[moondancer]

I don't think "gypsy" offers a negative connotation at all...and I really don't think this is referencing any sort of ethnic population.....

[katscan]

Sorry I said anything. The negativity hit a nerve that's all. But then, I couldn't understand all the comments to the poster on the "obese nurse" thread, either. Lots of nerves were hit there. Just don't flame me for having an opinion.

[teeituptom]

whats negative about Gypsy

I remember Gypsy Rose Lee
nothing negative there

I met some actual Gypsies in Cali yrs ago
very happy outgoing and friendly people
nothing negative there

I dont understand where you see negative in it

I also havent seen any flaming

and I am the master of having been flamed

[fergus51]

Gypsy refers to the Roma and is often used in unflattering tones. Calling one a gypsy is sort of like calling an African American a "negro". Old fashioned, and not always meant as insulting, but for some it is offensive.

[P_RN]

My mother's people are of this heritage and she referred to herself as a gypsy. She's 1st generation American. In fact her maiden name can be translated as dark gypsy....
I really don't think any negative was intended.

PLUS.....you all do realize this thread and the article are from JULY of 2003!!

[teeituptom]

and your point is

[caroladybelle]

Jewish american southern "Gypsy" nurse here.

And proud of being one.

[fergus51]

Just explaining it.

[SmilingBluEyes]

this thread outa be closed. its well over a year old and the whole point of it is lost in all the rhetoric.

I agree w/fergus. Calling people "gypsies" is akin to calling black Americans "negroes" and outdated and offensive to some of them.

Maybe it's better this whole thread were dropped. We are not even debating the original point anymore.

[hock1]

As far as the 'gypsy' vs 'romny' thing, political correct terms come and go with the times. My mother-in-law still calls African Americans nigros. She said when she grew up she was taught this as respectful terminology. She says 'black' was an extremely negative comment as bad as the N word. On the other hand, when I was growing up 'black' was correct. Now the politically correct term is 'African American'. I went to what is considered a black college Wayne County Community College. The nurses were about a 50-50 black/white. We had a discussion in cultural awareness. Our group had a friendly 'arguement' over what is considered correct. The Gypsy community should not be offended by a persons terminology until they find out if it's being used disrespectfully first. The poster might not have been aware of the current word to use as not to be offensive. As far as the 'travel nurse'...unfamiliar environment, working independently without the hospital first finding out if the 'travel nurse' is competent etc. My hospital apparently got slammed in a lawsuit over this and tries to avoid them when possible now days. I have seen good ones and bad ones and don't know what's worse...working short staffed or working with somebody I don't know. It's a hard decision to call.