How do you work with a "know it all"?

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Mar 3, 2014

ask, "Is that your opinion or do you have something to base it on?"

In the end, you will either have to confront them about how you feel about their remarks, or you willhave to put up with it or you will have to leave. You cannot change people. I would be tempted to look up evidence from reliable resources/experts and show it to that person, but I may be more confrontational that you.

TU RN, DNP, CRNA · Mar 3, 2014

You just said you're new to healthcare, so I ask: Is the person inaccurate or are you? If the person really was always wrong and inaccurate, how are they still in practice after all this time? I've learned that modesty and silence are the best qualities you can have when you're new to a work place, healthcare included.

blondy2061h, MSN, RN · Mar 3, 2014

Is the "know it all" another medical assistant? If not, what is her title?

caliotter3 · Mar 3, 2014

Keep a low profile. You don't want to get into a urination contest with this person. They might decide to make your life even more miserable than they are currently able to accomplish.

KRVRN, BSN, RN · Mar 3, 2014

Smile and nod.

Cuddleswithpuddles · Mar 3, 2014

Depends.

Here are some options I take when I am faced with a person who I think is a know-it-all.

- They may not know it all but there is a strong possibility they know more than me, especially if they have been in the field for longer. They can teach me at least ONE thing, even if that one thing is how to act. Listen and learn.

- Smile, nod and occasionally pet egos by asking "Oh, wow. Tell me more" Add puppy dog eyes. This works for me because I play the role of the Karate Kid very well. Again, listen and learn to their rationale.

- Occasionally, I may politely insert my own opinion/experience into the matter but leave room for dialogue about the rationales.

Rinse and repeat.

CWONgal · Mar 3, 2014

Going to give the flip side perspective on this because I am CERTAIN I may be perceived as a know it all. I do a lot of research in my specialty and I absolutely can't stand when a person can't give me an educated response about something...the "This is the way it is". Nursing is always evolving and change is to be expected. Every single proposal of mine has been dismissed with one coworker who always has the why it can't work mentality. When this happens day in and day out I keep pressing especially when I know what I am presenting has merit (evidence based and/or have seen it work). This causes the perception of a know it all, unfortunately. Interestingly I just learned one of my ideas came to fruition by this person who took off with my idea as her own. No credit to me at all...I only learned about it because the final product was handed to me.

DragonPurr · Mar 4, 2014

Smile and nod.

This is the technique I use if I determine someone is unreliable, but I still have to work with them. I smile and nod, and ignore, ignore, ignore.

MandieeRN · Mar 4, 2014

I'm new to healthcare. I'm not a nurse I'm a Clinical Medical Assistant and I love to learn. What I need/want to learn is how to professionally deal with a co-worker who "knows it all" because they've been in the field longer than you. A lot of the things this person says are inaccurate, have poor documentation skills, and is very opinionated just for starters.[/quote']
Ignore them! You will find these people in every walk of life. You can't change them so avoid and ignore them:)

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · Mar 4, 2014

"Thank you so much for that information!! I appreciate it!"

Sometimes, when one is new to the profession, the way one does things in school is far different when one does things in a career. I think it can be scenario based, lots of depends on....in anything.

Thank this co-worker regardless of if you think it is right or wrong, as perhaps they are just trying to "pass on helpful information". Patient safety is the #1 priority, so unless there's some safety issues, let them do their thing, and you do yours.

One thing I have noticed is that many years can mean a familiarity with the patients. That "Mildred, did you go to Bingo yesterday and not take your water pill?" can get a truer answer than "Have you been taking your Lasix?"

MsLindaW · Mar 14, 2014

No, this person is not a Medical Assistant. They work as a Care Giver. When I asked about professional credentials I was told their "knowledge comes from work experience." We provide non-medical assistance for seniors in the home.