Racism in the workplace

Nurses General Nursing

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Not to be a downer or anything but I have noticed some harsh things said about patients and sometimes even co workers in my unit when they think no one else can hear them. Has anyone else dealt with this?

Specializes in None...YET!.
Not to get off subject or anything but as an African born in Africa I can tell you that a LARGE number of Africans really don't like to be called black.Also a lot of us don't like the fact that Africans in America not born in Africa call themselves African American.Personally when I was a teenager it bothers me a little sometimes but I'm learning and staying open minded. But don't be surprised if you refer to an African as black and they get upset or indignant.

Me and my family call ourselves Black or Black-American! To be honest, I don't hear any other Black people use the term African American in my community, I hear it on T.V. alot. But the term "Black" is more commonly used by people I know.

also, there are alot of Black people who don't like to be called African-American, so, I kinda see your point. I think we all would agree that either is better than being called "colored" or "n".:(

Me and my family call ourselves Black or Black-American! To be honest, I don't hear any other Black people use the term African American in my community, I hear it on T.V. alot. But the term "Black" is more commonly used by people I know.

also, there are alot of Black people who don't like to be called African-American, so, I kinda see your point. I think we all would agree that either is better than being called "colored" or "n".:(

Agreed. Black American is my favorite of the alternatives personallyI think it shows pride in being American and pride for having African roots. I mean the last person that called me as an African American assumed I hunted down animals with spears cause I'm from Nigeria. And she was black. :uhoh21:

Specializes in None...YET!.
Agreed. Black American is my favorite of the alternatives personallyI think it shows pride in being American and pride for having African roots. I mean the last person that called me as an African American assumed I hunted down animals with spears cause I'm from Nigeria. And she was black. :uhoh21:

That's a darn shame!:no: :(

as a Black Nurse I often wonder if it's racially motivated or what..that it is often assumed I am a CNA instead of the RN?? I have been a CNA but I have worked hard to get my RN and have no problem correcting any aged person when the assumption is made.

Well I for one have a problem knowing who is who in many hospitals in my area. I have been in several hospitals where there is no real distinction in the uniforms that nurses and cna's wear. Years ago nurses wore white and colored uniforms were worn by cna's and support staff. Now many facilities don't distinguish between rn's, lpn's, cna's etc.. I know badges are worn but many times one cannot read the title unless you are extremely close (I have seen badges covered or worn backwards as well). I have also seen many staff members not introducing themselves to pts. as " Jane your cna this morning" or "Mary your RN tonight".

However, I do understand our point where if a pt. does not know who you are you are many times assumed to be a CNA. Unfortunately in many parts of the country there are so few RN's of color that one is often suprised when coming in contact with a nurse of color. I never assume anything. I just ask who the person is (whatever color they are) if he/she dosen't introduce him/her self.

Specializes in Med/Surg, ER and ICU!!!.

racism :nono:

I personally like the term Black, because I don't hear of other ethnic backgrounds in the USA being described in those terms for example I hear Japanese not J-American, Mexican/ Latino not M/L American, Canadians not C-american... Race issues are always touchy subjects because no one wants to own up to sometimes being or making inappropriate comments... myself included. for Ex... I found myself irritated when my nail tech was talking in her native language ( that I don't know) to a co worker...But then I had to check myself because I did solicit her services, she didn't just grab me off the street.It's sometimes the smallest things that are done and said that can be just as offensive as using racial slangs. Just my thoughts......

Is the QC in the house??? If you don't know what it means, you're probably not from the greatest city in NC!!!

Surprisingly, the majority of the racism I have experienced is at the hands of female white co-workers. Go figure! I am a black nurse who has worked in a variety of settings including corrections. Believe it or not I recieved more respect from CO's and many inmates than I did my white counterparts. I later learned I posed a "threat" because they had the place on lock until I arrived... It was very difficult for me and I was accused of being too offender friendly etc. even though I was consistently firm and fair with all inmates.

Later, after being refused shifts ( I was an agency nurse) I learned from an official at the prison who was an associate as well, that several of the nurses were fired for theft, sleeping with both inmates and officers and trafficking. By the way the official is white. Apparently, just more than my color posed a threat...imagine that.

In regards to being obese and being discriminated against,I have experienced that also. Before a 170 lb weight loss I weighed over 320 lbs. When I was at the prison I was at 130. I was talked about when I was 'fat' and talked about as a thin woman by women who were bigger than me and interestingly by men who said I was "a sack of bones."

In all cases I experienced a range of emotions. Still I press on and attempt to leave a mark of excellence that can't be erased.

To anyone who responds to any mention of a person of any race outside of the correct term is subtly racist .ie, saying yes to the question of is that a nigga (er) or responding to the terms "spic", "wop," "dago", "wetback," paddy-rice eater, red-neck, coon, nigga-lover, poor white trash, and on and on... I have heard it all.

The best response is no response or one so KIND it hits their heart...:wink2:

PS. Ever wonder why their is no black, asian, indian, or hispanic nurse icon to post in threads? Hmm...

THERE WILL ALWAYS BE RACISM, EVEN IN NURSING. I WONDER HOW THE CARE IS. THINK ABOUT IT.:confused:

Lady Flower, No disrespect intended but why are you here in AMERICA if the thought of being assumed to be BLACK because of your skin color is so uncomfortable? I believe the term African-American comes from the descendany of many generations of Blacks whose roots can be traced back to AFRICA! I personally call and consider myself black. I don't have a qualm about it one way or the other. I know WHO I AM and WHOSE I AM!

Imagine (if you will) if God segregated HEAVEN based on skin color. Or worse only allow certain nationalities! Ooooh! Terrible thing! I am familiar with other forms of racism and predujice but I have to say that this is a first.

For me personally as a Christian (and I am not selling you on religion...these are my views as are your stated ones) it would be like me professing the faith but denying my white, asian, or non-black brother and sisters in Christ/Yeshua. :( :confused: :nono:

JJJJJJ6- Excellent Point! I strive even harder to provide good, quality care just because I am black. It's like I have to go a step above for personal reasons and because I KNOW my work is being scrutinized. I know because I have heard the whispers...:nurse:

I have had and seen other patients ask to talk to a nurse who is black, even when they are not the nurse for that patient. I do feel offended because I do my best to take care of everyone to the best of my ability. I also see nurses who are black come in and check on patients that are not theirs, when the patient is black. I guess just to make sure that "the white nurse is actually taking care of them." Racism goes both ways, and I am tired of the double standard.

:wakeneo: :uhoh21: Gizmo, you are right it is a double standard or can be. Problem is blacks have been experiencing it in many forms for many years for many reasons. Unwelcome aboard...know what I mean?

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