Filipino Nurses

Oscar · Mar 5, 2001

I'm new to this bulletin board and I hope I can post some interesting thoughts for our nursing discussions. Something I've been thinking about recently is Filipino nurses. I've recently been the only non-Filipino on staff on the floor, NA's and ward clerks included. Growing up I did not know any Filipino's and sometimes I feel I missed alot in my cultural education. I never even saw much about them in the media. My preceptors, nurse managers and past collegues have always been predominantly this culture. I must say it has advantages and difficulties associated with it. Any input?

MollyJ · Mar 5, 2001

I worked in an area where many of my colleagues were Mennonite and there are many cultural differences there, too. But just a couple weeks ago I was perusing my recipe box and I noticed how many of my recipes came from nursing buddies from way back and not just that culture. You know, I think the key is curiousity and a willingness to hear, listen and learn. However, anytime a white (making an assumption) middle class person gets a chance to experience being a minority--well you may be building material for a book. I am no longer in the hospital and I really miss the diversity of work places I knew in the past.

MollyJ · Mar 5, 2001

I worked in an area where many of my colleagues were Mennonite and there are many cultural differences there, too. But just a couple weeks ago I was perusing my recipe box and I noticed how many of my recipes came from nursing buddies from way back and not just that culture. You know, I think the key is curiousity and a willingness to hear, listen and learn. However, anytime a white (making an assumption) middle class person gets a chance to experience being a minority--well you may be building material for a book. I am no longer in the hospital and I really miss the diversity of work places I knew in the past.

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Mar 6, 2001

In 1977, I chose to work in a Philadelphia innercity teaching hospital who's staff was multiethnic. Nurses were "imported" from Ireland,Philippines,India and Thailand because of the nursing shortage. Clientel was 90 % black; oncology unit saw New Yorkers from Sloan Kettering. It was like working at the U. N. The first three months I worked as night shift charge nurse, I had to have my aide interpret what Mrs. T. from Thailand),the night supervisor was requesting of me. Why did this white middle class nurse choose to work there? Because as a student, the other "Superior" suburban part of medical center treated the students terribly. "Your just a student, you don't know anything", while the City hospital said " Great a student, another pair of hands; What can you do, we'll teach you what else you need to know!" and made sure the students were involved in as many procedures and situations as possible. I met many brillant people,learned to understand accents, and wasn't afraid to ask someone to repeat themselves. I continued to work there for 10 years. This saturday I was speaking to a classmate in MSN program. She had recently worked at the superior suburban hospital and leftafter 6 months. 20+ years latter they are STILL treating new grads and students like dirt...have 25 RN positions open. The inner city hospital predicted to go under is strong and thriving with minimal

turnover. Like the above poster, I too treasure the recipies collected from around the world and the cultural heritage the staff shared with me.

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Mar 6, 2001

In 1977, I chose to work in a Philadelphia innercity teaching hospital who's staff was multiethnic. Nurses were "imported" from Ireland,Philippines,India and Thailand because of the nursing shortage. Clientel was 90 % black; oncology unit saw New Yorkers from Sloan Kettering. It was like working at the U. N. The first three months I worked as night shift charge nurse, I had to have my aide interpret what Mrs. T. from Thailand),the night supervisor was requesting of me. Why did this white middle class nurse choose to work there? Because as a student, the other "Superior" suburban part of medical center treated the students terribly. "Your just a student, you don't know anything", while the City hospital said " Great a student, another pair of hands; What can you do, we'll teach you what else you need to know!" and made sure the students were involved in as many procedures and situations as possible. I met many brillant people,learned to understand accents, and wasn't afraid to ask someone to repeat themselves. I continued to work there for 10 years. This saturday I was speaking to a classmate in MSN program. She had recently worked at the superior suburban hospital and leftafter 6 months. 20+ years latter they are STILL treating new grads and students like dirt...have 25 RN positions open. The inner city hospital predicted to go under is strong and thriving with minimal

turnover. Like the above poster, I too treasure the recipies collected from around the world and the cultural heritage the staff shared with me.

moonshadeau, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN, APN, NP, CNS · Mar 6, 2001

I say that if you are really interested to find out about other cultures check out a course about Cultures, or cultural diversity. Growing up I always lived in a location that was 98% caucasian. Then when I moved recently, I found that my 98% didn't exist anymore. I was surround by Afican American, Amish, Noriwegian-Scandinavian-German (believe me they are still a class within themselves)and Oriental. Taking a class that helped me learn more about the people living in my community was the best thing that I could have done for my healthcare career. I can relate to my patients better than some of my peers who do not realize the "why's" behind some of what an ignorant person might call bizarre.

moonshadeau, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN, APN, NP, CNS · Mar 6, 2001

I say that if you are really interested to find out about other cultures check out a course about Cultures, or cultural diversity. Growing up I always lived in a location that was 98% caucasian. Then when I moved recently, I found that my 98% didn't exist anymore. I was surround by Afican American, Amish, Noriwegian-Scandinavian-German (believe me they are still a class within themselves)and Oriental. Taking a class that helped me learn more about the people living in my community was the best thing that I could have done for my healthcare career. I can relate to my patients better than some of my peers who do not realize the "why's" behind some of what an ignorant person might call bizarre.

AJACKT33Z, LVN · Mar 12, 2001

YES, THEY HATE TO BE WRONG--THEY'D RATHER DO IT WRONG THAN ASK THIS WHITE MAN-I'M NOT PREJUDICE--I JUST CAN'T UNDERSTAND SOME OF THE MIND WORKINGS--THEN THEY GET USED TO ME & IT'S CAN YOU DO THIS? PT REFUSES MY HELP--OTHERWISE THEY'RE OK--SPEAK ENGLISH,THOUGH--

(NOW I'M GOING TO GET CASTRATED)I SPEAK MY MIND

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AJACKT33Z, LVN · Mar 12, 2001

YES, THEY HATE TO BE WRONG--THEY'D RATHER DO IT WRONG THAN ASK THIS WHITE MAN-I'M NOT PREJUDICE--I JUST CAN'T UNDERSTAND SOME OF THE MIND WORKINGS--THEN THEY GET USED TO ME & IT'S CAN YOU DO THIS? PT REFUSES MY HELP--OTHERWISE THEY'RE OK--SPEAK ENGLISH,THOUGH--

(NOW I'M GOING TO GET CASTRATED)I SPEAK MY MIND

------------------

Navy Nurse · Mar 12, 2001

You might as well get used to Filipino Nurses being around. They are the largest group of foreign nurses in the states and they are producing more and more nurses each year. As soon as some states and the government relaxs regulations there will be a flood of them come into the U.S.

It is a very popular field in college because it offers opportunity to get to the U.S.

Navy Nurse · Mar 12, 2001

You might as well get used to Filipino Nurses being around. They are the largest group of foreign nurses in the states and they are producing more and more nurses each year. As soon as some states and the government relaxs regulations there will be a flood of them come into the U.S.

It is a very popular field in college because it offers opportunity to get to the U.S.