[CandyGyrl]

I'm just curious to know if there are any African American CRNA's or SRNA's currently that can give me a little insight on your experiences either in school or in the workplace? Not to bring race into the issue but I was just curious.

I was once told that you've got to have "thick skin" to go into this career because it's not very inviting to begin with-- but some will have it tougher than others. For the most part the person informed me that some schools are relatively gender driven {Men over Women} and then race becomes a factor after the men have been taken into consideration {white women over black men} And then black men? Finally black women. All other minorities {asians, indian, etc} are considered before blacks.

This really broke my heart as it was the most ridiculous statement I'd ever heard. It shook my confidence and made me really question myself about going into this however I really want this.

I'm really embarassed to post it but it's been heavy on my mind ever since I was told and I just finally got enough courage to discuss it and get peoples opinions on these experiences. I'd like to hear from American and Non African Americans in regards to this. Maybe Non-African Americans have witnessed things or come in contact with individuals who've either gone through it or have themselves been guilty of mistreatment while in the program.

Please inform.

[RedCell]

Originally Posted by CandyGyrl

I'm just curious to know if there are any African American CRNA's or SRNA's currently that can give me a little insight on your experiences either in school or in the workplace? Not to bring race into the issue but I was just curious.

I was once told that you've got to have "thick skin" to go into this career because it's not very inviting to begin with-- but some will have it tougher than others. For the most part the person informed me that some schools are relatively gender driven {Men over Women} and then race becomes a factor after the men have been taken into consideration {white women over black men} And then black men? Finally black women. All other minorities {asians, indian, etc} are considered before blacks.

This really broke my heart as it was the most ridiculous statement I'd ever heard. It shook my confidence and made me really question myself about going into this however I really want this.

I'm really embarassed to post it but it's been heavy on my mind ever since I was told and I just finally got enough courage to discuss it and get peoples opinions on these experiences. I'd like to hear from American and Non African Americans in regards to this. Maybe Non-African Americans have witnessed things or come in contact with individuals who've either gone through it or have themselves been guilty of mistreatment while in the program.

Please inform.

There are black, brown, yellow, white, gay and straight dudes/duddettes in my program. We were picked because we had the highest scores, best interviews etc. upon matriculation into the program. We are all treated equal (which means like shi#) by the black, brown, yellow, white, gay, straight CRNAs and/or anesthesiologists that are teaching us. My class is small and we all work together as a team to make life easier for each other. This includes study groups, completing preops so we can go home earlier, and partying together when time allows. I do not think the yellow dude is treated any different than the black dude or white dude in the clinical or classroom setting. We all have set goals that must be met in order to graduate. They are the same for all of us. I doubt that you will find any nurse anesthesia programs that discriminate based on race, sexual preference, religion, or gender. If you find that to be true for you when you apply, there are always bottom feeders aka trial lawyers to assist you.

[stanman1968]

I cannot speak for EVERYBODY but my experience is that nobody gives a damn about any of those things. If you are in the program it is because you were good enough, meaning one of the best.

[henryswife]

Im so glad you post this question. So I share this tidbit with you.A friend of the family concured alot to get where shes at now.I think she is the reason why I want to be a nurse honestly. Well lets start from the begining.She used to be married to a drug deal and was doing crack for many many years.Her daughter has down syndrome and she was also a victim of domestic violence(which I saw myself)Anyway,I dont know how she did it.She left New York and moved to NC to attend college. Started school as an RN.Then a yr later she got accepted to Duke University to be come an CRNA. Now shes PAID!!!. Happily divorcedand did I mention paid.Basically the hard part for her was getting there and she did without and biases.Former crack addict is an CRNA. A black women who is a former crack addict is an CRNA. So its possible,dont let others deter you from your dream.If they reject me because im a pretty brown princess than im knocking down all doors and barging in.

Good Luck and God bless

[henryswife]

good luck

[CandyGyrl]

Thanks you guys... I truly believed in my heart that there was no merit to this absurdity, but I just thought I'd toss it out there for just a little feedback--this eases my mind a lot.

[Spoiled1]

Originally Posted by CandyGyrl

Thanks you guys... I truly believed in my heart that there was no merit to this absurdity, but I just thought I'd toss it out there for just a little feedback--this eases my mind a lot.

In case you didn't know there is a new website www.diversitycrna.org/ specifically for minorities who are interested in nurse anesthesia. Please check it out. The lady who is behind all of this is WONDERFUL. I don't know her personally, but have spoken with her on the phone. You will like her too. Just wanted to post this because I am a black female hoping to study anesthesia one day. If you mention race here it seems to strike a nerve with some, even if there is no harm meant behind it. Good luck!

[deannicholas]

You should actually have a better chance than a non-minority student. If student populations are not diverse enough, institutions leave themselves open for litigation.

[INFIDEL]

I was once told that you've got to have "thick skin" to go into this career because it's not very inviting to begin with-- but some will have it tougher than others. For the most part the person informed me that some schools are relatively gender driven {Men over Women} and then race becomes a factor after the men have been taken into consideration {white women over black men} And then black men? Finally black women. All other minorities {asians, indian, etc} are considered before blacks.

HOLY CRAP.. I have been a CRNA for a LONG time, clinical and didactic instructor and admissions committee member for CRNA school. I had NO idea there was a pecking order on whom I was to discriminate against over whom. Is there a more detailed list I can download? As a closed minded lilly white European-American , I am STUNNED I was not informed of this hierarchy during the latent racist training all Caucasians undergo.

My list was to discriminate against Belgians first, Belorussians second and New Zealanders third. ( But only from the SOUTH ISLAND) and lastly my most severe scorn and disapproval was against Faroe islanders ( the shiftless lazy bastards)

Whomever told you that.... not only had a chip on his/her/its shoulder but is an imbecile and I pray they are not part of my profession.

[INFIDEL]

Maybe Non-African Americans have witnessed things or come in contact with individuals who've either gone through it or have themselves been guilty of mistreatment while in the program.

Sorry all white people are sworn to secrecy and cannot rat out other white folk if we witness racism. It a federal law.

Are you looking for some reason NOT to apply? Yes you HAVE to have thick skin regardless of race, weight, hair color, sex, religion, American Idol watching habits etc... CRNA school is TOUGH there is no way around it. I cannot say this ENOUGH .
IF you want warm hugs and warm fuzzies while in school, go to an NP program... but guess what ? You will NEVER see a CRNA quit to become an NP... you WILL see NPs quite frequently go to CRNA school.

When you are a CRNA you have the ability to kill that patient far quicker than even the surgeon can, you HAVE to know what you are doing at all time you HAVE to demonstrate you can work under stress and pressure. If you intubate an esophagus and cause brain damage because you did not recognize it, you do NOT sing KUMBYAH... you live with that every day of you life AND you write a HUGE check. have you ever seen how residents are trained? I am not talking about the public humiliation and just plain meanness of times past. When I trained there WAS humiliation.. It served no purpose. All good CRNA programs do not do this any more. But stress is part of training and you will be stressed regardless of what bathroom you use or what your melanocyte output is.