Racist Patients

flashpoint · May 30, 2009

Yes, the patient can go somewhere else if they are not happy at a facility. Likewise, I can discharge them if they want to be transferred elsewhere. I have done that many times in the past.

But that isn't the case everywhere...here, the closest hospital is over 75 miles away. People shouldn't be jerks...they shouldn't be allowed to refuse certain staff members without very good reason, but to their minds, an overweight (Native American, male, female, Hispanic, short, ugly...) nurse might be just as offensive as a male nurse would be to a Muslim patient. Not fair, not right, but why put someone in a position where they are uncomfortable and where they are going to make the nurse miserable all shift. I don't understand why they feel the way they do, but for whatever reason, they do...I am not going to change their mind while they are recovering from their hip replacement, so let them have their views and assign them someone they are comfortable with. Forcing them to accept a nurse that they don't want isn't going change their opinion. You can't cure stupid.

truern · May 30, 2009

I thought white people in Georgia also ate collards and fried chicken? That's how it was when I lived there years ago.

Happens to be two of my favorite foods. Well, well, well.

BabyLady, BSN, RN · May 31, 2009

I've never (knock on wood!) had a patient that was completely racist to me. However, I have had some questionable comments. Like even after introducing myself as the nurse, I get asked if I'm the aide or with housekeeping. Anyways, if a patient is requesting a white nurse on my unit, that patient may be out of luck. There are some nights where there are only black nurses working, or all black and one Indian nurse.

I have no doubt that this has happened to you...and I am sure that even though we aren't supposed to take things personally, it is probably hurtful...you have completed school, you have worked hard, and if someone of a majority race walked in, even if they were housekeeping...sometimes the patient ASSUMES that it's a nurse, but if they are a minority, they assume they are housekeeping, tech, etc.

I am sure it's one of those things that I would have to be a minority to understand how that truly feels...and I would agree that it would be very, very difficult not to take it personal.

sharkdiver · May 31, 2009

I also agree with BabyLady's earlier post. I don't like racism any more than anyone else, but the patient does have a right to their own beliefs.

Something that I think needs to be clarified: No health care worker has an inherent "right" to treat a patient. They must have the patient's permission/consent. The patient has the absolute right to refuse the care of any provider for any reason they choose. While we might agree that their refusal based on race, appearance, etc. is stupid and maybe they are a jerk, it does not mean they don't have the capacity to make that decision. Once they have refused permission the facility has three options; attempt to accommodate the patient's wishes, discharge the patient if their condition permits, or transfer to another facility if it doesn't.

Any attempt by a refused provider to force care on the patient is a criminal act of medical battery, for which the worker can be arrested and prosecuted. Sorry, but not worth the potential hassle in my book - better to make like a duck and let it roll off your back - let them have someone they are comfortable with. There are plenty of patients out their whose only concern is the competence of the provider who need care as well.

gcupid · May 31, 2009

Our floor is culturally diverse. We have employees from all walks of life. We recently had a patient on the floor that said that he only wanted white nurses to take care if him. I'm not sure if our manager obliged, but I think that its never ok, also I personally just wouldn't think about this when I'm in pain or in need. Its crazy. Also I have been noticing that certain patients make comments to try and relate to me or assume that I know certain things because I'm AA. A patient said to me today,"My lipgloss be poppin.." singing a song that he thought he was relating to me by singing. Or a patient said to me " Do you eat collards and fried chicken". Little comments like that. I correct them and brush it off. I have too many other problems in my day to worry about this. Also, I should say that I reside in Ga. Is it just me?

No, it's not just you. Louisiana makes Georgia look like heaven. (hopefully we will all set aside our differences by then).

I'm exaggerating a little. In the hospital setting, I haven't come across blatant displays of racism from patients; however, racism is mostly expressed by co-workers or family members of patients from my extremely limited experience.

As irritating as it may be, you have to choose your battles wisely. Honestly, If I was the manager..it would depend on how I and the patient's nurse felt that particular day with regards to switching nurses. I would also take into account a patient's age. If you are young, there's no way in hell I am going to accomodate your preference with regards to race. The way I see it, is that you should know better and If you don't you are going to learn. An old patient may have grown up in an era when it was okay to be retarded and besides they are closer to the grim reaper.

One of My main philosophies is "You have to choose your battles." or you can simply fight ignorance with ignorance.

Patient: "My lipgloss be poppin"

Me: Sing a country song, the next time I come in the room.

Patient: "Do you eat collards and fried chicken"

Me: Why do you ask? (not in an angry way, but in a way that suggest that you are upbeat, excited, &curious) Answer truthfully & direct the question back to the patient. What is your favorite food b/c I see that you barely ate earlier today.

Set some boundaries.. I draw the line at physical abuse, name calling, and harassing other co-workers. If a patient is black, I am not going to tolerate racial slurs to coworkers that are white/hisp/Asia/other and I would hope that my colleagues would do the same.

You have to nip it in the bud as soon as you are irritated by someone's action. Do not let it build up and then speak about a past racial issue. It's only going to make you look sensitive or make your findings seem invalid.

