I've been going to Victory Med for a few years now ONLY because Rufus Tanner is an excellent PA, and the only reason they're getting 2 stars from me. Nothing but great things to say about him: he’s all ears, doesn’t downplay symptoms, and addresses everything very thoroughly and thoughtfully…..However, I’ve had several unpleasant experiences with the nurses and other staff, one incident having happened this morning
I’ve had a persistent cough, a sore throat, and aching ears for a couple of months now, so I made an appointment to see Rufus Tanner this morning. The nurse who led me back seemed to be in a fowl mood to begin with. Hadn’t even put down my purse and coat when she started asking me what I was there for in a very abrupt and hurried tone. Pretty sure that I was the only patient in there, so there was no reason to rush me or my assessment, and I would’ve appreciated a couple of seconds to sit down and collect my thoughts, since I didn’t feel so well.
Was in the middle of explaining the duration of the cough and sore throat when she interrupted me and decisively said that if I’d had a cough for that long, then it was probably allergies. I was taken aback, wondering why a nurse was even attempting to diagnose my symptoms, and figured it was just safer to quit trying to tell her what was wrong with me and wait for Rufus. Then she told me to open my mouth so she could swab my throat (so I’m going to have to pay for a test that I didn’t want, and didn’t think I needed, and which was taken without the doctor’s orders).
I’ve had many, many strep tests in my lifetime, and they're far from pleasant, but this was absolutely the worst. She was extremely rough and was literally yelling at me to keep my tongue down the whole time, which I was trying very hard to do without gagging. She was so aggressive with the swab that I seriously considered pushing her hand away from my mouth and telling her to leave me alone immediately. If only for the sake of closure, I wanted to address the issue with her right then, but decided that confrontation wasn't going to fix the problem, and that I’d speak with a nurse supervisor later.
Rufus was great, as usual, and addressed everything medically that I needed to speak with him about….For the record, I have an ear infection, irritated breathing passages, and post-nasal drip, which are causing the cough and sore throat. NOT an allergy issue.
In addition to my encounter today, I’ve had problems with other nurses before, and had an issue last week with the accounting jerk regarding misinformation given to me by a nurse about some testing. They’re all pretty rude, and it makes me dread going to the doctor more than I do to begin with. I want to continue seeing Rufus Tanner, but not at the expense of being hassled and yelled at (and now I can add being physically mistreated to the list of bad experiences).
I’m writing a letter to address my complaints, and was told that it would be directed to the head of the practice. Seriously doubt it’ll get to him, or that he’d care to address anything. He obviously lets his nurses and staff run amuck with their poor attitudes and behavior, so I hold little hope to anything being righted.
If you feel like dealing with rude staff and rolling the dice regarding the attitude of the nurses, then I'd go to Victory ONLY to see Rufus Tanner. Otherwise, stay far, far away.
Pros: Rufus Tanner, and him ONLY
Cons: rude, abrasive staff and nurses
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