KevinMD September 1, 2024
As I neared the end of my second year of general surgery residency, I had spent almost an hour comforting an anxious patient, assuring her that her bedside abscess drainage would be simple and quick. Finally, I put on my sterile gloves to begin. Before I could start, a nurse who embodied the “Karen” stereotype entered the room and asked, “Are you cleared to perform this procedure alone? Where is your attending?”
“Yes, I am,” I answered dryly, barely hiding my frustration at the disrespectful interruption. At this point, I had performed this procedure many times. However, I dared not quip back with a reply, or I would be reported. Again.
Great way to strengthen the patient-physician relationship. Thanks.
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