I'm just curious to know if there are any African American CRNA's or SRNA's currently that can give me a little insight on your experiences either in school or in the workplace? Not to bring race into the issue but I was just curious.
I was once told that you've got to have "thick skin" to go into this career because it's not very inviting to begin with-- but some will have it tougher than others. For the most part the person informed me that some schools are relatively gender driven {Men over Women} and then race becomes a factor after the men have been taken into consideration {white women over black men} And then black men? Finally black women. All other minorities {asians, indian, etc} are considered before blacks.
This really broke my heart as it was the most ridiculous statement I'd ever heard. It shook my confidence and made me really question myself about going into this however I really want this.
I'm really embarassed to post it but it's been heavy on my mind ever since I was told and I just finally got enough courage to discuss it and get peoples opinions on these experiences. I'd like to hear from American and Non African Americans in regards to this. Maybe Non-African Americans have witnessed things or come in contact with individuals who've either gone through it or have themselves been guilty of mistreatment while in the program.
1 year later to the date... I just came back to check on this thread... all the comments were great and well appreciated. I'm just going to work hard and hopefully my grades and character will speak volumes. Thanks again and God Bless.
I am an SRNA and African American. I do not believe that my race or gender had any impact on the admissions process or how I am treated in the clinical setting. I feel like I'm treated fairly, like anyone else in my program, in those settings -- however, I do believe that I have encountered some racially motivated differences in treatment from one of my academic professors that seem to be founded in ignorance. I am not the only person who has noticed this professor's treatment towards me, so I don't think its all in my head. I don't find it to be a big problem -- you meet ignorant folks frequently life and you don't let it distract you from your goals.
I really support the Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia mentioned above by "Spoiled1". I have been in touch with the CRNA who founded it and she is great! She moderates a Nurse Anesthesia thread like this one at the Minority Nurse website.
PinsAndNeedles
14 Posts
Well stated and good advice for EVERY CRNA wannabe!