HippyGreenPeaceChick · May 31, 2009

People are stupid, no getting around it People will always make stupid comments, ask stupid questions, even if they are trying honestly to be nice, "trying to connect" with people of other cultures, they will manage to make a fool of them selves. But it's nice to know at least they are trying I suppose. . .?
If we were all the same things would be way too boring. And if our pts were all perfect we'd have no stories to tell

If it was not for the lack of gray cells of a large number of people in this world, we would not have so much job security from all the things they do to them selves. Whether deliberate or not.

sissiesmama, ASN, RN · May 31, 2009

I am a black female nurse who currently lives in Texas so, yes, I also catch this type of flack on a somewhat regular basis.
I am frequently mistaken for a CNA or housekeeper by visitors and some other staff members, even though my name tag that clearly states my title and I wear the color-coded scrubs that the other licensed nurses wear. My appearance and speech are also professional. Meanwhile, it is common for visitors to approach a Caucasian dietary worker, CNA, or housekeeper and automatically assume this person is "the head nurse."
A family member once blurted out, "I'm sick and tired of the care being provided by all these ____ (insert the 'N' word)!"
Another family member stated, "The black employees are so lazy."
Since I work in elder care, I deal with many elderly residents who espouse "old-school" beliefs about people from the different races. These people aren't going to be changed, so I deal with it to the best of my ability. I'll also remove myself from a situation that causes me to feel uncomfortable.
Keep your head up and don't permit anyone to play mind games with you. No one else is worth your mental health.

Oh, Commuter - when I read your post and the comment there, it just made my hair stand on end. Some family member said that on your floor, (the comment that included the N word insertion)? That is just horrible. I know you can't change some people, but Lord have mercy - that's just horrible.

Anne, RNC

nminodob · May 31, 2009

At my hospital they tend to separate the pts. in the psych untis by "focus" - AA, Asian, Gay/Lesbian, etc. Sounds weird but it seems to work better that way. I think when people are compromised they sometimes revert to a lower level of functioning, and for some of them that means they lose tolerance for people they perceive as different. Not to excuse it, but I think a lot of these people are just exhibiting anti-social behaviors because of the stresses placed upon them. Some are racist at baseline, sure, but others probably are just "losing it" and I try to shine it on and not let it color my impression of people generally.

Itzallgood · May 31, 2009

Racism comes in all colors.

All races tend to be racist in my opinion.....

DoeRN · May 31, 2009

I've never (knock on wood!) had a patient that was completely racist to me. However, I have had some questionable comments. Like even after introducing myself as the nurse, I get asked if I'm the aide or with housekeeping. Anyways, if a patient is requesting a white nurse on my unit, that patient may be out of luck. There are some nights where there are only black nurses working, or all black and one Indian nurse.

I can so relate. I have been called the housekeeper, nurse aid, dietary even though RN is big as day on my name badge. And even after I introduce myself as the nurse and assess them!! I had one patient still think I was the aid even after I assessed him, drew his blood from his port-a-cath and gave him his night meds. And it is the same way on my unit if a patient wants a white nurse at night they will be out of luck most nights. We have all minority nurses and only 3 White nurses that work the night shift. Two of the White nurses work on the weekends. A lot of floors where I work are like this at night. A lot of minorities work the night shift.

I have a friend in the ER and she REALLY receives racist remarks like I only want a White nurse or I don't want a "N" taking care of me. We are a level 1 trauma center in a large city and she tell them well you can wait 4-5 hours for a white nurse to bring your pain medicine because we are full and there are no other nurses available besides me right now. Usually the patient agrees to keep her as their nurse. She said one person did wait for almost 6 hours for another nurse and then sent a complaint about having to wait so long. My friend documented what was said well and the complaint was not taken to the next level. I am glad management stood behind her on that one.

I would not care who took care of me if I was a patient as long as they knew what they were doing.

LuvLife845 · May 31, 2009

This is quite an enlightening thread. Well, I don't care what race, gender, sexual orientation some one may be, as long as they're qualified and provide good care. My medical team, including my Primary Care, OB/GYN, dentist, etc., consist of both genders that include African Americans, Asian Americans, Caucasians and Hispanics. They are "all" qualified individuals, and possess excellent communication skills and follow-ups to various procedures. I understand that people, however, may be more comfortable with the same gender when it comes to peri care and female/male exams, based on their religion, culture or just level of comfort with the opposite sex. I'm just so sorry that people who are qualified professionals have had to endure racist or other types of comments, when trying to provide their best service.

diane227, LPN, RN · May 31, 2009

I live in Washington State in the Seattle area and people here are very liberal and open minded. Their is no such thing as a minority because we have such a racial diverse population here. However, from time to time we get some ******** who only wants a black nurse, white nurse, asian nurse etc. We usually try to comply with the patients request and just try not to make a big deal out of it. However, when it comes to making racial remarks, that is when we step in and put these people in their place. I tell them to stop making those comments right now or else we are going to discharge you from the hospital if you cannot be polite to the staff.

I worked with a nurse one time in Texas who was trying to care for this big white guy with asthma. He called her everything, even in N word and told us to get her out of his room. She was trying to start his IV and yelled at everyone that this N was not going to put his IV in him. So she told him, that was OK since she was not the one who could not breath. So she left him in there. Several nurses tried his IV with no luck. They finally told him that if he wanted to live he had better let her start his IV (she was the best in the unit) and she went in there, very professional, and started his IV. He later made apology for his behavior but it was not enough. I wanted to ring his neck.