African Americans as nurses.

Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP · Mar 10, 2011

One of the first nurses I worked with as a new grad happened to be an African-American male nurse, but the reality is that ALL those labels were (and are, and should always be) superfluous. I just called him by his name and we helped each other out at work and he was my friend.

I'll tell you the same thing I'd tell anyone wanting to be a nurse: it's not going to be easy, and there will be obstacles. But if this is what you want and you are willing to work hard then I say, welcome aboard. :) Good luck to you.

mappers · Mar 10, 2011

I find it sad that a young person feels the need to even ask this question. I thought we'd progressed further than that.

cebollita · Mar 10, 2011

Ah, yes, unless you have a time machine with wich you're going back in time to:.

1.) Germany in the 1930's/40's

2.) The United states in any given decade prior to the 1950's

3.) Pre 1990 South Africa, in a "white" hospital.

et. ect...

egglady, LPN · Mar 10, 2011

I guess I just thought we were nurses- I truly didnt realize we are "caucasion" nurses, african- american" nurses, "latino nurses" etc..etc.. I just thought we were nurses... And, ya- I live in a "out in the country redneck area". I just never paid attention to skin color on a nurse, a doc, a clerk at the grocery store. If I was sick and in need of care- I dont care if you are pink and purple polka dotted- if you are a health care professional and I need you- please be there!!! God racism sucks.

noyesno, MSN, APRN, NP · Mar 10, 2011

To answer your question, Daniel Floyd: it's 100% okay to work as a nurse as an African American. Go for it.

Juwon · Mar 10, 2011

Lol, its nothing the matter with african americans as nurses or even males for that matter. Like many posters have stated, its 2011, not the older days. Im 18 years old and an African American male that is going into the nursing program at my school next year. Its all about your ability and people skills.

Dazglue, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN · Mar 10, 2011

Is this a serious question? Along with the headache/fever thread I'm getting scared! Lol. Well, I'm sure if this was a problem I wouldn't be in nursing school now would I? This is 2011.

KJStarling · Mar 10, 2011

I wonder, dear OP, if you are getting some sort of grief for being a young, african american male who wants to be a nurse... If your friends or family aren't receptive to the idea, I sympathize.

A long time ago, when I was your age (like I said a lonnnng time ago!) I was told that I didn't need to get good grades, because I was a pretty girl and some man would marry me and take care of me. Gagging over that idea.

I was on my own... No one believed in my dream to have an education or career. It was only after I got away from my family and small, small, town, and joined the millitary that anyone even encouraged me.

I don't want you to feel sorry for me, I just want you to know that YOU CAN DO THIS IF YOU WANT TO!!! NO MATTER WHAT OTHER PEOPLE SAY OR THINK!!!! WHERE THERE'S A WILL THERE'S AWAY!!!

Nurses are pretty accepting of all people, no matter their race, or culture, or creed... What your future co-workers will worry about is if you're competent, professional, and willing to work hard!

PS All those people who didn't get me way back then think I'm brilliant now!

GO FOR IT!

life_aknew · Mar 10, 2011

Thank goodness I signed in today. I haven't been sleeping well lately and while I say God bless his young ambitious curious soul for wanting to go for nursing--this post instantly drained me mentally and I am now able to sleep. HUH-RAY!

allnurses Guide · Mar 10, 2011

Beginning to think we're all in the midst of some weird electromagnetic flare with some of the weird going around these parts - just left a thread involving nurses and firearms out back and a retort back well I don't have a thumb . . .sigh . . .

. . .who will stop the madness?!?! This almost seems creepy :wlcmhnds:

WindyhillBSN · Mar 10, 2011

Seriously??? This question is ridiculous and unnecessary. Your ethnicity has nothing to do with your ability to be a nurse. Sounds like someone is trying to start some drama or an argument about race.

I wish you were right about this. I'm glad you personally are not prejudiced, or have not experienced any problems. I on the other hand have not been really discriminated against by higher ups, but some patients' families couldn't stand me being their nurse, especially as the economy went down. It really hurts sometimes and there's no one to talk to about it, b/c everyone thinks your paranoid. At a new job however, I noticed I had to work twice as hard as everyone else to prove that I wasn't lazy. Everyone would have down time and be talking or on the internet, but it was only noticed if I did it. Oh and I couldn't speak my mind about much, b/c then I was seen as having an "attitude". Sheesh! :twocents:

j464335 · Mar 10, 2011

This profession is unique to ALOT of things but THANK THE GOOD LORD race isn't a issue!! Of course you may have some 80 yr old pt with dementia who will say something rude.. but that isn't unique to race. lol

I am native american and I have a patient who calls me all sorts of things and is scared to death of me,lol.( I work in long-term care ). I think it's funny and my co-workers always get a good laugh :) This same patient also tells everyone their fat and ugly along with a few profane words mixed in.

You just can't take everything to heart... You will always come across people who are mean, and just like to say nasty things to others to make themselves feel better. Just say a little prayer for them and keep movin'... If you really want to be a nurse, do it! You can't let other people hold you back from your dreams! Best of Luck!