That knot in your stomach when you need to call a physician who’s known to be dismissive. The frustration of feeling like your concerns about a patient aren’t being heard by the therapy team. We’ve all faced those moments where interdisciplinary challenges in nursing make our job harder and, more importantly, potentially compromise our patients’ care. But here’s the thing: you have more power to transform these dynamics than you might think. In this guide, we’ll explore six proven strategies that will help you navigate even the most challenging team situations, build stronger professional relationships, and become the collaborative leader your patients need you to be.
Understanding the Core of Interdisciplinary Challenges
Before diving into solutions, let’s acknowledge why these conflicts happen so frequently. Interdisciplinary challenges in nursing often stem from fundamentally different professional perspectives, varying communication styles, and the persistent hierarchy that exists in healthcare systems. Research shows that poor interprofessional communication contributes to over 60% of sentinel events in hospitals.
You might experience this when a physician seems to dismiss your assessment findings, when physical therapy wants to mobilize a patient you believe is unstable, or when pharmacy questions your pain management plan. These situations aren’t just frustrating—they’re opportunities to strengthen your communication skills and foster better nursing collaboration.
Clinical Pearl: Most interdisciplinary conflicts aren’t personal. They typically arise from different priorities, training backgrounds, and communication preferences rather than genuine dislike or disrespect.
Strategy 1: Master Proactive and Assertive Communication
Assertive communication—distinct from aggressive behavior—is your first line of defense against interdisciplinary challenges. It means expressing your concerns clearly, directly, and respectfully while maintaining professional boundaries.
Imagine this scenario: You notice your post-op patient’s respiratory rate has increased from 16 to 24 breaths per minute, and they’re using accessory muscles to breathe. The covering physician seems rushed during your call. Instead of saying, “I think you need to come see this patient,” try: “Dr. Chen, I’m calling about Mrs. Rodriguez in room 304. Her respiratory rate has increased to 24 with accessory muscle use. Her oxygen saturation is now 91% on 2L, down from 96% this morning. I’m concerned she may be developing atelectasis or a pulmonary embolism. I’d like to get your input on next steps.”
This approach works because it:
- Uses objective data
- States your concern clearly
- Offers a collaborative invitation for input
Common Mistake: Avoid using tentative language like “I think maybe” or “I was just wondering if…” when you have concrete clinical concerns. This undermines your credibility and may cause others to dismiss legitimate findings.
Strategy 2: Understand and Respect Professional Roles and Perspectives
Effective interprofessional communication requires appreciating what your colleagues actually do and value. When you understand someone else’s priorities, you can frame your communication in ways that resonate with their professional mindset.
For instance, physicians are trained to think in terms of differential diagnoses and treatment algorithms. Pharmacists focus on medication safety, interactions, and evidence-based protocols. Physical therapists prioritize functional mobility and rehabilitation goals. By understanding these perspectives, you can tailor your approach.
When contacting the physical therapist about a patient you feel is too unstable for therapy, instead of saying, “My patient can’t do therapy today,” try: “Mr. Jenkins’s heart rate has been consistently above 110 with minimal activity. I’m concerned about cardiac ischemia with exertion. Could we work together to establish clearer parameters for when therapy should be held and what vital sign thresholds would prompt you to contact me?”
This approach demonstrates respect for their expertise while collaboratively establishing safety parameters.
| Communication Approach | Less Effective | More Effective |
|---|---|---|
| With Physicians | “This patient needs something for pain.” | “Mr. Patel is reporting 8/10 pain, vital signs are stable, he has no allergies, and his last pain med was 6 hours ago. Would you be comfortable with ordering…” |
| With Pharmacy | “Why is this medication on hold?” | “I noticed Mr. Thompson’s warfarin is on hold. His INR was 2.8 yesterday. Could you clarify the parameters for restarting?” |
| With Therapy | “This patient is too weak for therapy.” | “Mrs. Garcia needed assistance to sit at the edge of the bed today. Her grip strength is 3/5. What would be realistic functional goals for her?” |
Winner/Best For: Always use the “More Effective” column approaches—they demonstrate clinical reasoning, respect professional expertise, and focus on collaborative problem-solving.
Strategy 3: Leverage Structured Communication Tools
Structured communication tools like SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) aren’t just bureaucratic requirements—they’re your secret weapon for clear, concise interprofessional communication that gets results.
SBAR Template for Interdisciplinary Communication:
S – Situation: “Hi Dr. Lee, this is Maria, RN on 3 West. I’m calling about our patient, James Wilson, in room 312.”
B – Background: “He’s a 68-year-old male who had a right total knee replacement yesterday. His post-op course has been uncomplicated until now.”
A – Assessment: “Currently, his right calf is 2 cm larger than his left, it’s warm to touch, and he’s complaining of new-onset calf pain rated 6/10. With these symptoms, I’m concerned about possible DVT.”
R – Recommendation: “I think we need to consider a stat lower extremity Doppler. What are your thoughts?”
This framework works because it respects everyone’s time while ensuring all critical information is communicated. Research from the Joint Commission shows that standardized communication reduces medical errors by up to 30%.
Pro Tip: Keep a small SBAR card in your badge holder or pocket for the first few weeks. Having the framework visually available reduces anxiety and ensures you don’t forget key elements during high-pressure situations.
