What to do about a classmate that is a pathological liar?

[Brilton]

I'm looking for some feedback on what I should do about my pathologically lying classmate. The things my classmate lies about range from slightly annoying to potentally illegal. He has been claiming to be a paramedic and holding a position as a flight paramedic at a local hospital. I have looked him up on the state regisitry and the employers website (I work at the same hospital and they are very good about updating quickly and being accurate) and they contradict what he says. I feel like something needs to be done, he lies to everyone including our professors!

Thank you for your help.

[Brilton]

To the OP....your only valid gripe is him wasting class time with his stories. For this, you need to speak to the instructor(s) privately, simply asking them to keep "sharing" at a minimum during lecture. I can almost guarent-darn-tee you that they are WELL aware of your classmate's problems. (I had a student like this who brown-nosed me and other faculty ALL the time....it was pathetic and annoying, and did not change his grades or assignements one tiny bit!)

Otherwise, as four pages of other folks have said, take a chill pill and ignore him. When you can recite all twelve cranial nerves, their functions, and testing methods; trace a drop of blood from the left index finger and back, and know the generic and brand names of the top fifty most prescribed medications...THEN you will have time for him and his issues.

That is a really good way of asking my professors to keep the class calm! I have asked 2 already to please tell the class to "shut-up".

Unfortunately, there isn't a chill pill big enough to keep this neuroticism in check...I wish there was :)

Also, I got everything but the top 50 drugs down pat...that sounds like a good summer project!

[Stephalump]

I don't think you need to "do" anything about it.

Be annoyed. You have every right. But that's about it.

I agree with esme - stay out of the way so this person doesn't drag you down with him! You already know he has no problem making up stories....

[amygarside]

Ignore.

[nlynrob]

Not illegal for him to call himself a paramedic or even a nurse for that matter. It's only illegal if he tries to work as one when he's not.

Not too long ago RNsRWE posted what turned into a very long, heated post about the fact that it is completely illegal to present yourself as an RN when you're not. I'm not sure about paramedics, but posters on that earlier feed went as far as copying in state laws straight from .gov websites explaining that claiming to be an RN in any way on any forum when you aren't is illegal. Users of this website who haven't yet passed their states NCLEX aren't even allowed to put "RN" in their user name.

[Pink Magnolia, BSN, RN]

Is this person a compulsive liar or a pathological liar? There is a difference. The reason why I ask is because constant lying may be associated with low self-esteem or a mental disorder. Pathological liars could suffer from Anti-Social Personality Disorder or Narcissistic Personality Disorder, where as a compulsive liar may be ashamed of his or her past and has a habit of lying...almost as if it's uncontrollable. If the person does suffer with a lying problem, they may need professional help. I don’t advise that you try to get this person in trouble. It’s not your business. I’m not saying that you do this, but I wouldn’t be making gossip behind this person’s back with other classmates either. The “liar” may begin to tell that people are ignoring him or her and may become depressed. I'm not saying to be best buddies either. Just know that person lies and move on with it:)

[diane33d]

It is a crime to impersonate any medical personnel

[amoLucia]

"Empty barrels make the most noise". Ignore him.

That is unless he claims to be God or that the angels and FBI are talking to him through aluminum soda cans. Then I'd be concerned.

[RNtobe556]

Not too long ago RNsRWE posted what turned into a very long, heated post about the fact that it is completely illegal to present yourself as an RN when you're not. I'm not sure about paramedics, but posters on that earlier feed went as far as copying in state laws straight from .gov websites explaining that claiming to be an RN in any way on any forum when you aren't is illegal. Users of this website who haven't yet passed their states NCLEX aren't even allowed to put "RN" in their user name.

No one has said a thing to me about no RN anywhere in the name. My username does have RN in it but as RNtobe556. Is this ok? Im assuming it is because Im not calling myself an RN. I will be one day Hoping. anyways yes it is illegal to call yourself something you are not! But I do recommend don't try to get involved with it! it can only hurt you if something doesn't go the way it should.

[SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP]

No one has said a thing to me about no RN anywhere in the name. My username does have RN in it but as RNtobe556. Is this ok? Im assuming it is because Im not calling myself an RN. I will be one day Hoping. anyways yes it is illegal to call yourself something you are not! But I do recommend don't try to get involved with it! it can only hurt you if something doesn't go the way it should.

Your user name clearly indicates you're a hopeful "RN to be". That's fine. I just couldn't call myself SopranoKrisRN, when I'm not yet an RN. If I made it SopranoKrisRNtoBe, that would be fine, albeit it's way too long of a user name :) LOL

[akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P]

Each state can be different on whether or not it's illegal to simply claim to be a (insert title) or to act as if you had that (insert title). I suspect all states have laws prohibiting most conduct that's specific to a given field where a license to required to perform the duties of associated with the title/license. I figure as long as he's just blowing smoke and doesn't actually attempt to do the things that are reserved for Paramedics, let him just blow smoke and he'll eventually catch fire and burn. If he starts to do things that aren't ok for him to do, then report him to the appropriate board. I'm sure that state's EMS board wouldn't take too kindly to someone masquerading as Paramedic without the appropriate license...

Frankly, I wouldn't put it past him to be dropped from the program at some point and then start claiming to be an RN "backing up" that claim with info he'd learned in school... but without actually having the license. Since he does apparently work at the hospital, keep your eyes out for items that might have been obtained from there... and he may explain that as stuff he got at his paramedic job. I'm not saying to pry through his stuff, but just be careful and observant for when he finally catches fire and burns, you don't want to be anywhere close enough to him to roast marshmallows.

[Success4all]

Wait, wait, wait! And why do you care so much? You know he is a liar, keep your distance and ignore him. I don't see why this bother you so much I could understand if he was cheating but this is not the case. I don't see why you are so fixed into doing something about it instead of minding your business and concentrating on your books!

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

No one has said a thing to me about no RN anywhere in the name. My username does have RN in it but as RNtobe556. Is this ok? Im assuming it is because Im not calling myself an RN. I will be one day Hoping. anyways yes it is illegal to call yourself something you are not! But I do recommend don't try to get involved with it! it can only hurt you if something doesn't go the way it should.

Seems I popped in at the right moment :)

A user name that indicates you're a student, or a person who would LIKE to be a nurse, is always appropriate. It's usually a good way to get people to respond to you more appropriately, too, as we can see "student" or "thinking of being a student" or "I'm already a nurse" in the user ID.

Anyway, I wish you good fortune on your path!