ADVANCING HEALTH-CARE PRACTICE

1.4     Helen's Story

I was so embarrassed. The patient is lying there in pain and thinking that I don't know what I am doing and he is not talking to me?! And why? I mean I know I'm new here but I haven't done anything for him not to like me! If there is a problem or I'm doing something wrong, I can't fix it if I don't know what it is.

So we got the epidural inserted. I was trying to tell Julie what was happening because Dr. Dale wasn't talking to her and she was scared, and he told me not to talk because Julie couldn't hear him when he was talking. He even changed the BP cuff after I put it on because he likes it on upside down. I'm sure the patient thought I didn't have a clue. I'm glad she finally delivered. I was hoping that I wouldn't have to go to the OR with her because he'd be in there. Trapped in an OR with him...like a nightmare.

1. Thinking about Helen's encounters with Dr. Dale, would you now describe his behaviour as abusive. If so, explain your reasons?
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2. What dynamics do you observe about these interactions?
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3. Reflecting on Helen's experience, what is the impact of Dr. Dale's behaviour?
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