Assumptions

[Isitpossible]

I recently had a conversation at my new employer with the director of social services. We were just shooting the breeze, getting to know one another, and began discussing which shift we would work as this a new unit in a hospital When I told her that I am scheduled for days, her response was (very jovial)... OH GREAT!! well be working together... I LOVE the techs---- you guys are the front line........ I was surprised and a bit annoyed at her assumption and chose to ignore that comment. She then said something else again repeating the word tech. I looked at her and said I'm not a tech, I'm an RN. I was angry and hurt, but she will never know that. I cut the conversation short at that point. But it continues to resonate... I can only assume her assumptions was based on my race. I really don't think if I had been a white woman, she would have assumed I was a tech. Im still annoyed... Now I have to figure out a way to work with her without showing my content for her ignorance.

[nrsang97, BSN, RN]

If I got mad every time a patient thought I was an aid/tech, then I would be miserable. I am 34 but look younger. I have patients often ask me how old I am or how long I have been a nurse. When I answer they are shocked. I make them tell me how old they think I am first LOL. One lady thought I was 17, and when I told her my true age she was amazed. It may have been innocent that she thought you were a tech due to the fact you may look young.

Don't let this bother you. You are creating an issue out of nothing. If she keeps referring to you as a tech then politely correct her and move on.

[BSNbeauty, BSN, RN]

OP, I understand how you feel. I people assume I was a tech too, due to my race. I correct them and move on. Don't old any grudges, I'm sure she didn't mean it.

BTW- Dr. Ben Carson who is a world renowned neurosurgeon was also called a transporter when he was a young doctor. I'm sure he didn't hold any grudges either.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

Maybe somebody told her they would be hiring more techs starting today, and she thought you were one of them because she was expecting techs?

There are bigger fish to fry. Sometimes it's not about you. Get over it.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

I've come across a few assumptions, a few about race, more about the age I look; after 14 years in the business I still look like the age I started-19...or between the ages of 16-19.

I think it was an assumption, you corrected the person; if other issues arise, address it, otherwise, enjoy your new endeavors.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

Why would you assume that your race had anything to do with it? Maybe it was your age? Or maybe it was the content of your conversation? Or perhaps she has a daughter who is going to be a tech and had "tech" on the brain? Don't go looking for problems -- you'll find them for sure, whether or not they were actually there.

[Spangle Brown]

As people pointed out, it could have been because of many different reasons.

I had a neighbor that i use to hangout with. But I got tired of hearing her stories of people who didn't like her because of her race. It was always because of her race. It was her excuse for everything. It was never because she was rude. (she was). It wasn't because she talked ruff. ( she did) seriously, I could go on with the list. There were many reasons not to like her, as there were reasons for liking her. But she always assumed it was race. Hence, she never had to 'check' herself to see if there was any other reason people avoided her. In the end, I guess I must have issues with her race, cause I stopped visiting.

After dealing wth racist people, it is easy to assume that is the cause. But as many have pointed out, many different things might have happened. I would just give her a pass this time and see what happens in the long run. Don't assume as she did. If in the end you find out she is a racist, remember, you can not fix stupid. You can not control their ignorance, but you can control yours. Don't let their ignorance destroy your good day.

[Isitpossible, LPN, LVN]

thanks for the responses and encouragement! I will let it go, life is simply too short... Im very respectful/kind to everyone I come in contact with and will continue to be! thanks again!

[Isitpossible, LPN, LVN]

to been there done that: not sure where YOU perceived a chip on my shoulder? it was a reflection of what I thought was good conversation until the assumptions began.. but such is life..

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I can only assume her assumptions was based on my race.

I'm a black female, and yes, at times I am presumed to be the housekeeper, aide, cook, transporter or unit clerk until I inform the mistaken individual that I'm the RN house supervisor.

What can I say? It happens. No one ever assumes I'm the doctor, charge nurse, house supervisor, physical therapist, or any other position that requires a college education. However, the same person who first assumed I was the cook had initially approached the male housekeeper and started asking him questions about diagnoses, discharge planning, and so forth, until he directed them back to me.

Those of us who share a certain racial/ethnic background are occasionally stereotyped by some individuals as being undereducated, and therefore, employed in entry-level positions that do not require formal education. There. I said it, and I do not intend to sound as if I have a chip on my shoulder, but it is the truth.

However, I can control my reaction to these people. Getting upset would be a waste of my emotional energy, so I smile and exude professionalism. Kill them with kindness. Do not allow people to rent too much of your head space. Good luck to you!

[Caffeine_IV]

I'm a black female, and yes, at times I am presumed to be the housekeeper, aide, cook, transporter or unit clerk until I inform the mistaken individual that I'm the RN house supervisor.

What can I say? It happens. No one ever assumes I'm the doctor, charge nurse, house supervisor, physical therapist, or any other position that requires a college education. However, the same person who first assumed I was the cook had initially approached the male housekeeper and started asking him questions about diagnoses, discharge planning, and so forth, until he directed them back to me.

Those of us who share a certain racial/ethnic background are occasionally stereotyped by some individuals as being undereducated, and therefore, employed in entry-level positions that do not require formal education. There. I said it, and I do not intend to sound as if I have a chip on my shoulder, but it is the truth.

However, I can control my reaction to these people. Getting upset would be a waste of my emotional energy, so I smile and exude professionalism. Kill them with kindness. Do not allow people to rent too much of your head space. Good luck to you!

I have had similar experience and I really just have to laugh about it. It happens often enough that I know it is in regards to race and a couple instances it was directly said. But I would give a coworker the benefit of the doubt. OP regardless of what her reasoning is....you will experience it again and so decide beforehand how you will deal with it in the future.

[anon456, BSN, RN]

I just made the mistake of assuming that a young man dressed in navy blue scrubs that I had never seen before, who walked up to me to ask how the patient did overnight, was a resident. I started asking him about a certain order that needed reviewing. He said he would be happy to help me if he could but he was a respiratory therapist. He was new. We had a good laugh about it and I welcomed him to the unit. It was not based on race. We have residents of all races and nationalities and both genders. It was based on his age, his very highly polished appearance (the residents often are very put together compared to the doctors and other regular staff), and him asking about the patient's status.

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

Most people are just not that ignornant. There is a certain level of understanding that in order for facilities to be "successful" there needs to be multi-ethnic people in all positions. Unless one is introducing themselves as to their title, one could be the social worker, the aide, the RN, or PT....

What is telling is the "push" for diversity. And there are managment people who push for DI-VER-SITY!!! As to not so much anything other than they believe it makes them look "hip/cool/with it". Even some who are seeing this as a trend.

‘Extra Push' Toward Diversity - Higher Education

This article is from 2011 (hence the reference to a "nursing shortage" in general) however, I think that the 50 and under crowd has evolved enough that the color of someone's skin has absolutely no bearing on anything.