Ways RNs can irritate RTs

We have some of the best nurses in the world here at Shoreline hospital, and for the most part we work together well as a team. However, there are times when we don't see eye to eye.

Here I have composed an extemperaneous list of ways an RN can annoy an RT. If you're an RN go ahead and try one of these. We might grumble initially, but that's only if we're tired. Don't worry, we RTs don't hold grudges.

Here's the list:

1. Ask the same question 10 different ways and have RT paged for each question.

2. Wait for RT to leave and page them right back.

3. Call for stat Incentive Spirometers when you know they are busy.

4. If Sats drop, call for STAT breathing treatments. If patient doesn’t have treatments ordered call Dr. and get treatment ordered.

5 . Let the RT think she is smarter than you. This is cool, because you snicker while listening to her grumble about how a breathing treatment is not indicated, and then you turn around and call the doctor and recommend treatments anyway.

6. As a rule of thumb, if the therapist asked you to check the I&Os, be sure to get treatments ordered.

7. Any irritating lung sounds merit a breathing treatment.

8. If possible, do not ever call RT prior to calling the doctor, for doing this will merely build up their ego.

9. Complain about the RT being too slow getting to the ER, even though you know they were busy.

10. After a patient's been on treatments for two weeks, put the pt in MRSA isolation.

11. Better yet, let us assume all nursing home patients have MRSA, especially if they have bronchodilator.

12. Tell RTs that all treatments are needed because the DR. said so.


That's all I can think of for now. If you can think of any more let me know.

Later in the week I'll tackle ways Drs can irritate RTs.