Exaggerations and Lack of Accountability

Nurses Professionalism

Published

I'm worried about having to work with somebody who exaggerates and may even lie; someone who refuses to accept accountability and quick to place blame on everyone and everything else but their self; and going out their the way to cause a potentially damaging situation to another's career because this person doesn't want to believe the criticism coming from someone with a lot more experience.

I'm thinking if I had to work with this person and they made a mistake in something, would they potentially place my career in jeopardy because they won't accept accountability and may lie to cover their ass?

How do I prevent this from ever happening? And if it does happen, how do I tackle it?

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You can't prevent it. It's going to happen. Just keep your eyes open, and when you do work with this person, document, document, document.

It shouldn't be much of a problem though. People who lie to cover their ass usually get found out pretty quickly and either move on or learn to be more selective about who they lie about.

As long as you don't get hysterical about it, keep calm, keep notes, and report any issues quickly and matter-of-factly, you should be OK.

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You can't prevent it. It's going to happen. Just keep your eyes open, and when you do work with this person, document, document, document.

It shouldn't be much of a problem though. People who lie to cover their ass usually get found out pretty quickly and either move on or learn to be more selective about who they lie about.

As long as you don't get hysterical about it, keep calm, keep notes, and report any issues quickly and matter-of-factly, you should be OK.

Thanks. Reading your post help put things into perspective.

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Does anyone recommend discussing these issues with the person at any time? Maybe nobody has ever told them that their attitude could be harmful and perhaps they should put it in check before working as an RN. Or is that a bad idea?

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You can talk to them if you want to, but it's never helped me. Maybe your person is different than the ones I've dealt with. In my experience, the liar tells you what you want to hear and then goes right back to the same tricks.

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meticulous and thorough documentation, is your friend.

always remember that.

leslie

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Specializes in Emergency, Telemetry, Transplant.

I once worked with a similar type nurse. She would criticize everyone,behind their backs, for the smallest little thing (some of which were not even mistakes). She would then sweet talk them to their faces and act like their best friend. Then when she made a mistake she would not own up to it (the same things or worse than the things for which she would criticize others), make every excuse for things that weren't done...and then she would go back to bad mouthing the people who tried to call her out (call her out in a good way).

Either way, try to stay away from her, which may be hard. Don't get tangled in her web of lies. If the lie does not involve you, ignore it. Finally, as others have said, document, document, document.

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Specializes in Public Health, TB.

I've had experience with someone like this; in hindsight I've come to believe that she had a borderline personality disorder.

In addition to the wise comments made by PPs, I would recommend always having a witness to any interactions you have with this person, and to keep a log of those interactions.

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Specializes in ER, PACU, Med-Surg, Hospice, LTC.

Be sure to focus on what you do, always ask questions and document. This will keep you safe for the most part.

When a Nurse starts focusing on what other Nurses are (or are not doing)-trouble starts.

I worked with a busy-body woman when I first started Nursing. She was obsessed with finding trivial things with other Nurses (like, when a Nurse didn't initial that a carton of Ensure was refused by the patient-she wrote the Nurse up). This Nurse became so focused on what everyone else was doing, that her work ended up suffering. She ended up getting fired.

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One more thing - if this is a pattern for this person, management is probably aware and gathering evidence. Help them out by clearly documenting and having witnesses do the same.

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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.
Does anyone recommend discussing these issues with the person at any time? Maybe nobody has ever told them that their attitude could be harmful and perhaps they should put it in check before working as an RN. Or is that a bad idea?

This is someone with whom you do not currently work? And someone who is not now a nurse?

Then this is probably not your responsibility.

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Specializes in Med/Surg/Tele/SNF-LTC/Supervisory.

Wow.. I've encountered this EVERWHERE I've worked in nursing. And unfortunately there was more than one nurse w/these "habits". I agree with documenting everything. Maybe call her on it, but the other people are right, it probably won't help, and may hurt. If you trust your management, bring it to their attention. I can't stand nurses like this and it's funny because they ARE so quick to point out anothers' mistake and SO UNwilling to admit their own faults. NOT nice people to work with. Very negative.

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