Gender/Race info on applications - to answer or not to answer?

[R!XTER]

I noticed that almost all online applications ask about gender and race, with the option not to answer. I am a white female and I feel almost as though that puts me at a disadvantage since hospitals need to hire a diverse staff. On the other hand, does choosing not to disclose the info make me look kind of petty?

[RNlvn]

I think this wh in their right mind would want to be a minority. Now it'll like lets join them to see where it'll take us.

[SAHMStudent]

I'm surprised this is even on an application. Maybe coming from a different field, in the private sector, I have NEVER seen this on an app. Is this due to govt. reimbursement? Actually shocked this is on applications. If employers are EOE compliant that shouldn't even be a question right?

I'd appreciate some education on this.

Also, if you don't fill in gender and race, would the default be white and female? So not filling in, is just as damning as doing so?

In my area, the above is the minority. I'm not holding my breath that gets me a job. I didn't get into a program like that (and could have) and won't take a job for such either.

[LoveMyBugs, BSN, CNA, RN]

I fill in the gender, but as far as the race goes I leave blank half the time, manily because I am unsure how to answer.

My mom is Purto Rican, however she never was raised in that culture, and my dad is a mix of Scottish Irish, and my married name is a hispanic last name.

On all of the race ones I see to fill out, it gives options of

White - non hispianic

Multi race - non hispanic,

ummm

I don't think that race should be an issue, however many people just assume that I am hispanic becuse of my last name

[carolmaccas66, BSN, RN]

I'm down under, and I have never seen this on an application. I have never put my race on my resume/CV.

Just leave it or put other, don't worry yourself too much about it. Concentrate on your qualifications and the quality and flow of your application. Be positive at interviews and if anyone starts questioning your race, just smile and add that your unique race gives you an advantage when dealing with patients/clients/families from your culture. I know Aboriginal people who have been asked that question here, ie: what advantages does your race and/or background give you for this position? because the employers wants to know what UNIQUE qualities YOU can bring to the position, and to the institution.

Good luck.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Identifying that one is "Caucasian" or "white" on a job application will put them at a disadvantage while searching for employment? That's interesting...

I'm a black female who always identifies my race and gender on employment applications, and I don't receive the callbacks either. The economy is a more appropriate culprit these days. 48 states are producing more RNs than jobs at the present time.

In addition, studies have proven that job applications and resumes with black-sounding names (LaToya, Jamal, Tameka, etc.). are far less likely to receive callbacks and responses than paperwork submitted with more mainstream-sounding names, even when educational attainment and experiences are equal.

'Black' Names A Resume Burden? - CBS News

[NENE RN]

I am not answering the question anymore. I will check female but not the race to see if it helps me get a job. Right now the only people I know that have gotten jobs in the hospital knows someone, managers or directors...someone in management...all of whom were white. New grads that were offered jobs that did not know anyone, were all white males. Im sorry I just do not think that you are at disadvantage.

I do think the other issue is based on what a person looks like. For example: attractive vs unattractive, tall and thin vs everyone else.

[Shutupntakeurmeds]

I put "American" in the race field. Never had a problem getting a job.

[NurseOnAMotorcycle, ASN, RN]

I'm another biracial/multiracial. I never know how to answer either. Biracial makes people assume back/white. I'm neither of those.

[Music in My Heart]

Race is a political fabrication, nothing more.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Sometimes I answer, sometimes I don't--it depends on what mood I'm in when filling out the application. Honestly, I don't think it's had any effect either way.