about each other behind their backs, not admitting their fault, starting a confrontation in front of patients on more then one occasion that the manager was told about and was there for one incident, people lying about certain things that were/weren't said, dragging out arguments that should have been dropped, going to others and telling them what happened with a certain situation, people doing things together and leaving certain people out of the included circle, people asking questions about personal situations that one is not comfortable talking about, people having guests during work hours for extended amounts of time".

"I have watched a person try to help others who were confused about something only to be talked about after she has walked away, saying how she thinks she know every thing etc... I have watched people roll their eyes at people after they walk away". 

"Staff curt with patients on the phone. Staff not welcoming to patients (not smiling, no eye contact, not offering to help...)"


A University
Students

"During my clinical experience
I felt very demeaned by the clinical instructor. The guidelines were not made clear to me or the rest of my group, and apparently I broke one of her rules. The problem is, I didn't know what her rules were until the END of the day. I was belittled and threatened to be kicked out of the program, for what I thought was a minor infraction".

"I have never witnessed physical abuse; however, I have been a witness to verbal abuse.  This occured last year.  Since it is now over, I would prefer not to say anything.  However, I would strongly suggest that if faculty truly feel that they must use negative words and scare tactics to teach, perhaps an annual seminar regarding how to teach in a positive environment (your choice of words, encouragement, posting office hours) could be required.  I know as a returning student I am here to learn and I learn best when encouraged".

Faculty 

"I had to interfere with a shouting match between two students, stop a student pushing another student, discuss situations with students when they felt that their instructors were uncaring".

"I have observed a faculty member raise their voice to a staff member.  I have observed a staff member speak to other staff in a very condescending manner and tone.  I've heard faculty and staff talk about students in a very disrespectful manner.  I have heard staff talk about the sexual orientation of other staff and students in inappropriate ways".