When coworkers make prejudiced statements

[FireStarterRN, BSN, RN]

Yesterday I had two nurses make anti-Mexican statements. The first was a new nurse who moved from Montana and made these statements in the medroom. She's having trouble adjusting to the hospital, which does have a considerable Mexican population, but I haven't noticed the Mexicans being particularly difficult patients, they seem to come in all stripes. I made some soothing comments and changed the subject.

The second statement was made during report, I was telling the story of a patient who was a real psychosocial disaster, very difficult, a total drain on society type, we had to move her roomate the woman was so loud, obnoxious and off the wall. She had a Spanish last name so the nurse I reported to made a derogatory remark. I told him that I didn't think this woman was Mexican but was married to one, thus nipping that one in the bud. He made this comment at the nurses station within earshot of everyone!

Meanwhile, we have Hispanic coworkers galore, most of whom are awesome people! I suppose a few Hispanic workers might also resent non-Hispanics, but I find the whole thing appalling. It always blindsides me! I need to practice a witty comeback, like the fact that my husband's half sisters are half Mexican (true).

How do you guys handle this type of situation?

[HM2VikingRN, RN]

I walk away....I was listening to anti-immigrant tripe in the cafeteria one day. I told myself consider the source and went back to work. The world is too small to limit our social contacts to only those who share our cultural/social upbringing.

I think we should look to see what we can learn from others. I might have said just that. None of us have the right to judge others until we have walked a mile in their shoes.

[truern]

How do you guys handle this type of situation?

With a cold haughty stare.

[FireStarterRN, BSN, RN]

I'm not actually talking about differing opinions on immigration policies. I'm speaking about prejudiced remarks about people based on their ethnic or national origins.

Wanting restrictions on immigration doesn't necessarily make one a bigot. Just thought I'd point that out. We weren't discussing immigration policies.

[FireStarterRN, BSN, RN]

With a cold haughty stare.

Does a stunned nonresponse count?

[truern]

I'm speaking about prejudiced remarks about people based on their ethnic or national origins.

Figured that

[truern]

Does a stunned nonresponse count?

For now....

We'll work on the cold haughty part

[azhiker96, BSN, RN]

I usually try to point out that we are ALL individuals and give an example of either a member of the group that doesn't meet their stereotype or a member of their group that does. What I find amazing is the amount of stereotypes that are tossed about with abandon and without a thought that it's prejudice. Examples; "whiney gynie pts", "men are babies when it comes to pain", "nurses are the worst pts".

[FireStarterRN, BSN, RN]

For now....

We'll work on the cold haughty part

I'll have to work on that in front of the mirror. How's this: :stone

:stone

[leslie :-D]

how about directly saying, "i find your/that statement bigoted and inappropriate".

*shrug*

works for me.

leslie

[truern]

how about directly saying, "i find your/that statement bigoted and inappropriate".

*shrug*

works for me.

leslie

Where's the fun in that, Leslie??

[heron, ASN, RN]

Then there's asking point blank "What's being Mexican (black, queer, rich, poor, fundamentalist, redneck, liberal, conservative ... etc.) got to do with it?" and not letting up until they answer.