My grandmother used to tell us "there is nothing worse in the world than a thief and a liar" growing up and she still says this, alot. I smile because I know there are worse folks in the world than "thieves and liars" and it was just a saying impressing upon us as kids the importance of telling the truth. Her saying scared me straight alot of times as a child.
This isn't legal advice of course but:
Don't tell a story. Even now at age 38, I can't bring myself to use the word "lie" because we were not allowed to say the word growing up. Don't tell my maternal grandmother on me, please!
Don't lie when something happens in the workplace and things will happen. The nursing workplace and clinical practice is not perfect and things will happen. Have the intergrity to own up to what has transpired because LYING ALWAYS make it worse especially when you get caught LYING.
Notice, that I did not say "if" you get caught; I said "when you get caught.
When you lie in the workplace, one questions your ethics, your credibility, your competence, and who you are as a nurse and who are you as a person. It depends on the facts of course and whether this was a "little lie", "the lie", a "big lie", or a "series of lies." You will hear things like "I thought I knew her" and "I guess you don't really know anyone you work with."
Did you know that a lie can take human form, grow, become all consuming, and destroy everything that you have worked, cried, and sweated so hard to obtain? Lies in your personal life can wither into your professional life and vice versa. Lies can become the boogie monster, baby.
Can you say State Nursing Board investigation for the LIE and the conduct, actions, and behaviors LIED about in the nursing workplace?
Deceit, Deception, and Dishonesty sounds like a wayward romance novel nowdays but it should not be used to describe your nursing practice or your behaviors and conduct in your personal and professional life. Remember what you do personally can impact you professionally as a licensed nurse. Some would say you are professionally what you are personally and what you are personally is what you become professionally.
Take a look at the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses for guidance. http://www.nursingworld.org/mods/mod580/cecde03.htm
Thank you for your question Diane however, I cannot answer a question posed on this blog as it can be construed as providing legal advice. Also I don't have enough information to answer your question "as is." I am glad to hear the complaint was dismissed against the nurse. If this involves an Ohio, Kentucky, or Indiana matter, email me at [email protected]. If this involves another State, contact a license defense attorney in your jurisdiction.
Posted by: latonia | August 03, 2009 at 07:25 PM
Have a question. When a nurse manager lies to the state board about another and it is proven she lied what can happen to that manager? The manager stated the nurse drug diversion. When the state board investigated the complaint the complaint was dismissed.
Posted by: diane teenier | August 03, 2009 at 05:13 PM