Frustrated

[MassED, BSN, RN]

So to avoid a boring and a very long post, let me make this short. I work in a level 1 ER. Shortly will be doing charge. Another nurse also will be. This nurse is a great nurse and will make a good charge. She not only knows this, but loudly and often tells anyone who will listen of how great she is, her stories (she hasn't been a nurse long), and any opportunity that she can to talk about her experiences (limited). Always the loudest, always the "me me" person. It is a lot to handle. I can walk away, try to change the topic, etc., but the final straw...

(changing a few things here for privacy) She wrote a letter to management regarding her idea (which I brought up as something we could work on, in our department) on a certain problem. She never mentioned me, in fact, stated this was her idea. I don't need praise or glory, but to pull that crap is astonishing. I am shocked, saddened, and mostly feel like there are fewer and fewer good nurses out there that really and truly care about being a good person.

I remind myself that as we grow older and wiser in this profession, we know that we do not know everything. We know that others bring much experience with them, we know each person is unique and fills the gap in others' knowledge when it is needed. It took me some time to learn that, and I hope this nurse will too - it's the department that is suffering. It's hard when you know everyone feels the same way, but there's nothing anyone can do about it. It takes time and hope that there's not a trail of destruction in its wake.

Just another life lesson. These are the lumps.

[OldDude]

Sounds like your lettering her live, rent free, in your head - and you only have 2 choices; do something or do nothing. Frankly, based on the information in your post, I would confront her in the same manner as you shared the information in here. Clear the air where there is no doubt that she understands your opinion of her behavior and to what extent you're going to participate. Just my opinion - for whatever that's worth. Good luck.

[MassED, BSN, RN]

Sounds like your lettering her live, rent free, in your head - and you only have 2 choices; do something or do nothing. Frankly, based on the information in your post, I would confront her in the same manner as you shared the information in here. Clear the air where there is no doubt that she understands your opinion of her behavior and to what extent you're going to participate. Just my opinion - for whatever that's worth. Good luck.

that is excellent advice. Thank you.

[MassED, BSN, RN]

It is interesting all of the personalities we deal with in our working environment/s. At times it's like navigating a mine field, while other shifts is very easy. It's more some aspects of these personalities that show their faces at work. They are not bad people, just can present challenges. I do hope that things calm down in the "talking about me me" department, but I would imagine that this is something that is learned and takes a long time to deprogram. Thanks again for your advice. Smart, precise, and just the kind of information that will work. Thanks again.

[iluvivt, BSN, RN]

Sounds like she has a need for attention and may actually have low self esteem. In terms of her me me behavior you can choose to ignore it or confront her in a civil manner about it. I would personally IGNORE it and her when she does this! I do not think it is going to change or she will deprogram as you put it,they usually get worse!

If I am understanding the issue correctly she stole your idea and presented it to the supervisor as her own! If this is the case it again demonstrates her need for attention and glory and she was willing to steal your idea and step on you to get it! That is a big clue to lack of character and conviction. I would not let his one slide by and I would confront her and ask her to correct the record or you will! If you do not let her know where you stand on this issue she will do it again because now you know what kind of person you are dealing with.

I used to have a tendency to give people like this way too many chances and it usually backfired on me so NO MORE! When people show you their true colors really take a look at them and believe them until they consistently show you otherwise.

[Horsebytes]

Another way to look at this situation is that she doesn't just talk about making things happen, she actually takes action! She may very well be a great asset to the company!

From your post I understand that apparently there was a discussion about changes needing to be made, and you said X needs to be done etc. Rather than just sit around and talk about things that need to be done, she took the idea to management.

I think it is wonderful that good ideas be taken to management. In my facility they can even financially reward people a portion of the amount saved by our company. If you had a good idea and just chatted about it and didn't take it to management then she has no obligation to mention you when she takes the idea to management. She didn't steal your idea as much as, she just took the idea where it needed to go. You certainly have the same opportunities as she does.

Just my 2 cents.