Racism at clinical site…what to do?

That's horrible. Since you are as student I would suggest you discuss it with your instructor first. Hopefully they screw up and do that nonsense when the state inspectors are there!

That's appalling! Have you told your clinical instructor? I believe that would be the chain of command... Also, at the end of clinical rotations, they usually give you a form to evaluate the unit/ hospital, don't they?

yes you need to report this .. i would talk to my clincal instructor and bring it to the nurse manager. it's good you were there looking out for these patients.. when you become a nurse you will be a true pt advocate... please dont let this slip by .. it is disgusting behavior and needs to be handled... please keep us posted on what happens.. i would write up the incident and make a copy for you , your CI and the nurse manager... and give them each a copy.. this behavior will not be tolerated....

This is disgusting and you should report it. Let your clinical instructor know but in the end you will need to let someone know, everyone has a right to recieve proper care no matter their race, religeon, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation ...ect.

Oh my... what part of the country do you live in? Sometimes I'm not sure what works better, reporting something like this, or making a comment on the spot. You may "just" be a student, but don't underestimate your power as a person for positive change. Sorry you are having to experience this.

How awful ! Start with your instructor and it will go from there .I had a lady from puerto Rico who spoke only Spanish none of us speak it so we never knew what all she was saying but I used gestures and drawingsvto figure her out her dtr would interpret for us sometimes and then she just quit coming around. I just loved that lady with all my heart! Sounds like this nurse could stand to be brought down a few notches

report the inbreds to top management

I'm sorry you are seeing this kind of behavior.

I'd report to your clinical instructor. She is the official liaison between you students and the facility and should be your first line of defense. The unit manager would probably be more inclined to take the complaints seriously coming from her rather than a student just because she's a person in authority and because her concern adds validation to your report.

You can also respond on the spot by saying things like, "Excuse me?" accompanied by a wide-eyed stare. Or say, "I didn't know people still thought stuff like that." Often, people shoot their mouths off because they assume that everyone shares their distorted view, especially if no one else speaks up and calls them on their rudeness.

Just one little caution. You said something about the hospital being in a small town as if that inevitably leads to a small-minded citizenry. It might, but there are many people in and from small towns who do know better. Prejudice is prejudice, no matter what flavor it comes in.

I experienced racisim in clinical as well. It wasnt quite as outright as your situation but a lot of undertone comments and you could just feel it. as a fellow minority i would say something after your clinical rotation is over. you don't want to take the chance of retaliation and proving a point isn't worth risking your behind. you have worked hard to get to where you are. there are always going to be ignorant people in the world that you can't change. I personally would write an anonymous note to the manager or supervisor on the unit, or even higher (hospital administrator) and report the nurse by name. threaten to call the state in your letter and trust me that will get their attention.