Is there some policy nurses in doctors' offices are taught that means they shoul!

Is there some policy nurses in doctors' offices are taught that means they should be abrupt with patients?

I am wondering why in pretty much any doctor's office I've ever had to go to, the nurses are routinely abrupt and impersonal with the patients. Do the doctors instruct them on how to deal with patients? Are they taught communication skills in college? What is the reason that nurses are often very guarded and reserved around the patients?

I am NOT trying to offend anyone in the medical profession. I'd just like to know why it's so difficult to communicate with doctors' office staff.

People are generally not aware of the amount of work that is expected of nurses and medical assistants in medical offices. They not only room patients and take down vital signs and patient problems. They are responsible to take up all the doctors messages, faxes, charts, referral forms and prescription refills as well as preparing for and assisting the doctor with procedures during the patient exam.
You may not actually be interacting with an actual nurse, per se, but with a Medical Assistant. Not that that would excuse any rudeness.

Nurses generally have excellent communication skills and enjoy interaction with patients. Sometimes the nurse has to be very business-like and is unable to chat or visit because of all the tasks that remain to be done outside of that exam room.

I'm sorry if you feel slighted by someone's attitude or actions. Inform your physician and he/she or a nursing supervisor will address the issue with the staff member.