ER visit today - Page 2

[Kathryn]

Our neurologist frequently calls my daughter names when things aren't going right (ie; bad seizure, meds not working). I think it's funny, it never would bother me (and obviously isn't true, my daughter can't even move).
If it bothered you, then it's good it's being brought to his attention, so he at least would know.

[dogretro]

Originally Posted by Crystal_R

the doctor will be talked to. I'm assuming they're just placating me, but I feel better.

I doubt they're just placating you. They most likely really will talk to him if for no other reason than to help prevent him from getting punched in the face by an irate parent

Uhh, tongue in cheek or not, it's not okay to call a patient a brat.

[sarahn4639]

I'm surprised some people think this is okay! It would be one thing if someone the child knew/who knew the child was saying it in a loving/teasing way (it would still bother me to be honest), but for someone I don't know to call my child names!?! So not okay with me.

OP, I doubt they are just placating you too. I'm glad you got a quick response and that they took you seriously.

[KempsMama]

Originally Posted by Fuamami

But does a 16 mo old really know what it means? Don't they pick up more on the feeling behind the words than the words? What did you think was the feeling behind the words? Was he genuinely hostile toward your child? Or was it just a weird thing he said?

If he'll do it to a 16 mo. old what's to say he wouldn't do it to an older patient who would understand it? And so what if the child didn't understand it, I think it's our job as parents to be offended on their behalf!!

[Sierra]

Originally Posted by Kathryn

Our neurologist frequently calls my daughter names when things aren't going right (ie; bad seizure, meds not working). I think it's funny, it never would bother me (and obviously isn't true, my daughter can't even move).

I have a disability (while not nearly the extent of what you are talking about with your dd, so I can't say I relate), and when things aren't going well, I get down on myself even though it isn't logical. Things like this, while meant as a joke to lighten the mood for everyone and actually point out how silly I am being for feeling down on myself...really get under my skin. When meds aren't working and so forth, the last thing I need is someone taking frustrated me and saying essentially, "What a bad patient you are, ha ha ha." After so many years of hearing variations on this, while the effect wasn't immediately apparent, it has only served to deepen my sense of being down when things are not going well.

This I trust as with everyone is a personality matter, but if I were a neurologist-- having seen enough of them over the years-- I would err on the side of more dignity/respect.

[TinkerBelle]

I would have told him right then and there, "Do not call my child a brat again", and gotten his name, and reported him not only to the hospital, but to the medical board or whatever.

It may not be illegal or malpractice, but it is rude and could be considered abusive to call patients names.

My middle child has Autism. He got sick a couple of years ago and could not keep anything down for a couple of days, so I took him to the ER. I did explain, when we came in, that he has Autism and may need extra help for IVs or whatever.

He screamed when they wanted to put an IV in. One nurse attempted to get snarky and I politely said, "Ma'am, my son has Autism and he is scared to death. Let me help you hold him and you will get the IV in." She backed down, was nice after that, and the rest of the experience was pleasant. He was moved to a room with a TV and we watched cartoons while he got his IV fluids.

If she had persisted in being rude to my scared, and disabled child, I would have reported her to whomever I could.

I have worked in hospitals, drawing blood for the lab. It is a hard job and sometimes you have to deal with really crappy parents. But, I would have NEVER been nasty to a child because of it. And for the record, I treated even the crappy parents with respect.

If you cannot handle the job, QUIT!

[Kathryn]

Originally Posted by Sierra

I have a disability (while not nearly the extent of what you are talking about with your dd, so I can't say I relate), and when things aren't going well, I get down on myself even though it isn't logical. Things like this, while meant as a joke to lighten the mood for everyone and actually point out how silly I am being for feeling down on myself...really get under my skin. When meds aren't working and so forth, the last thing I need is someone taking frustrated me and saying essentially, "What a bad patient you are, ha ha ha." After so many years of hearing variations on this, while the effect wasn't immediately apparent, it has only served to deepen my sense of being down when things are not going well.

This I trust as with everyone is a personality matter, but if I were a neurologist-- having seen enough of them over the years-- I would err on the side of more dignity/respect.

I'm sure he would in other patients. We've seen him a LOT over the past 2 years 1/2, so I think he's probably a bit more comfortable with us.

I do understand your side of it as well though, as I have a disability too and being looked down upon for any reason by dr's is terribly humiliating and depressing.

[chezlyryan]

My hospital is trying to promote more Patient-Family Centred Care and any feedback (negative and positive) is looked at to see how as a hospital they are doing. I am sure they are taking this seriously.

Tease name calling might work if you are seeing that person as a patient for a while and you know each other, but not if it is a one time meeting in the ER. I know that the ER is a crazy place and he might have been stressed out, but he should have used his inside voice and kept the comments to himself.

[Purple*Lotus]

I am sorry this happened to you and your DD, OP

Even if he was joking, I still think that calling a child a brat would upset the majority of parents that I know, so hopefully having it pointed out that you were upset will be a wake up call for him.

When I was 12 years old I was at the doctor's and scared. I was told by the doctor to "Grow up and take your d@mn medicine!" My Mom was livid and told him off. Even at that young age I was hesitant to take just anything the doctor gave me. I always wanted to know what it did, why I needed it, etc.

I hope your letter gets results

[Therese's Mommy]

If the dr was trying to be affable and lighten the mood it would have been way more appropriate to say "so you may have swallowed a battery, you silly little girl" or something like that. Brat is such an ugly word and one that I wouldn't want used around my children regardless of the tone.

[neetling]

We recently had an ER trip and a hospital admission for my 5 year old. She has a vomiting issue and becomes dehydrated. She was very scared and fought them for every test. The IV, a blood draw, a flu test etc. She was feeling worse than awful, terrified and having invasive things done to her poor sick little body. I'd have lost my fool mind if someone had belittled her on top of everything else she was going through.