ethnic question

firstclass · Mar 31, 2006

a lot of patients are curious about my ethnic background. how to respond?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Mar 31, 2006

What's to hide? If they ask about your ethnicity, what is the harm in telling patients the truth about your ethnicity?

If you still do not want them to know, tell the patient that you are uncomfortable answering their question at this time.

ZASHAGALKA, RN · Mar 31, 2006

I'm American.

~faith,

Timothy.

SharonH, RN · Apr 1, 2006

It's too bad that you don't feel you can proudly answer questions about your ethnicity. Just try to remember that most people (certainly not all) may ask as a way of getting to know you better, or perhaps there is something about you that appears interesting and they want to know more. I am always interested to learn about where others are from or about their experiences whether they be from Maine or Greece. It's my way of learning about the rest of the world. I too am a private person but I don't want to blend in with the wallpaper either.

suzanne4, RN · Apr 1, 2006

It is usually a way for a patient to find out about his or her nurse, and ask a question which normally does not affend. It is just their way of breaking the ice. Many times no different than "how many children do you have?" You are caring for them, and may know more about them than their own family members.

I love to travel and have visited some other countries, based 100% on a person that I met from there.

I would not take it personally.

EricJRN, MSN, RN · Apr 1, 2006

Question: Where are you from?

Answer: I live on the _________ side of town. (southeast, northwest, etc)

Or you could say, 'I am from ________ , but I got here as quickly as I could.' (and then smile)

prmenrs, RN · Apr 1, 2006

Maybe you can turn it around w/o answering them: Where is your family from? And ask more questions about them: What about your husband/wife from? How did you meet? People like to talk about themselves, if you don't want to disclose info about yourself, try to focus on them. They'll be long gone before they realize you didn't "share"!

loquacity · Apr 1, 2006

why be ashamed of your heritage...and as suggested you could say (if from scandinavia. i'm frome astern europe, or from korea, im oriental. etc. If you dont fell comfotrabel with ltos of details, don't give them in a polite & tactful manner. Liekwise I've had several patients (and staff) ask my age (young)...dependiong on the situation...soemtiems i've usually just told them....(i dont care) but soemtiems i just reply with "how old do you think i am?" they'll give a guess thats realtivley close...and ill say "ima round there...and then joke or soemthing & cahnge the subject".

allnurses Guide · Apr 1, 2006

Just smile and say "I'd rather talk about you".

LilPeanut, MSN, RN, NP · Apr 1, 2006

They're likely curious about your accent and are trying to be friendly. Maybe they speak your native language and would love for someone to practice with, but they're wanting to confirm that you are from X country.

I also find it sad that you feel like you have to hide your heritage.

weetziebat · Apr 1, 2006

It is interesting that you say the reason you don't want to respond to the question is because you are shy. I've had an ongoing discussion about this subject with my dh, who absolutely hates it when asked where he is from (and he is not shy).

He says he sees it as a form of discrimination, and resents being asked where he is from just because he 'looks ethnic and speaks with an accent'. Oops! I've always enjoyed asking people where they are from and delight in discussing how they find the U.S. etc.

My dh has actually come really close on more than one occasion to punching out someone who asked that, so now I work with a lovely young woman who sounds as though she is from a Scandanavian country, but I'm too paranoid to dare ask.

In answer to your question, my hubby says "I am American" and then glares. This though he has never bothered to get his citizenship. Oy!!!