-Ann Marie Parry, RN, CRNI

Danville, Pa.

Bullying: In the eye of the beholder?

As a healthcare professional for over 15 years, I'd say that bullying is all about perception. Today, one isn't always able to sit someone down like a child and explain things repeatedly or even to say please and thank-you. As a charge nurse, I'm expected to hold the other staff accountable, but that's very difficult when people accuse me of being a bully.

Once nurses are licensed to practice nursing, they're responsible for their own practice. They should be able to accept criticism without considering it a personal attack.

Although I've been bullied by physicians and coworkers in the past, I didn't go to my manager about it. As a matter of personal pride, I worked with them until I earned their respect. Knowing who you are and what you're about is the best defense against those who would be bullies.

-Hope T. Sanchez, RN

Albany, Ga.

Introducing common courtesy

I recently had an outpatient procedure at a local community hospital. Many of the nurses who cared for me failed to identify themselves as nurses or tell me their names. The hospital experience would have been much better with more common courtesy.

I have to wonder whether these nurses weren't proud of their profession. Please remember that common courtesies are extremely important to your patients, for many reasons. Take the time to introduce yourself and remember that patients have the right to know the identity of physicians, nurses, and all others involved in their care.

-Name Withheld