Diversity

Nurses Relations

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I have a question for any any of the nurses who may be reading this post. First of all let me begin by telling everyone that I live in a major city with a very racially diverse population. Most of the hospitals in my area have a nursing population that reflects the diversity of the city but there is one hospital that does not. I used to work at this hospital and I felt very uncomfortable with this. I just wanted to ask any of the nurses out there reading this post how important is it for you to work at a hospital with a great variety of racial diversity or does it not matter to you? I just do not understand why every hospital in my area boasts such diversity but one particular hospital is lacking significantly. A friend of mine is considering taking a job at this hospital but she asked me the very same question I'm asking you guys. Is it something that we should worry about? Thanks in advance

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worry? in what way? because you think you might be working for a bunch of racists, because you think a hospital with a staff like that will mean you'll only be taking care of racists, because you are not of that racial group and you don't want to be the token different one, because this whole thing is such an anachronism and you worry that they are working in the early 20th-century in other ways...? can you be more specific?:uhoh3: (looking for the sarcasm icon to insert...here....)

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worry? in what way? because you think you might be working for a bunch of racists, because you think a hospital with a staff like that will mean you'll only be taking care of racists, because you are not of that racial group and you don't want to be the token different one, because this whole thing is such an anachronism and you worry that they are working in the early 20th-century in other ways...? can you be more specific?:uhoh3: (looking for the sarcasm icon to insert...here....)

worried is probably the wrong word to use.. i should have said uncomfortable because the hospital may not encourage racial diversity and really there is no need for you to be sarcastic.

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Specializes in Emergency, Telemetry, Transplant.

I support the idea that a hospital should hire a diverse staff and embrace the diversity of the individual employees. However, I do not think it is right for the hosital to 'pass over' qualified applicants for less qualified applicants only in the "name" of diversity. :twocents:

Now part of it may be my background, but I don't see any problem with a staff that is less diverse than the neighborhood surrounding the hospital as long as racism and prejudices do not play a role in the hiring practices.

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.

I really don't focus on the racial background of the person working next to me. It's more important to me that they can do their job, not what color they are.

Just don't work at that hospital again if it bothers you so much.

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I think working in a diverse environment provides a great opportunity to learn, understand and respect other cultures. However, some hospitals are in areas that are around primarily one race or another. Often times that patients and employees will be more of the race of the area in which they live. That does not mean it is a bad hospital or less diverse, it may just be the geographic location of the hospital and those who live around it.

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It bothers me because it makes me wonder why are they the ONLY hospital in the area that is like this. As far as focusing on the racial makeup of the staff is concerned, I would like to know that the employer that I work for would encourage racial diversity.

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Specializes in Emergency/Cath Lab.

I dont give a flying fornication.

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That Guy...you are an absolute nut. :lol2:

OP, I could give some wonderful "let's all embrace one another, blah, blah" mess of an answer, but the truth is, it would make me uncomfortable too. Could I get over it?

Depends on how I was treated, and how well the place was ran. And, ya know, adequate salary helps too.

I wouldn't knock it till I try it.

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Specializes in I like everything except ER.

I don't care. All I care about is how much they pay.

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I care. If I see that there is not a healthy mix I notice that right away. What I don't like is when an entire hospital is 80%+ nurses of the exact same racial/ethnic background. This is a very bad sign. This is a walk away from place. Also these facilities will have their CNAs 80%+ of a different but specific racial background.

It's like they looked at the two races for "traits" compatible with money making and so they hire them, just like slaves. Makes me sick for all parties.

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I dont give a flying fornication.

lol to the That Guy.

Truthfully, I did not notice diversity in my job, only because simply because I look at work ethic. I just noticed, with this post, that I primarily work on a floor that is a different color than me. Diversity is nice, yes, but I would much rather have a group of people surrounding me that are supportive with a good work ethic, regardless of the color of their skin.

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