Q: What went through your mind the first time you had to call a physician at home regarding a patient?

A: It can be pretty intimidating to approach doctors on the floor or on the phone. But we have to place calls out to them pretty much all day. Patients have multiple doctors collaborating on their care so when we need to address an issue, we have to be sure to contact the right doctor.

Talking to doctors isn’t as bad as you think it’s going to be. If you have a valid reason to call them, then it shouldn’t be a problem. You have to be aware of the questions that they may ask you. For example, if it’s a medication question, you should have the patient’s medication record available.

The first time I called a doctor I had to psych myself up, and I actually made a list of the things I needed ask for and backed it up with the reasons it was necessary. I just didn’t want to sound stupid. I didn’t want him to think I didn’t know what I was talking about. Doctors want your recommendations on the situation so you need to be prepared to ask for a certain drug or lab to be ordered.

It definitely takes some getting used to, but I have become much more comfortable calling doctors (some more than others). Now, most of the times, I don’t even think about it. I just do it.

What are you thoughts on the topic? We’d love to hear them.

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Editor’s Note: Chelsea is a first-year RN in the Boston area. Read other posts from her mailbag here.