I was a Family Practice nurse for a doctor just out of residency. She was young and sweet (just like me), still had some learning to do (okay, just like me). We had three exam rooms, and her office was in one of the hallways, and my work area was in another part of the small building.

When the doc would finish with a patient, she would step into the hall and scream my name: "Janaaaaaaaaaa!"

It made me nuts. She kept yelling for me until I showed up, even if I was on the phone with a patient or in X-ray or somewhere else trying to do my job.

After a few weeks, I was ready to blow. Putting on my best big-girl face, I finally called her on it: "Doctor, when you stand in the hall and scream for me, it makes me feel like a 3 year old. It's embarrassing for me and for the patient in the room.

"It makes us appear unprofessional and I need for it to stop."

She became embarrassed, as she should have been. But I was right, and she knew it. She apologized and never did it again. We continued to have a good relationship, and I actually think she treated me with more respect after that encounter.

Moral of the story: There will be many times in your career when people will cross your boundaries. Sometimes you know it right away, and sometimes it takes you a little while to figure it out. The thing is, they won't ever know or change their behavior unless you tell them. Sometimes you will feel it's worth it, and sometimes you won't. Just know it's your choice.

Passive, passive-aggressive, or aggressive behavior will not serve you nearly as well as just being honest and matter-of-fact. State your boundary - and your expectation that it be honored. You may be surprised at how much better you're treated.

Related: Boundaries, Communication, Doctor-Nurse Relationships, Learning, New Nurse, Respect