Strategy 4: Build Professional Relationships and Trust
The best time to build relationships with interdisciplinary colleagues is before you need something from them. Simple, consistent rapport-building can dramatically reduce interdisciplinary challenges in nursing.
Try these proven relationship-building strategies:
- Make eye contact and use names during handoffs and brief interactions
- Offer help during stressful situations (e.g., “Looks like you’re slammed with admissions—anything I can help clarify about my patients?”)
- Acknowledge others’ expertise (e.g., “Great catch on that medication interaction—thank you for looking out for our patient”)
- Share relevant patient updates proactively, not just when there’s a problem
- Attend occasional interdisciplinary meetings or educational events beyond mandatory requirements
I once worked with a physical therapist who initially seemed resistant to nursing input about patient stability. After consistently updating her about my patients’ progress and asking for her professional opinion on mobility goals, our relationship transformed entirely. She began seeking out my assessment before implementing new protocols, and our patients benefited tremendously from this improved nursing collaboration.
Clinical Pearl: The 15-second rule: Make a point to have at least one brief, non-transactional interaction with key interdisciplinary team members each day. Ask about their weekend, comment on a shared interest, or simply offer a coffee—these micro-moments build significant social capital over time.
Strategy 5: Develop and Utilize Conflict Resolution Skills
Even with excellent communication and relationship-building, conflicts will inevitably arise in healthcare settings. The key is having practical conflict resolution skills to navigate these difficult conversations productively.
When facing a disagreement:
- Pause and assess: Take a breath before reacting. Is this about patient safety or just professional pride?
- Listen actively: Hear the other person completely without planning your rebuttal
- Find common ground: Usually, you both want what’s best for the patient
- Agree to disagree respectfully: When clinical judgment legitimately differs
- Know when to escalate: If patient safety is compromised, use your chain of command
Example Scenario: A physician wants to discharge a patient you believe is too weak to go home safely. Instead of saying, “This discharge is unsafe,” try: “I understand we’re under pressure to move this patient, and I certainly support discharge when appropriate. I’m concerned that with his current weakness, uncontrolled pain, and limited family support, we might see readmission within 48 hours. Could we consider involving social work for home health evaluation or an additional day of therapy to ensure safer discharge?”
This approach acknowledges system pressures while maintaining patient advocacy.
Strategy 6: Champion the Patient as the Shared North Star
When interdisciplinary conflicts become heated or ego-driven, redirecting the conversation back to the patient can immediately defuse tension and restore collaborative focus.
When a colleague becomes defensive: “I understand we have different perspectives on this approach. Let’s step back and focus on what’s best for Sarah’s recovery and safety.”
When disagreements persist: “Given that we all want the same thing—the best possible outcome for our patient—maybe we can table this discussion and get a third opinion from the charge nurse/clinical specialist/ethics committee.”
This strategy works because healthcare professionals are, at their core, dedicated to patient welfare. Reframing conflicts around patient needs rather than professional disagreements taps into shared values and reduces territorialism.
Key Takeaway: Documentation is your most powerful tool for professional communication and advocacy. When interdisciplinary disagreements occur, document objective data, your concerns, the response received, and the plan—this creates a clear record and often improves the quality of future communication.
Conclusion
Mastering these six strategies—assertive communication, understanding professional perspectives, using structured tools, building relationships, resolving conflicts, and centering patient needs—will transform how you experience interdisciplinary challenges in nursing. Remember, you’re not just managing difficult interactions; you’re leading culture change and strengthening the very foundation of safe patient care. Every improved relationship strengthens your effectiveness as a nurse and directly impacts your patients’ outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if the physician is consistently dismissive of my calls?
A: First, ensure your communication follows SBAR format and is data-driven. If the behavior continues, document specific instances and discuss with your charge nurse or nurse manager. Consider asking the physician directly: “I want to make sure I’m communicating effectively with you. Is there a better way or time for me to reach you with patient concerns?”
Q: How do I handle conflicting orders from different providers?
A: Never implement conflicting orders. Contact both providers to clarify the discrepancy, stating: “I have conflicting orders for Mr. Reynolds—Dr. Smith ordered X while Dr. Jones ordered Y. Could we clarify which plan you’d like me to follow?” If unable to reach them, follow your facility’s protocol and involve leadership.
Q: What if I’m a new nurse and intimidated by experienced colleagues?
A: Remember that your patient assessments are valuable regardless of your experience level. Prepare thoroughly before making calls, ask mentors to role-play difficult conversations, and start with less intimidating interactions. Your clinical knowledge and patient advocacy are always legitimate and valuable.
Q: How can I improve interprofessional communication during emergencies?
A: During crises, brevity and clarity are crucial. Think “headline first” communication: “Dr. Chen—Mr. Avery—vomiting—altered mental status—possible aspiration—I need you now.” Save comprehensive details for after initial stabilization.
What’s one strategy you’ve used to bridge a gap with another discipline? Share your win (or your challenge) in the comments below! Your fellow nurses would love to learn from your experience.
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Download our free “Interdisciplinary Challenge Checklist” summarizing all 6 strategies—perfect for quick reference before your next shift or during nursing orientation!