The difficult doctor

Nurses in the operating room may find themselves in interpersonal conflict with difficult doctors. It is important to remember that the relationship may be influenced by patterns of thinking and behavior learned in childhood, in one's culture, and through the professional socialization and education process. The nurse may be able to improve communication by assessing the difficult doctor's interaction, using approaches that will elicit cooperation, timing approaches strategically, avoiding approaches that will precipitate defensiveness, and using direct approaches.